Business, finance, well-being and communication focus of women’s leadership summit

KAILUA-KONA — The Hawaii Island Women’s Leadership Summit isn’t just about empowering women in the community. It’s about forging a sisterhood that perpetuates women in leadership roles and achieving their goals.

“Even though we go our different ways, we don’t stand alone,” said Christine Hijirida, the summit’s co-chairwoman. “They can call upon that strength.”

In its third year, the summit will take place Oct. 19 at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay. This year’s theme is “Courage to Dream: Rise to the Challenge.” Jackie Young, commission chair of the Judicial Selection Commission for the state Judiciary, is slated as the keynote speaker.

The women’s summit is about bringing women together and focusing on leadership and different community issues, said Hijirida.

There are breakout discussions that also address business, finance, well-being and communication.

“We always have those five basic components,” she said. “We try to address the whole person.”

Young said she plans to speak about gender equity.

“I have a strong belief that gender violence in the home and workplace is a huge inhibitor,” she said. “By reducing that women will be freer to make life choices.”

Young thought the topics scheduled for discussion were great.

“Recently I haven’t seen a summit that includes money, which is really important,” she said, adding financial discussions between spouses can be a contentious subject.

Young said gender equity couldn’t be reached until women feel safe at home and in the workplace.

“No one else is going to speak up for them,” she said. “They have to find their own voice.”

Young got married when she was 20 years old. With the support of her family, she decided to finish her college education after having four children.

For years, Young has been an advocate relating to gender equity, discrimination, health and safety.

Young holds a Ph.D. in women’s studies and communication. She was the former chief staff officer for the American Cancer Society, and also the first woman to hold the position of vice speaker for the state House of Representatives.

The idea for the summit was formed when a group of women got together in 2014 and recognized a need for like-minded women in business and leadership roles to meet. The summit’s mission is to empower and advance women on Hawaii Island through knowledge, strength and community. The Hawaii Island Women’s Leadership Summit is their cornerstone event.

“We hoped that it was something that women would gravitate to,” Hijirida said of the summit.

Three hundred women attended the first summit. Hijirida expects the same number to be in attendance this year.

“It’s a time for them to reflect and focus on themselves and their well-being,” Hijirida said of the women attending the summit. “To stand in the support of women and other attendees like them — be of one spirit and one mind for the day.”

To perpetuate the summit’s ideals, Hijirida said, women need to continue carving that path to lead the way.

“We know we have to keep forging ahead to keep laying down the stepping stones for more women to follow,” she said.

Cost to attend the summit is $110 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at http://bit.ly/HIWLFRegister or the day of the event.

A list of the workshops can be found online at http://bit.ly/HIWLFworkshop. Vender table information can be found at http://bit.ly/HIWLFvendor.

For more information, including volunteer opportunities, contact Brooke Derby and Christine Hijirida, 2018 Summit chairs, by email to hawaiiislandwlf@gmail.com. Follow HIWLF on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hiwlf or on Twitter @HIWLF for future announcements about the summit.