Candy Suiso: 2015 YWCA LeaderLuncheon Honoree

The 38th WWCA Annual LeaderLuncheon was held on May 27, 2015 in the Hawai`i Ballroom at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.

This year the YWCA of O‘ahu recognized four inspirational women leaders for the contributions they have made to their profession and in their community, one of whom is LaJuaine “Candy” Suiso.

LaJUAINE “CANDY” SUISO
2015 YWCA OF O‘AHU WOMEN LEADERS HONOREE

Founded in 1900, the YWCA is the largest and oldest continuous service organization devoted to women and children in the State of Hawai‘i. Since 1977, the YWCA of O‘ahu has recognized more than 160 extraordinary and inspiring women who exemplify the mission of the YWCA: leadership; growth in opportunities for women; the pursuit of peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people; and eliminating racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary.

LaJuaine “Candy” Suiso co-founded Searider Productions at Wai‘anae High School in 1993. The program has grown into the largest digital media program in the State of Hawai‘i, integrating journalism, video production, photography, graphic arts, and animation. Program students have been recognized with local, national, and international awards for their work. Candy is now the Executive Director of the nonprofit Searider Productions Foundation.

Born and raised in Wai‘anae, Candy has spent over 20 years as a teacher at Wai‘anae High School. She has leveraged her role as an educator to create new norms of excellence in public education, mentored many aspiring teachers, and collaborated on a post-secondary edu-preneurial program called the Kauhale Youth Education and Entrepreneurship Initiative to support student transition, matriculation and graduation from a college or university. In 1999 she won a National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation. She also serves on the boards of the Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and Public Broadcast System Hawai‘i.

The Twenty-Eighth Legislature congratulates LaJuaine “Candy” Suiso as a 2015 YWCA of O‘ahu Women Leaders honoree, and extends heartfelt thanks for her many years of exemplary community service.