Pinay beauty queen now one of Hawaii's distinguished business leaders

GMA News December 11, 2012 5:00pm

 Businesswoman, beauty queen, inspirational figure-- these are just some of the labels used to identify a Filipina in Hawaii who has been called one of the state’s most distinguished business leaders.

An article on Filipino-American newspaper Asian Journal trained the spotlight on Joni B. Redick-Yundt, the founder of nonprofit group Filipino American Multi Ethnic Society (FAMES). The organization is committed to mentoring entrepreneurs and business owners in Hawaii.

“I just want to help people,” says Redick-Yundt, also saying that “when anyone succeeds, we all succeed.”

Her philosophy in life is to encourage the Fil-Am businessmen and women she has mentored to pay it forward, and they have heeded her words, as the article noted that she and her proteges have provided financial and manpower assistance to organizations such as the American Red Cross and the National Kidney Foundation.

Redick-Yundt---born and raised in the Philippines before her family immigrated to Hawaii in 1974--is more than just a businesswoman, however.

She has been lauded with all kinds of recognition, such as being named the 2002 US Small Business Administration Women in Business Advocate of the Year Award, Outstanding Member of the Year Award from the Filipino Chamber of Commerce in Hawaii, and one of the 2010 Twenty Outstanding Filipinos Abroad (TOFA).

She has also received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the State of Hawaii, a Recognition of Community Achievement from the State of Hawaii Senate, a Certificate of Recognition from the Mayor of Honolulu for Community Service projects and mentoring, and a plaque from Hawaii’s House of Representatives.

In 2007, Redick-Yundt also wrote the book “Million Dollar Attitude,” where she talked about the importance of positive energy, confidence and work ethic in being successful.

According to the article, the pretty Redick-Yundt has also been crowned Mrs. Hawaii United States and Mrs. Honolulu International 2001, and was also a 1st runner-up in the Mrs. Hawaii Filipina pageant.

Redick-Yundt said she aims to “improve society and level the playing field by giving our kababayans access to business skills and training completely free or at minimal cost so that everyone can participate, grow and achieve their dreams.” - VVP, GMA News