Joni B. Redick-Yundt

🌺 Founder & CEO Bio – Joni B. Redick-Yundt

Joni B. Redick-Yundt is the Founder & CEO of FAMES Hawaii, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization 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 Ho'ola 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. Today, FAMES Hawaii recently celebrated its 21st Annual Scholarship & Fundraising Gala (Oct 25, 2025) and awarded another $14,000 in scholarships, recognizing influential business and community leaders who make Hawaii stronger.

What began as a vision has now provided over $600,000 in scholarships and empowered countless individuals through leadership workshops, mentorship, and community programs. She's grateful & blessed with a few of her friends, officers, directors & executive advisors who stood by her & believe in her vision as well as business & community leaders who supported & donated to FAMES Hawaii financially.

🌺 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 Hawaii. 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

From nearly 20 years in nursing, Joni transitioned into entrepreneurship. As a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, she broke Hawaii's record as the fastest to become Top Sales Director—achieving in one month what usually takes 4–6 months, earning several red and pink cars and discovering her confidence.

A heartbreaking family experience pushed her into the financial industry, where she excelled immediately—earning 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 Hawaii's fastest record-breaking chapter and one of the top five international chapters among 5,000 chapters in 37 countries.

🏆 Worldwide Recognition

Joni has been recognized globally for her leadership, philanthropy, and community work, including: • Featured in FORBES Magazine, Who's Who of Millennium Magazine, National Digest, Top Industry Professionals, Hawaii Business Magazine, Pacific Business News (PBN), Pacific Edge Magazine, Midweek Cover, United Hemisphere Magazine and Fil Am Newspaper, also featured on different televisions. • Top 20 Outstanding Filipino Abroad (TOFA), recognized in Washington DC • Volunteer Woman of the Year – Pacific Business News • US SBA Business Champion of the Year • US SBA Business Woman Advocate of the Year • Featured on Times Square Billboard, Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Billboard, and Nasdaq Billboard NYC • Empowered Woman of the Year by International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) • Who's Who in America & Who's Who of American Women • Remarkable Woman of Hawaii – KHON2 • Honored as a Top Influential Business & Community Leader, Plaza Hotel, NYC • Hall of FAME & Fearless Leader, Plaza Hotel NYC

🎓 FAMES Hawaii – Impact & Legacy

For over 20 years, FAMES Hawaii has: • Provided over $600,000 in scholarships • Hosted 21 Annual Scholarship & Fundraising Galas • Celebrated 20 Annual FREE Business & Leadership Workshops • Partnered with DECA, a global organization for High Schools & Colleges… inspiring students through mentorship and scholarships • Uplifted entrepreneurs & leaders across Hawaii through community events and networking

Her favorite message to youth and adults alike: "Believe & Achieve. Positive Attitude + Positive Action = Positive Result."

📚 Author • Speaker • Designer • Producer

Joni is a multi-passionate creator:

Books • Million Dollar Attitude – International best-selling book • It's All About Attitude… Still Sexy at Sixty & Beyond • Who Stole My Attitude? Positive vs Negative (coming soon) • Co-Authored other 2 Best Selling books

Fashion & Design • International luxury handbag designer, handcrafted in Italy • Launched signature fine-jewelry collection with Kolohe/Rose Wong www.thejonicollection.com

Media & Entrepreneurship • Executive TV Producer & Host of The Joni Show for over 10 years • Former owner of Joni's Paradise Limousine Service • Former Co-owner of Surfvivor Sunscreen • Owner & Executive Director of Miss Paradise Hawaii, Miss Oahu & Miss Waikiki Scholarship Pageant • Mrs. Hawaii United States 2002

💗 A Survivor with a Purpose

Joni is also a cancer survivor who chose to decline chemotherapy. With unwavering faith, a healthy lifestyle, and the love and support of her husband Thomas, she has been in remission for 14 years. Her life is a testament to courage, faith, and the power of attitude.

🌈 Faith, Family & Gratitude

Joni is happily married to Thomas C. Yundt, an International Senior Aviation Engineer. She is blessed with two children—Jason (master in psychology)and Jessica (business owner of her Spa in Colorado) and three grandchildren: Olive, Luna & Legend.

Her life motto remains: "With God's blessings, anything is possible with the right mindset."