About the Author

There were people who questioned my abilities, doubted my dreams, criticized my vision, and believed I would never accomplish anything extraordinary. Looking back, I realize those moments became some of my greatest blessings. They taught me that every adversity can become an opportunity, every setback can become a comeback, and every challenge can become the beginning of something extraordinary.

In my nursing career I spent nearly twenty years caring for others with compassion and a servant’s heart. Yet behind my smile was a very shy young woman who lacked confidence and found it difficult to speak to strangers. Determined to overcome my fears, I joined Mary Kay Cosmetics—not because I wanted to sell cosmetics, but because I wanted to become a more confident woman while helping other women look good, feel good, and believe in themselves.

One of my greatest inspirations was Mary Kay Ash’s book, You Can Have It All. Her message taught me that with faith, a positive attitude, hard work, and a heart for serving others, anything is possible.

As my confidence grew, I entered pageantry and was honored to be crowned Mrs. Honolulu International 2001 and Mrs. Hawaii United States 2002. Years earlier, in 1995, I achieved one of Hawaii’s most remarkable Mary Kay accomplishments by becoming a Mary Kay Sales Director in just one month instead of 4-6 months earning multiple Pink Cars, and accomplishing something that has remained unmatched for more than six decades. More rewarding than any title or car was watching women discover confidence they never knew they had.

Then life changed forever.

The tragic loss of my beloved sister in a Mother’s Day automobile accident devastated my family emotionally and financially. That heartbreaking experience became the turning point of my life.

Instead of allowing tragedy to define me, I made a promise that I would educate myself so I could educate and help protect other families from experiencing the same financial hardships. What began as unimaginable pain became my life’s purpose.

For nearly three decades that purpose led me into the financial services profession, where my passion for educating and serving families earned me Rookie of the Year and prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) award during my very first year—an accomplishment rarely achieved by someone new to the profession. I believe knowledge is one of the greatest gifts we can share.

My passion for connecting and empowering people continued to grow. As Founder and President of the Million Dollar Chapter of Business Network International (BNI) in Hawaii, I was able to built the fastest-growing record-breaking chapter in the state, earning international recognition as one of the Top Five chapters among more than 5,000 chapters in 37 countries.

Believing that true success is measured not by what we receive, but by what we give, I founded FAMES Hawaii, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to Mentoring, Educating, Motivating, and Leadership Development. In its early years, there were those who predicted it will never last.

They underestimated the power of purpose.

Guided by my faith in God, pure intentions, and a genuine heart to serve others, I remained committed to the mission. This year FAMES Hawaii proudly celebrates its 22nd Anniversary, mentoring entrepreneurs, empowering students, conducting free Business & Leadership Workshops, and recognizing outstanding students, Young Innovative Entrepreneurs, Rising Stars, and Top Influential Business & Community Leaders. 

Over the years, I have been blessed to help provide scholarships, valuable mentorship, leadership development, and educational opportunities valued at nearly one  million dollars through FAMES Hawaii,  the DECA Scholarship Program, the Miss Paradise Hawaii, Miss Oahu & Miss Waikiki Scholarship Pageants, and numerous nonprofit organizations and charitable initiatives. I have also donated my books locally and internationally because I believe that when we invest in people, we invest in the future. With a grateful heart I want to thank all of our most kind & generous sponsors & to my dedicated & committed officers & directors for believing in me, my purpose & dream to make our place a better world. 

Best selling author of the first and second editions of Million Dollar Attitude, followed by It’s All About Attitude… Still Sexy at Sixty & Beyond and Who Stole My Attitude? Positive vs. Negative. I have also had the privilege of co-authoring multiple books centered on leadership, resilience, business, personal growth & legacy.

One of the greatest blessings of my journey has been creating the Attitude Quotient™ -also known as AQ to compliment with IQ & EQ inspired by a simple yet powerful discovery that has captivated audiences.

Whenever I speak, I often begin by asking:

“Did you know that ATTITUDE is the only word that equals 100?”

A = 1

T = 20

T = 20

I = 9

T = 20

U = 21

D = 4

E = 5

ATTITUDE = 100

To me, this is much more than an interesting mathematical discovery.

It is a powerful reminder that 100% of our success or failure is based on our attitude.

That philosophy has become the cornerstone of my books, keynote presentations, mentorship, and life’s mission. While we cannot always control what happens to us, we can always choose our attitude—and that choice has the power to change our future.

Through vision, passion & innovation I have also designed a luxury handbag from Italy & designed exquisite fine jewelry. I am extremely excited that I will be soon introducing my inspirational designed backpacks is to encourage children to carry positive words, confidence, kindness, resilience, and hope with them every day. A portion of the proceeds from my books and The Joni Collection helps support scholarships through FAMES Hawaii, the DECA Scholarship Program, and other charitable causes, allowing every purchase to help create opportunities for someone else’s future.

A cancer survivor for almost 15 years, I chose to defy conventional medical treatment and opted for holistic and natural healing process and most of all credit to God’s healing powers and healthy lifestyle with a positive attitude & of course due to my husband Tom’s unconditional love and support, a Sr International Aviation Engineer. Blessed with amazing successful son and daughter with three beautiful grandchildren.

I have been deeply honored to receive recognition including being featured in FORBES Magazine, Who’s Who in America, Top Influential Business & Community Leader of the Year, Hall of Fame, Top International 50 Fearless Leaders by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) as seen on ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX, New York City, US SBA Business Champion of the year, Pacific Business News Volunteer Woman of the year along with numerous leadership and humanitarian awards. Yet those recognitions are not what I treasure most.

If someone were to ask me what I hope my legacy will be, my answer is simple.

I want to be remembered for the lives I touched. For helping people believe in themselves.

For reminding them that their circumstances do not determine their destiny.

That one little girl from the rice fields who wished upon the stars became living proof that dreams really do come true.

So let me leave you with the same question again.

Did you know that 100% of your success or failure is based on your attitude?

I believe it is.

And if my journey proves anything, it is this:

Your beginning does not determine your ending.

Your attitude does.

Believe and Achieve.

Positive Attitude + Positive Action = Positive Results.