Dawni Kalili-Iokia, CCUE - WCMS
Dawni Kalili-Iokia, CCUE – WCMS, serves as Chief Operations Officer at Hawaii Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union, where she oversees the Operations, Specialized Services, Marketing, and IT departments. With 32 years of experience in the financial institution industry, she brings a systems-level approach to leadership, ensuring that all departments function in alignment and support the overall member experience. Her work is centered on operational excellence, cross-functional collaboration, and strengthening service delivery across the organization.
Her career in financial services began as a vendor with Velera, where she was first introduced to the credit union movement and the philosophy of “people helping people.” That early exposure became a defining influence in her career, inspiring her long-term commitment to the credit union industry. She went on to serve in progressively responsible roles at PSCU and Hawaiian Financial Federal Credit Union, building deep expertise in payments, service delivery, and member-focused operations. Originally from Waianae, she has also overcome stereotypes associated with her upbringing, using her journey as proof that strong leadership and success can emerge from any community.
Dawni recently completed her studies at Pomona College, where she attended the Western Credit Union Management School for three years and earned her Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation from Western Credit Union Management School. Returning to school after many years in the workforce allowed her to refocus, deepen her leadership capabilities, and continue her professional growth while balancing life as an empty nester. Her journey reflects resilience, lifelong learning, and a sustained commitment to advancing both her career and the credit union mission.
• Autodesk AutoCAD Certified
• Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE)
• Pomona College
Western Credit Union Management School Program
• HAFISO (Hawaii Association for Financial Institution Security Officers)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a lot of great mentors in my life, those who actually believed in me, truly believed in me. I can't count on one hand how many mentors I've had, which for me I think I look up as a blessing. I don't have my main mentor - she's passed on - but her leadership is still instilled in me, and it's what's created me and molded me to the individual that I am today. These mentors saw something in me when others were stereotyping me based on where I came from, and their belief in my potential gave me the strength to overcome those barriers and prove that good things can come from any area, no matter how it's perceived by others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is: let your comeback be stronger than your setback. This advice has guided me throughout my career, especially when facing stereotypes and challenges. It reminds me that setbacks are temporary and that how we respond to them defines our success. I've also learned that seeing my staff thrive through empowerment is rewarding enough for me - that in itself feels like an award. When I empower others and watch them succeed, that's when I know I'm making a real difference.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is: never start your new day with the broken pieces of yesterday. Move forward with your ability and your power. Don't let past setbacks or stereotypes define you or hold you back. You have a choice in life - you can work hard and make it, or you can allow people to bring you down. I chose to work hard, and it doesn't matter where you come from. The decision is yours, the choice is yours, and only you can chase that dream that you work hard for. Don't let anyone's perception of your background or circumstances limit what you believe you can achieve.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge for me right now is keeping pace with how technology is moving while navigating the generational shift. Having a clearer understanding of that generational shift is crucial. When you're so set in your own morale, your day-to-day thoughts, how you were raised, and your values, it can be challenging because today's world is very different. I try to be as versatile as I can. For example, I was raised with always respecting your elders, yet in today's world, the younger generation is very different. I try to make sure that I can understand every aspect of each generation - baby boomers, X, Z, Millennials - I try to have my hand in each one so I have a better understanding. I do this partly because of my children, but it's always good for me to keep on par with what's happening with each generation so I can be a little bit more forthcoming and be there for them as a leader.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are respect and family. Respect is fundamental to how I interact with people across all generations and backgrounds. I was raised to always respect my elders, and I carry that value forward while also adapting to understand and respect different generational perspectives. Family is at the core of everything I do - as an empty nester with my children and grandchildren no longer in my home, family remains my driving force. The credit union philosophy of 'people helping people' resonates deeply with me because it extends that sense of family and community to my professional life. I want to be there for others, to provide a light for people who feel they can't believe in themselves, just as my mentors were there for me.