#MEO Employee of the Month

Head Start’s Ashley Caris named MEO Employee of the Month

Head Start Health Manager Ashley Caris was named Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Month with her nominator praising her for “empowering and inspiring” her team.

MEO names Sharon Shough Employee of the Month

Enlace Hispano Program Specialist Sharon Shough has been named Maui Economic Opportunity’s Employee of the Month for September.

Hoku Dudoit named MEO 2025 Driver of the Year

Zandra “Hoku” Dudoit has been named Maui Economic Opportunity 2025 Driver of the Year for “exemplifying what it means to be a dedicated and safe driver.”

Housing coordinator Vanna Duarte named MEO Employee of the Month

Housing coordinator Vanna Duarte, who is a steadfast supporter to Mauians struggling to stay in their homes, has been honored as Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Month.

Paratransit driver Kathy Moniz named MEO Employee of Month

Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Month Kathy Moniz, a paratransit driver for persons with disabilities for the last five years, intentionally looks for the best in each person and understands that everyone goes through life’s trials.

Loretta Webby named MEO Employee of the Month

Longtime driver Loretta Webby, who was praised for her work ethic and care of passengers on her bus, was named Employee of the Month at Maui Economic Opportunity.

Molokaʻi driver Nelson Umemoto named MEO Employee of the Month

“Uncle” Nelson Umemoto, a longtime Moloka‘i driver who is credited with “creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere on his bus,” was named Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Month. 

Maui housing specialist who helps recently released inmates with reintegration honored

Housing specialist, Jennifer Grancha was named Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Month. She’s been with MEO since 2021 and in her capacity, helps recently released inmates with their transition into the community.

Maui kupuna advocate earns employee recognition

Zilpah leads a team that supports senior clubs in Maui County with recruitment, membership, activities and advocacy. She helps organize major kupuna events, including the Senior Fair and the Kupuna Celebration.

Kaui Alo Palau named MEO employee of the month

Myrlynette “Kaui” Alo Palau, the building custodian known for leaving roses at co-workers’ desks, was honored as Maui Economic Opportunity’s Employee of the Month for December 2021.

Monica Takamura named MEO October Employee of the Month

Takamura joined MEO in March 1998 as an accountant with a Bachelor of Business Administration and an emphasis on Accounting. She rose her way up the ranks, being promoted to Senior Accountant in February 2016 and Accounting Manager in January 2018.

Housing Helper Kathy Jimenez Named MEO September Employee of the Month

This is Jimenez’s second Employee of the Month award, having earned the honor for January 2019. A Housing Specialist III, she joined MEO in June 2017.

MEO Names Housing Specialist Shayna Manlapao as Employee of the Month

Housing specialist Shayna Manlapao was named Maui Economic Opportunity’s June Employee of the Month.