LIHUE — Dozens of high school girls connected with women making waves on Kauai and across the state Thursday.
The Girls’ Summit attracted students from Kauai, Kapaa and Waimea High schools, where they shared moments with mentors and participated in leadership activities.
Tavia Rapozo, a senior at Kauai High, says she wants to become an architect. She was encouraged by spending one-on-one time with mentors like Kaulana Finn, Kauai liaison for U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
“They talked about looking for adventure,” Rapozo said. “I should strive to do that more.”
Leslie Uri, a senior at Waimea High School, came away inspired.
“They said even though we’re all busy, there has to be a balance and you have to take time for yourself, being with friends, taking care of yourself,” Uri said. “Life is a maze. You have to be open and enjoy everything, even the dead ends.”
Other mentors included Myrvie Buster, marketing coordinator at Garden Island Federal Credit Union; Cassady Sirois Kruse, real estate agent for Elite Pacific Properties; and Julie Simonton, vice president of Pacific Concrete Cutting and Coring.
Workshops focused on things like analyzing strengths and weaknesses, defining goals and finances.
“These girls are getting a chance to connect with successful women in their community,” said Colleen McAluney, director of the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business &Leadership, the organization that put on the conference.
McAluney said a highlight was watching the girls interact with mentors. Students were able to ask questions about their journey to success and talk about hardships and blessings along the way.
“It gives the girls the info they need at this age,” McAluney said.
The Girls’ Summit is in its fifth year in the state. Thursday’s Girls’ Summit was the second on Kauai.
Mikaela Corpuz, a junior at Kauai High, is considering a career in accounting or the visual arts.
The summit, she said, was helpful.
“My first workshop was about engineering, and I learned to pay attention to those minor details better,” Corpuz said. “Sometimes I skate over them.”
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Jessica Else, staff writer, can be reached at 245-0452 or jelse@thegardenisland.com.
