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Professional Women in Building

Hawai‘i Professional Women in Building Council: Empowering Women in Construction

Established in 2024 under the leadership of BIA Hawai‘i President Hinano Nahinu, the Hawai‘i Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council is a powerful voice for women in the building and construction industry. As part of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) network, PWB is committed to advancing professionalism, leadership, and opportunity for women at the local, state, and national levels.

Through targeted programs in education, professional development, and networking, the council equips members with critical business and leadership skills to accelerate career success. PWB also provides access to national scholarships, awards, grants, and industry recognition opportunities.

The Hawai‘i PWB Council offers a dynamic platform for women to connect, collaborate, and thrive—supporting diversity and inclusion across the construction industry statewide.


Ready to Join PWB Hawaii?

To participate in the PWB Hawai‘i Chapter, you must register through the official member application and pay the associated dues:

Already a BIA Hawaii member?
Click JOIN NOW, complete the form, and select “PWB” in Step 5 of the application.

Not a BIA Hawaii member yet?
We welcome you to apply as a Builder, Supplier, or Associate. Once your BIA Hawai‘i membership is approved, you may return here to join PWB.

For more information contact: (808)629-7500


Tiffanie Gardner, Message from the Chair

2026_Message From the Chair Tiffanie

Cyd Shizuru, Vice Chair

Cyd Shizuru (PWB Membership Chair) is honored to serve on the Professional Women in Building Council, supporting women in the industry and the fellowship and mentorship it fosters. With more than 20 years of experience cultivating partnerships and helping organizations grow—including 16 years in Hawai‘i’s building industry—she values strong relationships and collaboration. Cyd is Senior Associate, Business Development at Hawaiʻi Public Radio, where she works with organizations statewide to connect with audiences and thrive. Her background spans media and clean energy, including roles with Hawaii Home + Remodeling, Hawaii Business, HONOLULU Magazine, and ESPN Honolulu. Outside of work, she enjoys family time with her husband and son, staying active with pickleball, and the company of their beloved cockapoos.

 

 

 


 

 

Lianne Cameron, Events Chair

J. Lianne Cameron (PWB Events Chair) brings a high-performance mindset and strategic vision for brand building to the Professional Women in Building Council. As Director of Business Development and Marketing at PHAD Home Appliance, she has guided the company’s evolution while honoring its legacy and fostering trust and recognition across Hawai‘i. Lianne’s expertise in brand development and industry collaboration was further established during her tenure with Cambria. A former world-class artistic swimmer and accomplished outrigger paddler, she applies discipline, teamwork, and resilience to leadership. Guided by the Hawaiian value of ʻimi ʻike—to seek knowledge—she is passionate about fostering mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth within Hawai‘i’s design and building communities.


Ramona Lariosa, Education Chair

Ramona Lariosa (PWB Education Chair) is a Hawai‘i-based entrepreneur and construction professional dedicated to strengthening the local building industry and supporting women in the trades. She is the owner of Haloa Construction, a women-owned family business grounded in integrity, collaboration, and community. Before leading in construction, Ramona was a stay-at-home mother homeschooling her children and previously supported Hawai‘i’s military families as a Family Resource Support Assistant for the Hawai‘i Army National Guard, developing skills in relationship-building, resource coordination, and compassionate support. Active with the Building Industry Association of Hawai‘i, she is passionate about guiding mentorship and educational programs for women in construction. Guided by family, community, and the belief that women rise higher together, Ramona leads with warmth, integrity, and a commitment to empowering others.

 

 

 


 

 

Kelly Heiser, Membership Chair

Kelly Heiser (PWB Membership Chair) is the Operations Manager at Top Priority, Inc., a locally owned countertop fabrication and installation company. Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Kelly is passionate about supporting the local community and encouraging women to thrive in the building and design industries. She holds a BA in Interior Design and has built a career in a related field where creativity meets operations. Kelly is grateful for the mentors and strong women who have invested in her growth. Outside of work, she is a proud mother of two teenagers.

 

 

 


 

 

Robin Kennedy-Oshio, Community Outreach

Robin Kennedy-Oshio is a prominent media executive based in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, dedicated to building meaningful partnerships and supporting her community. She serves as Executive Manager of Strategic Partnerships at KHON2 News, specializing in digital marketing and audience engagement. Her media career includes leadership roles as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Hagadone Media Group Hawai‘i and Multimedia Manager at Marcoa Publishing. An alumna of the University of Maine, Robin is also active in local nonprofits, serving as President of Friends of CASA Hawai‘i, where she pursues her passion for giving back and helping others thrive.

 

 


Hinano Nahinu, Past Chair, NAHB National PWB Trustee

Hinano Nahinu (Past Chair, NAHB National PWB Trustee) is a Native Hawaiian award-winning designer and the Owner and Founder of Hinano Interiors. She is a visionary leader in Hawai‘i’s building industry, committed to creating opportunities for women and fostering professional growth. In 2024, during her tenure as President of the BIA Hawaii Board of Directors, Hinano chartered Hawai‘i’s first Professional Women in Building Council chapter, expanding leadership pathways for women across the state. Known for her creativity, mentorship, and dedication to community, she continues to champion excellence,collaboration, and empowerment within Hawai‘i’s construction and design sectors, helping shape the next generation of industry leaders.

In 2025, the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council marks 70 years of advancing women in the residential construction industry. With more than 70 councils and thousands of members nationwide, PWB has helped open doors and create new opportunities for women to lead and thrive in a field that has traditionally been male-dominated.

Last year, BIA Hawai‘i launched its first-ever PWB Council—establishing a new space where nā wahine in construction can connect, grow, and lead. As founding chair and immediate past president of BIA Hawai‘i, I’m proud to be part of this movement. Together, we’re building more than just homes—we’re building careers, confidence, and community.

My introduction to PWB came in 2023 through NAHB’s Emerging Leaders Program. At a leadership summit in Palm Springs, I met incredible women from across the country—builders, designers, engineers, and leaders—who shared stories of mentorship, advocacy, and success. I left deeply inspired and felt a strong calling to bring that energy home to Hawai‘i.

Since then, PWB Hawai‘i has helped women launch businesses, earn contractor licenses, and explore new paths in construction. We focus on three pillars: networking, education, and community outreach. These are the tools that help women not just enter the industry—but lead in it.

We’ve already seen the impact. One of the most powerful examples came at the Wahine Forum last fall, where I met a young Native Hawaiian entrepreneur interested in construction. We welcomed her into our network. She joined BIA Hawai‘i, graduated from our Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (PACT) program, and is now working in the field.

That’s what this council is about—lifting each other up and helping the next generation find their path.

Looking ahead, our council is planning a full calendar of workshops, panel discussions, and networking events. We’re expanding to the Neighbor Islands and working with local schools and women’s organizations to make sure PWB Hawai‘i reaches every woman who wants to be part of this industry.

"We’re not just opening doors—we’re helping women walk through them with confidence."
– Hinano Nahinu


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