Margaret Almada Collins: Fiercely Committed to Empowering Women

YWCA’s all-volunteer board is currently led by Margaret Almada Collins. She is a fierce advocate for women.

She spent much of her nearly 45-year career working in job training programs for low-income families and in women’s issues. Notably, she was a Job Developer for Goodwill Industries Hilo’s Return to Work program for women; she was also executive director of the CA Commission on the Status of Women.

Margaret first became involved with YWCA of Hawaii Island in 2016. Twice widowed with no children, and having just retired as head of HR for the County of Hawaii Department of Environmental Management, she began thinking about her legacy. She knew she wanted to direct her planned giving to an organization dedicated to empowering women. As one of the only such organizations on Hawaii Island, YWCA was her first choice.

She became so inspired by YWCA and its work ensuring a healthy start for babies, providing childcare and early education for keiki, and caring for victims of sexual assault that she joined the board in 2020, and became president in 2022.

It’s an historic time for the 100+ year-old institution, planning for the next century of service to Hawaii Island. Under Margaret’s leadership, the board is supporting an ambitious capital campaign that will ensure the highest and best use of YWCA’s fully-owned campus in downtown Hilo. Plans call for a new preschool facility, an updated multi-purpose building and even a safe housing complex for vulnerable women. 

Margaret, mahalo for your fearless leadership!

PS: If you would like to designate YWCA of Hawaii Island as a beneficiary in your estate plan, contact Kathleen McGilvray at kmcgilvray@ywcahawaiiisland.org, or call (808) 930-5760. You can also donate to us anytime by clicking here. Mahalo for your support!