Maui County Committee on the Status of Women held the 2025 Women of Excellence Awards on Friday evening at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College where Program Director of MYFS Prevention, Intervention, and Residential Services, Chelene “Che” Arnold, was among those recognized.
This year’s theme, Ka Holomua Laulima! Nā Wāhine Hoʻoulu Hanauna (Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations), honors women whose leadership, mentorship and dedication create a lasting impact for future generations.
Chelene has been a dedicated leader with Maui Youth and Family Services since 2023, where she currently serves as Program Director. In this role, she oversees a Transitional Aged Youth Shelter for women and parenting women ages 18-26, as well as the Safe House for girls ages 10–17 who are in crisis. She also leads Project Venture, an afterschool prevention program for middle school youth.
Chelene is instrumental in the development of Maui County’s first co-ed shelter for children in mental health crisis, helping expand vital resources for local youth who would otherwise be sent off island to receive emergency care.
Those who work with Chelene describe her as a strong leader with a gentle heart. Through her work, Chelene has shown that leadership is not just about managing programs, it’s about nurturing people. Her story reflects the power of women’s leadership in shaping Maui County’s future diverse, grounded in aloha, and guided by the belief that every young person deserves a chance to thrive.
Chelene’s legacy is still unfolding, but her impact has already left a trail for others to follow.
