YP Exec Connect with LJ Duenas, Cheryl Kozai, and Colleen McAluney Sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union

Exclusive luncheon event for YP members only!

Join the YPs for this intimate lunch event with three of Hawaii's premier business leaders! This is open to current YP members only and limited to only eight YP members per executive. Sign up NOW to attend this great "talk story" luncheon and learn from these accomplished business executives.

Please note, a $10 no-show fee will be applied for missed exec connect events without at least 24 hours’ notice. We understand that schedules can change, and we kindly ask that you notify us in advance if you’re unable to attend. This helps us better manage our events and accommodate others who may be on the waitlist. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!


LJ Duenas
Executive Director
Alzheimer’s Association of Hawaii 

LJ Duenas was born and raised in Saipan, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and today serves as the Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association – Hawaii. In this role, he works alongside a passionate team of staff and volunteers, and dedicated leadership board to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and other dementia, champion brain health, drive research breakthroughs, influence public policy, and make sure families across the islands have the support and resources they need. 

LJ has spent most of his career working in nonprofit, bringing people together to create meaningful change in Hawaii’s communities. Under his leadership, the Hawaii Chapter has strengthened its presence statewide, built trusted partnerships with local businesses, health systems, and government leaders, and engaged volunteers and donors to expand programs and accelerate progress toward the vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and other dementia. At the heart of his work is a deep belief in community, that lasting impact happens when people come together with shared purpose.  

Cheryl Kozai
Chief Nursing Officer
Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center

Cheryl Kozai is Chief Nursing Officer at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC), bringing more than two decades of leadership in nursing, operations, and healthcare administration. Prior to rejoining WCCHC, Cheryl served as Vice President of Clinical Services & Chief Nursing Officer at the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific, and held successive leadership roles with Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Group and Pali Momi Medical Center where she guided service expansion, including programs in outpatient specialties, critical care, cardiac and stroke care, and mentored teams recognized nationally for quality and patient satisfaction. She also practiced as a critical care nurse at Pali Momi Medical Center and Straub Medical Center.

Cheryl earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, a Certificate of Healthcare Finance from the University of Hawaii Shidler College of Business and is a Kamehameha Schools graduate. She has served on the boards of the American College of Healthcare Executives Hawaii Chapter, American Organization of Nurse Executives Hawaii Chapter, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and was a member of the Hawaii State Stroke Taskforce. Her work has been recognized with awards including American Heart Association’s Stroke Champion Award, Hawaii Pacific Health Nurse Leader of the Year, HMSA Quality & Service Awards, UH Faces of Nursing, and Pali Momi Medical Center ICU Nurse of the Year. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of the American Organization of Nurse Leaders.

At WCCHC, Cheryl continues her commitment to improving upstream access to patient-centered care, and supporting the mission of healing, learning, and innovation for the West Oahu community.


Colleen McAluney
Chief Program Officer
YWCA Oahu

Colleen McAluney has spent the past 25 years building a career at the intersection of retail management, small business development, and women’s leadership. With a deep understanding of both private sector operations and nonprofit programming, she brings a hands-on, solutions-driven approach to supporting entrepreneurs and emerging leaders across Hawaii.

Her professional foundation was built in the retail industry, where she held key roles at Reyn’s, a well-known local brand. Over 15 years, she managed store operations, buying, and planning across multiple locations—experience that sharpened her instincts for customer engagement, product strategy, and team leadership.

For the last decade, Colleen has focused her efforts on women’s economic advancement. She has developed and led initiatives that support small business growth, provide training opportunities, and cultivate peer networks for women in all stages of their professional journeys.

Colleen is also deeply engaged in civic and community life. She mentors global entrepreneurs through the American Councils International Professional Fellows Program and hosts international participants in the Changing Faces Women’s Leadership Program. She serves on the Community-Based Economic Development Advisory Council and contributes nationally as part of the AWBC Centers for Excellence Task Force. In 2024, she was honored as a Pacific Edge Magazine Women in Business awardee and in 2025 she was a Pacific Busines News Most Admired Leader honoree.

A graduate of Pepperdine University with a degree in Business Administration, Colleen brings authenticity and heart to her work. When not supporting women in business, she’s most likely exploring a farmers’ market, hiking a trail, or enjoying her favorite treat—mochi.