Members of the Hawaii State Senate today honored Mele Spencer of Hilo on the floor of the Senate chamber. Spencer was recently elected to a two-year term as Governor of Zonta International, presiding over District 9, which covers the states of Hawai‘i, California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Spencer is only the second District 9 Governor from Hawai‘i in Zonta’s history.
Spencer currently owns and operates J&M Farms with her husband and is involved in a number of community organizations including the Hawai‘i County Committee on the Status of Women, the American Heart Association, the Hawai‘i Island Adult Care Group, the Hui Mana Group, and the Keaukaha-Panaewa Farmers Association.
Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. The first Zonta Club in Hawai‘i was chartered in 1924, followed shortly by the Zonta Club of Hilo. District 9 represents approximately 500 members of 25 clubs within the district.
Photo (L-R): Tonya Ozone, Pres. Zonta Club of Hilo, Nani Mahoe, sister of Mele Spencer, Lynn Masumoto, Leilehua Club member, Maile Lu‘uwai, Hilo Zonta member, Mele Spencer, Linda Weiland, current Area 1 Dir., Dee Sawyer, Pres. of the Leilehua Club, Barbara Hastings, former Zonta Pres. and former Area 1 Dir.