Who I Am

I am the daughter of Betty Jean Botelho & the late Leslie Botelho. I am the mother of Alyah Cortez-Taani, Dalston Cortez and Nana to Amelia-Jean Taani. I’m also the Chief Executive Officer at the Island of Hawaii YMCA since 2017. I was born and raised on Hawaii Island in Kaumana, and attended Saint Joseph, Hilo High School, Hawaii Community College, and the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

*My son-in-law Joshua Taani, my daughter Alyah and granddaughter Amelia-Jean.*

My values are:

• Family
• Integrity
• Honesty
• Hard work
• Do everything with Aloha

I’ve worked for Hawaii State Government in the Dept. of Public Safety, Dept. of Human Services and Dept. of Health. I was fortunate to work alongside Governor Neil Abercrombie as his East Hawaii Representative of 4 years.

What do I do at the Y?

• I oversee overall operations, logistics and multiple programs from keiki to kupuna.
• Secure Federal, State, County and private funding to support programs, services and expand the YMCA.
• Create programming and events for community.
• Manage over 40 employees.
• Appointed by the Board of Directors.

03A-YMCA-Board — *YMCA Board of Directors meet regularly to provide support & guidance of the YMCA.*

I am strong-willed and many times I’ve taken off the heels and dress and put the joggers and jeans on to get the job done. I am hands-on and deeply involved in projects, initiatives and events.

Swearing — As vice-chair of the Hawai’i Police Commission, I addressed
the crowd at Police Chief Reed Mahuna’s swearing in ceremony – 2026.

Awards I received:

• 2022 – Statewide Advocate of the Year Award from the State of Hawaii’s Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• 2023 – Pacific Business News as “Women Who Mean Business” in the State of Hawai’i
• 2023 – Remarkable Woman of the Year for the State of Hawaii by Nexstar Media and KHON2
• 2024 – Lokahi Award – Youth Hawai’i National Guard Academy
• 2024 – Bowl of Light Awarded – Hawai’i Island Fentanyl Task Force
• 2025 – Kanalu Award – Hawai’i Public Health Institute – Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawai’i
• 2026 – Laulima Award – Friends of First Responders Foundation

*Hawai’i County Council 2023 – mahalo for recognizing me as the Statewide winner “Remarkable Woman of 2023 for State of Hawaii.*

*Mahalo to the Hawai’i Army National Guard Youth Challenge leadership for recognizing our participation with the teens in their Youth Challenge Program.*

*Mahalo to Chaplain Renee Godoy and the First Responder’s Foundation for recognizing the first ever successful First Responder’s Day Camp held at the YMCA for kids of First Responders.*

I have strong family values, am committed to my community and have a disciplined work ethic.

My values are:

• Zonta Club of Hilo
• Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce
• Japanese Chamber of Commerce
• St. Joseph Catholic Church
• Arise Church
• Hilo Y’s Men and Women’s Club

07 Active Zonta Member- Zonta Rose — *I serve as a member and director of the Zonta Club of Hilo and help at events such as the Zonta Rose Award prestigious event.*

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening in my above-ground planter boxes. I love using fresh spices when I’m cooking and creating meals. I cherish spending time with my Chihuahua Hiwa and the newest addition to my family Liko. Liko is a Chihuahua – 9 weeks old. Liko jumps around like a kangaroo, just so cute and loveable.