WOW Press Release

WOW Network Launches in West Oahu

New organization offers social and business networking opportunities for women

Kapolei, HI (October 13, 2009) – West Oahu Women Social and Business Network (WOW Network) is a new organization empowering women through community connections, mentoring and information-sharing.  WOW Network was formed in August 2009 and is specifically geared towards women who live or work on the west side of Oahu, and are interested in meeting new people, networking and creating business possibilities.

WOW Network was founded by businesswomen Kathy Davenport, owner of Kathleen Davenport Photography (www.kathleendavenport.com), and Naomi Hazelton-Giambrone, co-owner of Element Media, a custom publishing firm that produces Pacific Edge Magazine (www.thepacificedge.com ), Las Vegas Bound, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Annual Networking Directory, and the formerly produced Ko Olina Life & Style Magazine.

“I think it's time we had a business network for West Oahu women,” said Kathy Davenport, co-founder and director of WOW Network. “One of the reasons I hesitate to go downtown in the evenings is that I live in Makakilo.  If I’ve spent the day downtown, by the time I get home, it’s difficult to turn around and go back into Honolulu.  However, all of my social and networking groups hold their meetings there.  So, I thought it would be great to have a group and steady means of communication for businesswomen in West Oahu.” 

 “Our goal for WOW Network is to hold monthly networking events at local business locations on the west side of Oahu to make it easier for those of us who live and work on the west side” added Naomi Hazelton-Giambrone, co-founder of WOW Network and current Makakilo resident.  “Venues such as Pictures Plus in Waipio, Gialuchi Day Spa, the Ihilani, Simply Organized, Plantation Home Décor and Hapa Grill are just a few examples of the wonderful West Oahu locations at which we hope to host our events.”

"The creation of the WOW Network is an excellent idea," said State Representative Sharon Har, D-40th (Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa). "It will give female professionals an opportunity and venue in which to socialize and network in their own community, while sharing ideas on how to succeed during these challenging economic times.  West Oahu is home to numerous professional, energetic, passionate, visionary women who are successful in their own rights and who can take their ideas to make our Hawaii better.  It's just another way of building a self-sustaining community where we can live, work and play in our own community."

WOW Network membership is open to both men and women and will require a $65 annual fee if one opts to join after the first event.  Planned membership benefits include:  discounted monthly event fees; special rates and discounts for shopping, dining, golf and spas in West Oahu; invitations to exclusive events such as celebrity-led workshops and industry-expert classes; and access to members-only directories and online forums.  For additional information, please visit the WOW Network blog at http://wownetworkhawaii.blogspot.com/.

WOW Network’s premiere event will be held at Hapa Grill (www.hapagrill.net) located in The Marketplace at Kapolei on Wednesday, November 11th at 5:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy an evening of complimentary pupus and cocktails, the opportunity to network with fellow business community members and browse exclusive retail vendors’ product displays. Attendees must RSVP to Krista Sherkey via email at ksherkey@streamline6.com or telephone at 808-744-9854. This is a co-ed event.  The entry fee is $15 with a portion of the proceeds donated to The Rotary Club of Kapolei.  


About Kathleen Davenport
An inspirational photographer, business trainer and mentor, Kathleen Davenport has motivated others for over 20 years. Her “givers gain” philosophy and lifelong commitment to helping others is reflected in the various positions she has held and the thousands of people she has reached.  Ms. Davenport is retired from the U.S. Air Force and currently works full-time as a professional portrait photographer.  In addition, she serves as an area director for Business Network International (BNI) and is the president of the BNI Honolulu Metro Chapter. She is the founder and co-director of the newly-created West Oahu Women Social and Business Network.  Ms. Davenport is a member of and has served on the board of directors for various women's organizations.  She was recently named one of the “100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S.” for 2009, an award sponsored by the national Filipina Women's Network.  Her guiding mission is to use her creative talents to empower and inspire others. She and her family have lived in Makakilo for 11 years.  

About Naomi Hazelton-Giambrone
Raised on Kauai and a current Makakilo resident, Naomi Hazelton-Giambrone is the co- founder of Pacific Edge Magazine, and co-publisher of Las Vegas Bound, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Networking Directory and the formerly produced Ko Olina Life & Style Magazine.  She earned a Master’s in Corporate Communication from Hawaii Pacific University and her undergraduate degree in Mass Media from the University of San Diego.  Ms. Hazelton-Giambrone is an active member of Small Business Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, the Hawaii Advertising Federation and the Oahu Wedding Association.  She is also a board member of the Hawaii Publishers Association and a partner of the Business of Networking sponsored by Pacific Edge Magazine and Social Wahines.  In March 2009, Ms. Hazelton-Giambrone was awarded the SBA Journalism of the Year Award for the State of Hawaii and North West Region. In 2008, she won the Small Business Hawaii Business Booster Award and is a former “Forty under 40.” In addition, Ms. Hazelton-Giambrone and her husband host Green Drinks Honolulu (www.greendrinkshonolulu.com), a social networking event for like-minded individuals who are concerned about the environment. 


About State Representative Sharon Har , D-40th (Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa)
State Representative Sharon Har represents District 40 comprised of Kapolei, Makakilo, Royal Kunia and Kalaeloa.  In addition, she is an attorney with the law firm of Bays Deaver Lung Rose & Holma in Honolulu specializing in real estate, land use and construction litigation.  Prior to working at Bays Deaver, Representative Har served as an aide and advisor to Lt. Governor Mazie Hirono.  From 1999 to 2002, she assisted the Lt. Governor on issues regarding education, transportation and high-technology.  Representative Har has also committed numerous years of service to various community organizations including the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, Aloha United Way, the Hawaii Blood Bank and the Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce.