Lorna Tagorda named Employee of the Month

Lorna Tagorda began as a Maui Economic Opportunity senior employment program client, worked her way into a senior club specialist position and last month was named Employee of the Month.

“Someone who does not seek the limelight and shies away from any attention,” said her nominator, Jan Cerizo. “Nevertheless, she gets her job done, and she does it effectively.”

Lorna joined MEO in April 2018 as a client in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which was established by the federal Older American Act for income eligible seniors, 55 years or older, who are unemployed. Priority is given to veterans and qualified spouses and persons with disabilities, limited literacy and English language proficiency and at-risk for homelessness or homeless.

Participants work an average of 20 hours a week and are paid the state minimum wage. Program training and work experience serve as a bridge to a regular paying job.

Lorna was hired by MEO in July 2021 as a senior club specialist, working under Maui Planning & Coordinating Council Coordinator Zilpah Kaimiola. She supports kupuna and their clubs and activities.

“She should be acknowledged for the quiet contributions she makes to better the lives of the people she helps and for her efforts to make our community a better place to live,” said Jan.

For being named Employee of the Month for November, Lorna earned a $150 check and an extra vacation day. She was honored at MEO’s General Staff meeting Dec. 16. Jan received $50 as the nominator.

Lorna Tagorda, who began at Maui Economic Opportunity as a client, was named Employee of the Month at a general staff meeting last month.

MEO CEO Debbie Cabebe presents the Employee of the Month certificate to Lorna Tagorda last month.