East Hawaii Clerical Assistant – Gena Avilla
Gena is delighted to join the Aloha Independent Living Hawaii staff after experiencing IL services as a consumer. She was first introduced to AILH while seeking assistance with accommodations for her guide dog. Additionally, the staff at AILH in Hilo helped her navigate through her housing needs and referred her to programs and services to assist with her family. Gena is forever grateful to the staff of AILH for extending themselves well beyond the services she was initially seeking. They helped her recognize and achieve her goals while providing emotional support and genuine friendship.
Gena has received certifications and training in Business Communications from Hadley School, Business Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Management from LinkedIn, and Basic Office Technology from Kapiolani Community College. She also received a Braille Certificate from Hadley School as well as Life Skills Training from Ho`opono. Gena has extensive experience in retail and office management. She also serves as a volunteer for the Rotary Club, Easter Seals, Father’s House Hilo, and Connections Charter School.
Gena is a Hilo resident and mother of three. She was born with low vision, later diagnosed with myopic degeneration, and deemed legally blind. She attended the New Visions Center in Honolulu through Ho`opono. She gained mobility skills, became a cane user, and is now the proud owner of her loving guide dog, Leanna.
