Katie Taladay, who leads workforce initiatives at the Maui Economic Development Board, has been named the Maui recipient of the 2025 Workforce Development Hero Award, as announced by the Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The recognition, made public during Workforce Development Month in September, celebrates individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to employment advancement and skills training across the state.
Established to highlight impactful leaders in workforce innovation, the Workforce Development Hero Awards spotlight those driving progress in job creation and career readiness. This year’s recipients were chosen from nominations submitted statewide, reflecting a broad spectrum of professionals and institutions dedicated to strengthening Hawaiʻi’s labor market.
“Supporting businesses with access to qualified talent while guiding job seekers toward meaningful careers is vital as our economy transforms,” said Jade Butay, director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
The 2025 awardees include:
Oʻahu: Dan Doerger, executive director of the Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training, and Julie Morikawa, founder and president of ClimbHI
Kauaʻi: Jackie Kaina, executive director of the Kauaʻi Economic Development Board
Hawaiʻi Island: Clinton Mercado, executive director of the Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Board
Lifetime Achievement Award: Daniel Iaela, representing the Hawaiian Council (formerly the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement)
“Each honoree has gone beyond expectations in creating access to opportunity,” noted Bennette Misalucha, executive director of the Workforce Development Council. “Their work has uplifted individuals, strengthened communities, and enhanced the overall adaptability and strength of Hawaiʻi’s workforce.”
Finalists for the Workforce Development Hero Award are Randall Higa from the Workforce Transition Center; Constancio Paranal III of the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization; Sherri Komatsu with the DHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; Daintry Bartoldus from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities; Lisa Kobayashi of the County of Hawaiʻi Research and Development Department; and Lawaiʻa Naihe from Hoʻākeolapono Trades Academy.
The Lifetime Achievement finalists are Carol Kanayama of the State of Hawaiʻi’s Workforce Development Division and Ann Katekaru of Inkinen Executive Search.
All seven award recipients and seven finalists will be honored at the Future of Work 2025 Conference on September 24 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi. The event will showcase each winner’s contributions and celebrate their achievements in shaping the future of work in the region.
— news from Maui Now
— News Original —
2025 Workforce Development Hero Award winners announced : Maui Now
Katie Taladay, director of Workforce Development at the Maui Economic Development Board, is the Maui winner of the 2025 Workforce Development Hero Award, the Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced. The award recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations and was announced during September’s Workforce Development Month, a time to honor leaders and staff across Hawaiʻi. n nThe Workforce Development Hero Awards were created to acknowledge key contributors to workforce excellence across the islands, recognizing their dedication and innovation in advancing employment opportunities and skill development in Hawaiʻi. This year’s winners were selected from nominations across the state, showcasing the diverse range of individuals and institutions committed to strengthening Hawaiʻi’s workforce. n n“Ensuring that businesses have access to skilled workers, while helping job seekers find meaningful employment, is essential to equipping both local businesses and workers with the talent and expertise needed to thrive as Hawaiʻi’s economy evolves,” said department Director Jade Butay. n n2025 Workforce Development Hero Award Winners: n nOʻahu: Dan Doerger, executive director, Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training and Julie Morikawa, founder and president, ClimbHI n nKauaʻi: Jackie Kaina, executive director, Kauaʻi Economic Development Board n nHawaiʻi Island: Clinton Mercado, executive director, Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Board n nLifetime Achievement Award: Daniel Iaela, Hawaiian Council (formerly known as the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement) n n“Each of this year’s Workforce Development Heroes has gone above and beyond in creating pathways to opportunity,” said Workforce Development Council Executive Director Bennette Misalucha. “Their efforts have empowered individuals, strengthened communities and contributed to the overall resilience and competitiveness of Hawaiʻi’s workfo rce.” n nThe Workforce Development Heroes Awards finalists include: Randall Higa, Workforce Transition Center; Constancio Paranal III, City and County of Honolulu, Office of Economic Revitalization; Sherri Komatsu, DHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; Daintry Bartoldus, State Council on Developmental Disabilities; Lisa Kobayashi, County of Hawaiʻi Research and Development Department; and Lawaiʻa Naihe, Hoʻākeolapono Trades Academy. n nThe Lifetime Achievement Finalists are Carol Kanayama, State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Workforce Development Division, and Ann Katekaru, Inkinen Executive Search. n nThe Future of Work 2025 Conference will honor the seven Workforce Development Hero awardees and seven finalists on Sept. 24 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi. The event will highlight each winner’s contributions to workforce development and celebrate their achievements.