How have you helped improve organizations you’ve been a part of? 

Developed and led successful employee engagement initiatives that made an impact on improved culture scores, employee hiring and retention.

What motivates you? 

Knowing I can make a difference, using my strengths and coaching/mentoring for impact.

Is there a memory or experience from your formative years that continues to influence your approach to life? 

Being placed in a position of leadership at 6 years old – my parents relied on me to help in a significant way with my seven siblings and other household duties. This opportunity helped me to prove accountability, leadership and being a role model. I also knew how much it helped our family and I took pride in that. 

What piece of advice would you give to others who hope to make a difference in their communities?

Do what is in your heart, understand and celebrate the impact you are making. Bring in others – especially your family – to share in the joy.

What is a favorite book, show, movie, podcast, etc., that you’d encourage others to consume? 

Brene Brown podcasts “Unlocking Us” and “Dare to Lead.”

How do you try to find balance and joy in the many activities you take part in? 

Ensure that I don’t overcommit yet do the things that will provide the most impact.

What is one of your guilty pleasures? 

Salt and vinegar potato chips or Spam Musubi! 

What’s something many people don’t know about you? 

I dance hula.

Anything else you want to add about yourself? 

First in my family on both sides (mom and dad) to graduate from college.

What do you consider the greatest barrier to gender equity? 

Lack of intentionality.

Who is an empowering woman that you look up to? 

There are so many, yet if I can pick only one, it would be my mom. She always advocated for me to be at the table alongside the boys – she, along with my dad, started a coed softball league when I was a kid so that I could get the chance to play competitively – there were no female leagues. We did not have gender specific roles in our house – we all took turns doing dishes and mowing the lawn – boys and girls. My mom (and dad) taught us about community, giving back and doing for others. She always spoke up in the face of bad behavior even when it wasn’t the popular thing to do. It was her example that inspired me to be my best.

What will it take for women to achieve gender parity in leadership positions? 

Men championing it.

What support would be most helpful for business leaders to provide for their women and nonbinary employees? 

The same opportunity as male counterparts – ensuring women are in consideration for every leadership role. Valuing contributions as any male would receive.

Fill in the blank: If gender equity were achieved, the world would look like ________.

It would no longer be a topic of conversation because it would be the norm.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Upper Iowa University, master’s degree in leadership from Bellevue University

Hometown: Kaneohe, Hawaii

Family: Husband, Tony; daughters Leilani and Brooke; parents Cliff and Sally Berinobis

Hobbies: Community involvement, biking, boating, Iowa women’s basketball, watching Caitlin Clark and spending time with my family, especially our grand loves

Words to live by: Live the spirit of aloha. (This means to be respectful, empathetic, kind, grateful, positive and loving for others and nature.)

Three notable accomplishments:

• The privilege of leading corporate social responsibility for Athene and working on projects that drive meaningful impact in our community like the United Way, Athene North Shore, Athene Pedestrian Bridge, Athene volunteer program for Habitat for Humanity, a learning lab at Urban Dreams and a therapy gym for ChildServe.  
• Created and executed a nationally recognized organizational diversity, equity and inclusion strategy that resulted in a 93% average positive employee inclusion engagement five years running.
• As the Iowa Asian Alliance Board of Directors chair, led the organization to double its financial strength and hired Nu Huynh, the most successful executive director in the organization’s history. 

Watch Rona’s remarks

See all past Women of Influence honorees