This leadership summit aims to inspire Pacific Islander youth in Utah.
The PolyStrong Foundation is on a mission to unite, educate, and inspire Utah’s Pacific Islander populations. Each year, they host an annual summit aimed at empowering the next generation of Polynesian youth.
Executive Director Kali Takau shared details about the foundation’s impactful work.
Building a Vision for the Future
The foundation’s mission is to uplift and empower Pacific Islander youth by providing them with a new vision of who they can become. Kali explained, “We want to give them the tools to empower them to chase their dreams.” This focus on youth development is crucial for fostering a sense of possibility and ambition within the community.
The PolyStrong Leadership Summit
One of the foundation’s key events is the PolyStrong Leadership Summit, held annually at the University of Utah. This year, it will take place on March 13 and 14. The summit brings together Polynesian industry professionals from various fields, including law, art, education, and architecture. These professionals share their success stories and provide inspiration to the youth attendees.
Impact of the Leadership Summit
The summit has a significant impact on the students who attend. Many students come without a clear plan for their future, but the summit exposes them to various career paths and opportunities. Kali noted, “A lot of our presenters come from the same backgrounds and cultural places that these kids are coming from. These kids are able to see themselves in our presenters and presentations.”
Honoring Polynesian Excellence at the Gala
In addition to the summit, the foundation hosts a gala to honor outstanding Polynesian individuals. This year’s honorees include Duke Kahanamoku and David Derrick, director of Moana 2. The gala celebrates the achievements of these individuals and provides an opportunity for the community to come together and recognize their contributions.
Getting Involved
The PolyStrong Foundation welcomes involvement from students, businesses, and community members. Kali encourages those interested to visit their website for more information. “If you are a student who wishes to attend, please go visit our website. Shoot us an email. We’d love to have you registered,” she said.
Get more information at polystrong.org.
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