Strength + Beauty: The Empowerment of Young Polynesian Women

In recognition of Asian/Pacific Islander Month the Polynesian College Council is sponsoring "Strength + Beauty: The Empowerment of Young Polynesian Women" this Saturday, May 31 from 12-2 p.m. in the Student Union Den.

This project is based on recognizing our past with our future for achievements in education and culture. Our goals for this event are to educate the community and all young Polynesian women through culture and to emphasize the beauty of the Polynesian spirit.

The program was conceived by UA scholar Elisiva Maka. She conducted research to gather photos, history, poems and other information on the history of Pacific Islander women. The primary focus of her research was on women from each of the islands who were queens who reigned under a king's authority.

This project is of great importance to the young women from the community who struggle with a new found identity and role in U.S. culture and to encourage and empower Pacific Islander women to complete their education and become leaders in our community.