SHRM Hawaii Human Resources Awards
Honoring Hawaii’s HR Champions!
At SHRM Hawaii, we celebrate HR professionals who go above and beyond to elevate the field of Human Resources - driving workplace excellence across business, education, government, and our communities. These visionary leaders, with a global mindset and a people-first approach, help shape HR as a respected and influential profession in Hawaii, fostering workplaces where people and organizations thrive.
Help us recognize the outstanding HR professionals making a difference in our community!
2027 SHRM Hawaii HR Awards: Call for Nominations
Opens: July 2027
Human Resources Professional of the Year Award
The Human Resources Professional of the Year Award honors a member of SHRM Hawaii who has 10 years or more of HR experience and exemplifies the best of the profession’s values and achievements through specific accomplishments.
The award recipient must:
- Serve as a role model and live the SHRM Hawaii values of Lokahi, Kina'ole, and Kuleana
- Make a demonstrable difference in two or more of the areas in the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge:
- Talent & Acquisition & Recruitment
- Workforce Development & Planning
- Total Rewards
- Strategy & Organizational Change/Management
- Employee/Labor Relations
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Policy & Legislative Advocacy
- Demonstrate outstanding leadership
- Contribute to the positive image of the Human Resources profession
- Be a SHRM Hawaii member in good standing
2026 HR Professional of the Year Award Recipient
Bernard K. Nunies, SHRM-SCP | Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Hawaiʻi Pacific University
With more than 25 years of HR leadership, Bernard exemplifies strategic, people-centered leadership through workforce transformation, talent development, and employee engagement.
His longstanding commitment to SHRM Hawaii reflects his dedication to advancing the HR profession and strengthening our community.
Human Resources Lifetime Achievement Award
This award recognizes an individual who has dedicated more than 20 years to advancing the Human Resources profession.
The recipient must:
- Demonstrate repeated outstanding achievements, as well as:
- Recognition beyond the HR profession
- Contributions of lasting impact
- Meet all criteria for the HR Professional of the Year award
2026 HR Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Stevette K. Santiago | Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources & Brand Officer | UHA Health Insurance
With more than 25 years of HR leadership, Stevette has made a lasting impact through her dedication to developing talent, strengthening workplace cultures, and advancing the profession.
Her visionary leadership and commitment to workforce development continue to inspire Hawaiʻi’s HR community.
Human Resources Emerging Professional Award
The Human Resources Emerging Professional Award honors a member of SHRM Hawaii who has five years or less of HR experience and has demonstrated outstanding contributions as a leader who is at the beginning phase of their career.
The award recipient must:
- Serve as a role model and live the SHRM Hawaii values of Lokahi, Kina‘ole, and Kuleana
- Make a demonstrable difference in two or more of the areas in the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge:
o Talent Acquisition & Recruitment
o Workforce Development & Planning
o Total Rewards
o Strategy & Organizational Change/Management
o Employee/Labor Relations
o Learning & Development
o Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
o Policy & Legislative Advocacy
- Demonstrate outstanding leadership
- Contribute to the positive image of the Human Resources profession
- Be a SHRM member in good standing
2026 HR Emerging Professional Award Recipient
Deann Ginoza | HR Generalist | Luana Hospitality Group
Deann represents the bright future of HR - bringing compassion, initiative, and a people-first approach to her work.
Her contributions to employee relations, recruitment, and workplace well-being demonstrate the meaningful impact emerging HR leaders can make.
