Bennette E. Misalucha brings more than 30 years of business and community experience in her role as Executive Director of the State Workforce Development Council, the planning and policy advisor to the Governor on workforce issues. A former State Senator, she represented Pearl City, Aiea, Pearl Harbor, and lower Halawa, and was the Vice Chair for Energy, Economic Development and Tourism while sitting on the Ways and Means Committee, Human Services Committee and Water and Land Committee. Bennette was the co-convenor of the historic first joint Filipino caucus at the State Legislature. Prior to entering public service, Bennette was a respected community leader in Hawai`i who had held key executive positions in banking, marketing, public policy, and community outreach sectors, often pioneering roles for women and minorities which have brought her awards and recognition.  These include the “Woman of Distinction” by the Girl Scouts of Hawaii, the United Filipino Community Council “Progress Awards in Banking and Finance”, the “State Mother of the Year” by American Mothers Inc. and one of top “Ten Women Volunteers in Hawai‘i “ by Pacific Business News. In 2022, Bennette was honored with the Presidential Banaag  Medal, the highest accolade bestowed by the Philippine Government on individuals of Filipino descent living abroad.