Cherilyn Shiinoki, M.Ed.
Executive Director
Family Hui Hawaii
Cherilyn Shiinoki, M.Ed. is a Mentor Hawaii Cohort 11 mentor. Learn more about the program here.
About Cherilyn
Cherilyn Shiinoki has been the Executive Director of Family Hui Hawaii, a local 501(c)3 nonprofit family strengthening agency since its incorporation in 2012. Cherilyn believes that families are the first and most enduring teachers of their children. She finds joy and inspiration in being mom to 3 boys, now age 25, 22, and 17, having grown alongside them in her own parenting journey. Cherilyn has worked in various capacities in preschool, parenting programs, and children’s ministry. She holds a Masterʻs of Education in Early Childhood Education and has been recognized for her leadership roles at the 2022 Women Who Mean Business awards and the Chaminade University & American Savings Bank 2020 Non-profit Business Plan Competition. Prior to her work in family support, Cherilyn worked in retail and business management for 20 years and helped to open the Neiman Marcus store at Ala Moana.
Cherilyn is an active participant in many community-led efforts to improve the outcomes for families and keiki. For many years, she served on the Board of Directors for the Association for Infant Mental Health Hawaii and the Hawaii State Early Learning Board. At Family Hui Hawaii, she brings her private sector business experience and commitment to keiki together to make the parenting journey a little easier for all.
Question and Answer with Cherilyn
What is your preferred communication style when mentoring (in-person, video conference, phone, informal check-ins, structured meetings, etc.)?
In-Person, Video Conference, Email, Phone Call, Text / SMS.
Why do you want to become a mentor in this program?
Mentors have always been part of the greatest times of growth in my professional career. They not only have provided guidance and been examples to me on how to manage and work through many challenges, they have also become good friends. I hope to be able to provide that type of experience for others as I have enjoyed being mentored by so many people.
What specific skills, knowledge or experience can you share with your mentee?
Non-profit operational and leadership experience.
What are your expectations for a mentor-mentee relationship?
I believe the mentor-mentee relationship is dependent on what both are willing to make of it. It can be difficult to dedicate the time and be intentional about meeting however, once committed, I expect that it will be mutually rewarding. I am very happy to support the mentee any way I can and in return, find that I will have learned just as much or more from my mentee. As for professional expectations, I would expect us both to be committed to the guidelines set by the program.
How do you approach problem-solving and conflict resolution?
Through a relational, team building, inclusive approach. This is the work of our non-profit, Family Hui Hawaii – it is about building connection and support through shared experiences, Hence, it is also how I approach problem solving and conflict resolution – connection before content.
How do you envision success for your mentee, and how will you measure it during the program?
I believe this depends on the goals that the mentee would like to achieve. I am open to learning what the mentee is hoping to gain and we will define what that measure of success is together.