Shirley De Rego
President
Shirley’s life is her message. She is the mother of Alex and Duke De Rego and started the foundation in 2011 as a way to honor their lives. By sharing her story and providing lifesaving knowledge and education to young people in Hawaii, she aims to prevent future tragedies. Her intention in all that she does is to share the love of her sons and carry a powerful spirit of hope to others.
Shirley’s deep commitment to service extends into her professional life. For the last 25 years, she has specialized in home loans for Native Hawaiian Beneficiaries of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. She currently serves as the Business Development Manager at V.I.P. Mortgage INC. She is passionate about financial education and helping her community as a native Hawaiian. She was awarded the Top Mortgage Professional in Hawaii by Honolulu Magazine in 2016 and VIP Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women for 2017 – 2018.
Shirley is the Founder of Ho’omau Mana’olana Ministry, a fellowship with a focus on helping women. In addition to walking through great loss, Shirley fought and beat cancer in 2009. Through her ministry, Shirley seeks to inspire other women to channel adversity into a life purpose.
Shirley grew up on the island of Oahu and moved to Waimea in 1982, where her mother’s side of the family has roots. In her free time, she enjoys paddling as a member of the Kawaihae Canoe Club and spending time with her grandchildren. She is grateful for the passion and commitment of her board members to the Alex and Duke De Rego Foundation’s mission.