An Outstanding Leader on Lanai

Marinel “Ella” Yumol has found her calling as the human resources manager at Pulama Lanai.

“I always wanted to be in HR,” she said. “Something about helping the whole company and being the support for an entire organization was what I wanted to do.”

Yumol recently received Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40 Award, placing her in the company of other outstanding young business leaders. But awards or accolades aren’t what drive her. She’s passionate about helping the Lanai community she grew up in.

A rewarding role

Yumol was raised on Lanai and decided to return home after college to pursue her career. There were few HR positions available, so she built her skills in other areas — as a transportation manager and project assistant at Castle & Cooke, and executive assistant at Lanai Community Health Center.

When she landed her job in human resources at Pulama Lanai, Yumol set to work improving communication, recruitment, training and other areas that directly affect employees.

“Every day is never the same,” she said. There are pop-up meetings, interviews, employees dropping by to ask a question or discuss concerns. Yumol enjoys the problem-solving nature of her role, where she gets to help employees by providing information or addressing an issue.

Giving back to her community

Yumol’s desire to help others extends beyond her job. She is a dedicated community volunteer, lending her time to sit on the board of Lanai Federal Credit Union and Hulopoe Beach Park Council, participate in La Hana community workday events, and read to her daughter’s third-grade class at Lanai High and Elementary School.

Her involvement in the Ka Ipu Kukui Fellowship Program, a leadership program for emerging leaders in Maui County, further compelled her to do more for Lanai.

“We met with lawmakers, leaders, and talked about different issues in Maui County,” Yumol explained. “It showed me how important it is to be involved in the community.”

Yumol’s contributions and achievements will be highlighted at a special PBN 40 Under 40 event on Oahu in June. Congratulations to Ella!