Imelda’s journey is a masterclass in work ethic and resilience. After moving to Hawaii from the Philippines in 2000, she began her professional path through a referral from the Hawaii School for the Blind.
A 24-Year Foundation of Excellence Her career in Hawaii began with Network Enterprise, where she spent nine years performing specialized medical cleaning at Hickam, followed by two years at Pearl Harbor. This is where, Imelda met Bob, the Founder and President of Work Now Hawaii.
Imelda has been a dedicated member of the Pearl Harbor cleaning team, building a professional relationship based on mutual respect and consistent, hard work.
A Purposeful "Un-Retirement" In 2020, Imelda reached a professional milestone and had originally embraced retirement. However, her drive to stay active and healthy wouldn't let her stay home for long. Wanting to remain a contributor to the community, Bob offered her a chance to work at the Ft. DeRussy U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii, where she has managed the custodial cleaning for the last several years.
Going Above and Beyond Imelda takes deep pride in the presentation of the museum. Her impact is so significant that the Director of the Army Museum noted she consistently goes "above and beyond" to keep the facility pristine for daily visitors. For Imelda, the work is about more than just cleaning; it’s about excellence.
Healthy, Active, and Independent At 72 years old, Imelda is a firm believer in the power of staying active. "I want to stay active and not at home in bed," she explains. "When we are not active, it’s not healthy."
Beyond the health benefits, her role at Work Now Hawaii provides Imelda the opportunity for independent living. It is important to her that her job allows her to supplement her income and live independently. Imelda values the supportive culture Bob has built, noting:
"Bob and the company are so accommodating. I am able to be comfortable with my disability as it allows me to manage it working here. Because of Work Now Hawaii, I'm able to not be a burden to my family and still live independently."
Imelda’s Advice: "Just try to do whatever you can do."