YP Wahine: Creating a Climate of Confidence Sponsored by Aloha Termite and Pest Control

This event is sponsored by Studio Elegance Hawaii, a woman and locally owned skin care studio in Honolulu. Mahalo to our program sponsor, Aloha Termite and Pest Control, for their support in helping to bring wahine programming to the YP Program.


Chenise Blalock
Executive Director
Hawaii Independent Insurance Agents Association

With over 20 years of knowledge & experience in Hawaii’s Risk Management and Insurance Industry, Chenise Blalock is the Executive Director of the Hawaii Independent Insurance Agents Association, the local arm of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, the largest & strongest insurance trade association in the U.S.

As a graduate of the University of Hawaii West Oahu Risk Management and Insurance Certificate program & the University of Nevada Reno school of Journalism, her experience in Management, Marketing, Education, Legislation, Membership Growth, Sales/Servicing Training, Event Planning, Conflict Resolution and Public Speaking allows her to pursue her passion for coaching, mentoring & developing female leaders in both written & orating form. 

Chenise was recognized as the “Toastmaster of the Year” within her club, which led to being appointed as an Area Governor.  Chenise has served as the International Association of Insurance Professional’s Region VII Education Chairman & locally as the Honolulu Association of Insurance Professional’s President.  During that time, she represented Hawaii and won the Regional and International Confidence While Communicating competition and is frequently requested to speak on the importance of developing leadership and speaking skills as well as the many professional opportunities available in the Risk Management Insurance industry with high school, college & post graduate students.

While managing two entities (profit & non-profit) to maintain fiscal responsibility & profitability, she is an unrelenting advocate of Independent Agents, primarily serving on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui and Kauai, which include providing opportunities and tools for professional development, required courses for continuing education, working closely with both State & Federal Legislation to protect both the interests of the Agents and those of the community.

When not speaking or mentoring, she enjoys volunteering at her church as a Women’s Ministry leader, singer and Missions Team leader where she serves the Salt Lake Community as a Foodbank Distribution chair.  She also enjoys writing, gardening, sports, traveling and spending time with her husband of over 30 years, her adult daughter, who teaches children with special needs & her adopted grandbabies. 

Naomi Hazelton
Owner & Founder
Pacific Edge Media Group

Embarking on her journey after graduating from HPU with a Master of Arts in Corporate Communications, HPU alumna Naomi Hazelton hit the ground running by co-founding Pacific Edge Magazine, a cutting-edge publication focusing on young entrepreneurs and business leaders in Hawaiʻi. The quality of the magazine was stunning from day one, and the immediate success led to co-founding Element Media shortly thereafter. 

Hazelton began her career in media as a successful writer for Garden Island Newspaper, which lead to additional lifestyle and culture articles for Kauai Magazine, Big Island Data Book, and Kauai Data Book. She was quickly named top “40 under 40” by Pacific Business News when she was just 28 years old and her talents in publishing and media representation were well known throughout the community. Her responsibilities as publisher, founder, and CEO of Element Media included oversight of business development, public relations, marketing, events, and assisting a robust sales team. She is a Pacific Century Fellows Program fellow (class of 2018), a member of the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce, and is a supporter of the Business Industry Association (where she was once a member), Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association.

Recently, she launched a new media umbrella called group Pacific Edge Media Group (PEMG) that focuses specifically on managing events, digital streaming, publications, and social media management. Hazelton continues to host 15 events per year for PEMG and even more for clients that include Hawaii Governor Josh Green, MD.

Alana Kobayashi Pakkala
CEO
Kobayashi Group LLC

Alana Kobayashi Pakkala is the CEO of Kobayashi Group LLC, with over two decades of experience in Hawaii real estate development. Since 2020, she has guided the development of more than 2,067 residential units, balancing 40% luxury and 60% affordable housing, which has contributed to $2.22 billion in real estate activity. Her work spans the residential, hospitality, retail, non-profit, and government sectors, with notable projects including Park Lane Ala Moana, Hale Kālele, and Hyatt Andaz Maui.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Alana is a graduate of Punahou School and earned her degree cum laude from Georgetown University. She is dedicated to creating best-in-class sustainable projects that enhance the quality of life in the islands. Her community involvement includes serving on the Board of Directors for Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children and Oahu Transit Services Inc. Honored with the Woman of Distinction Award from the Girl Scouts of Hawaii, Alana values integrity and collaboration in her efforts to support local communities.