Founder & CEO
Joni B. Redick-Yundt
“Believe & Achieve. Positive Attitude + Positive Action = Positive Result.”
Biography
Joni B. Redick-Yundt is the Founder & CEO of FAMES Hawaii, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to mentoring, educating, motivating, and developing leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. For over two decades, she has built FAMES Hawaii into a transformative force that uplifts individuals regardless of ethnicity, financial means, or background — because she firmly believes that “When anyone succeeds, we all succeed.”
The heart behind the mission
People often ask Joni how FAMES Hawaii began. The truth is simple: service changed her life, and she wanted to give that gift to others.
Before founding FAMES Hawaii, Joni spent years volunteering with numerous nonprofits — continuing today with Make-A-Wish Foundation, domestic violence organizations, and Hoʻola Nā Pua/Pearl Haven for human trafficking youth ages 11–17. She discovered the profound reward of lifting others, and witnessed how a single act of kindness could restore hope.
Because of the work she does in the community, people constantly sought her out for mentorship, guidance, business resources, confidence-building, personal development, and professional connections. She loved helping — often hosting networking events, business gatherings, and galas — but she felt called to something greater.
Even though she was discouraged, criticized, and told that FAMES Hawaii “wouldn’t last,” she pressed forward with faith, passion, and purpose. FAMES Hawaii has provided over $600,000 in scholarships and empowered countless individuals through leadership workshops, mentorship, and community programs.
From humble beginnings to global impact
Joni’s journey began in the rice fields of the Philippines. Growing up without running water or electricity, she remembers talking to the scarecrow, sharing her hopes and dreams with the sky as her witness. She dreamed of a future where she could flip a switch and see light, where she wouldn’t have to walk miles into the forest to gather firewood for cooking.
At 14, her family migrated to Hawai‘i. She spoke little English, was bullied, and struggled to adjust — but she persevered, focusing on her studies and graduating with honors from Aiea High School at 16 years old, skipping the 11th grade.
Her early journey built the resilience, compassion, and unstoppable attitude that would later define her leadership.
A trailblazer in business & leadership
After nearly 20 years in nursing, Joni transitioned into entrepreneurship. As a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, she broke Hawai‘i’s record as the fastest to become Top Sales Director.
A heartbreaking family experience pushed her into the financial industry, where she earned honors including Rookie of the Year, Million Dollar Round Table, Leaders Club, Centurion Club, and the Presidential Citation for outstanding field management.
She went on to build the Million Dollar Chapter of BNI, becoming Hawai‘i’s fastest record-breaking chapter and one of the top five international chapters among 5,000 chapters in 37 countries.
Joni has received extensive recognition for her leadership, philanthropy, and community work. Her honors include Top 20 Outstanding Filipino Abroad, Pacific Business News Volunteer Woman of the Year, US SBA Business Champion of the Year, US SBA Business Woman Advocate of the Year, Empowered Woman of the Year by IAOTP, Remarkable Woman of Hawai‘i by KHON2, and other national and international recognition.
She is also an author, speaker, designer, producer, entrepreneur and former executive TV producer and host of The Joni Show.