Justina Wood, Manager – Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables (photo by Susan Chouinard)
Paniolo Preservation Society is delighted to welcome Ms. Justina Wood to the family, as our new Manager of the Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables.
Justina grew up working with her family on Schuman Carriage Ranch in Pa‘auilo. She recently returned home after eight years in California, Oregon and Texas, where she followed her own path—going to college, coaching high school track, working in retail, and exploring her passion for sports, marketing, and fashion.
But she missed the small town feeling and her close-knit family. “I did the city life; it made me appreciate what we have here,” she says. “I literally traded my stilettos for cowboy boots.”
“The opportunity to work for PPS was perfect timing,” she continues. “I always knew I wanted to come back and be involved in agriculture; it’s very important for me to give back to the community that raised me. When I moved back home this summer, I actually had the chance to ride in the Paniolo Parade with both of my parents,” Justina says. Her mom is veterinarian Dr. Lisa Wood, who’s also track coach at Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA); and dad, Keoki Wood, is Livestock Operations Manager with Parker Ranch.
A disciplined athlete with a solid paniolo pedigree, Justina brings a wealth of experience in coaching and teamwork into her new position, along with a degree in Communications from University of Hawai’i—Hilo, business studies from University of Portland, and quality retail experience. She looks forward to helping PPS continue its mission.
“I am really excited to help reconnect Pukalani with the community, preserving the tradition of the paniolo, carrying it on and passing it to the keiki,” she says. “Please come by and say hello. I want to hear everyone’s stories, and fill Pukalani with memories and warmth.”
