Iwamoto was recognized as a Champion of Change by President Barack Obama in 2013[4] and in 2018, Newsweek listed her as one of fifty need-to-know pioneers for LGBTQ rights.

[5] In September 2024, Iwamoto and nine others were arrested and cited for alleged obstruction at a protest at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children during a management lockout of unionized nurses.

Her mother went into labor at a private party hosted by Grace Guslander to celebrate the expansion of her Coco Palms Resort, and Iwamoto was then born the next day.

Iwamoto's father began working for the family business in high school as a car washer, and their collective efforts became known as Roberts Hawaii.

Shortly after finishing her undergraduate degree, Iwamoto moved back to New York City, where she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Using her own life experience as a transgender woman, she spent time volunteering at a local community center, helping youth develop leadership skills.

[8] Her foster children would ask her to testify to the Hawaii Board of Education to share their experiences of being bullied and harassed as out trans and gay teenagers.

Her volunteer work includes serving on the board of directors for both Kūlia Nā Mamo and Hawaiʻi People's Fund.

[14] She was endorsed by the Sierra Club of Hawaii,[15] Victory Fund,[16] Maui Time Weekly,[17] Our Revolution Oʻahu Chapter,[18] Unite Here!

"[28] In 2021, Iwamoto joined with local advocates known as the Wai Ola alliance as a plaintiff in a suit against the United States Navy to stop its plan to double line its underground fuel tanks at Red Hill.

[29] In September 2024, Iwamoto and nine others were arrested and cited for alleged obstruction at a protest at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children during a management lockout of unionized nurses.