What Makes You Feel Beautiful

Our primary goal at What Makes You Feel Beautiful is to empower young women to break through societal and economic barriers, creating opportunities for them to thrive academically, emotionally, and financially. Specifically, through the MAUI GEMS program, we aim to:

Provide mentorship and leadership training to girls aged 13–19, equipping them with tools for self-confidence, financial literacy, and career readiness.
Reduce the high rates of teenage pregnancy and poverty by focusing on education, support systems, and creating a strong sense of community among participants.
Increase access to mental health resources and provide mental health first-aid training to ensure emotional well-being.

Expand outreach to more at-risk young women across Maui, offering workshops, internships, and other supportive programming that fosters personal growth and economic stability.
These goals align with our broader mission to help young women live their fullest potential and to contribute positively to their families and communities.

Our strategies are rooted in empowering young women by providing the tools and resources necessary for them to overcome social, economic, and emotional barriers, thereby enabling them to achieve their full potential.

Holistic Education and Mentorship: Through the MAUI GEMS program, we provide ongoing mentorship, leadership training, and financial literacy education. This comprehensive approach equips young women with the knowledge and confidence to break cycles of poverty and achieve economic independence.

Access to Mental Health Resources: We prioritize emotional well-being by offering mental health first-aid training and workshops that address self-critical thoughts, anxiety, and other challenges faced by young women. This helps them build resilience and ensures they have the support needed for their mental and emotional health.

Partnerships with Local Organizations: We collaborate with local businesses, schools, and community organizations to expand our reach and provide opportunities for employment and internships. By fostering strong community ties, we ensure that our program participants have the tools and networks to succeed professionally.

Focus on Leadership Development: We place an emphasis on leadership and advocacy skills by offering public speaking workshops, leadership training, and opportunities to develop projects within their community. This empowers young women to step into leadership roles and advocate for themselves and their peers.

Inclusive and Accessible Programming: Our programming is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that girls from underserved communities, particularly Native Hawaiian and Asian girls, have equal access to resources and opportunities. By creating culturally relevant and accessible programs, we aim to reduce inequalities and offer a safe, supportive environment.

These strategies collectively support our goal of helping young women overcome obstacles and achieve personal and professional success.

What Makes You Feel Beautiful is well-equipped to meet its goals through a combination of experienced leadership, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to the well-being and empowerment of young women.

Experienced Leadership and Team: Our team includes certified mental health first responders, youth bullying and suicide prevention trainers, and mentors with over 15 years of experience, providing expert guidance to young women.

Comprehensive Program Design: The MAUI GEMS program offers mentorship, leadership training, and financial literacy education, creating a well-rounded approach to address the academic, emotional, and financial needs of young women.

Strong Community Partnerships: We collaborate with local businesses and organizations like Luna Center, Ho'aka Mana, and Mental Health America, Hawaii, to provide resources, internships, and employment opportunities, ensuring broad community support.

Mental Health Support: We prioritize emotional well-being through mental health first-aid training and workshops. This ensures that participants have access to mental health resources and are supported in building resilience.

Financial Sustainability: Through successful fundraising, grants, and donor support, we have secured financial resources to maintain and expand our programs. Recent grants from organizations like the JD Finish Line Foundation demonstrate our capacity to secure sustainable funding.

Cultural Competence and Inclusion: Our programs are designed to be inclusive and culturally relevant, particularly for Native Hawaiian and Asian girls from underserved communities. This ensures that our services meet the specific needs of those we serve.

Volunteer and Mentorship Network: Our strong network of volunteers and mentors, including community leaders and professionals, allows us to provide meaningful mentorship and support to each program participant.

Infrastructure and Program Expansion: We have the infrastructure to host workshops and events, supported by partnerships with venues like Unity on Maui. We also offer virtual programming, allowing us to reach a broader audience.

Adaptability and Continuous Improvement: We regularly evaluate and adapt our programs to stay responsive to the changing needs of our participants. This commitment ensures the long-term success of our initiatives.

MAUI GEMS Program Success: We've successfully launched the MAUI GEMS program, providing mentorship, leadership training, and financial literacy education to girls aged 13–19. Our first cohort has completed internships, received stipends, and developed valuable skills for their future.

Community Partnerships: We’ve established strong partnerships with local organizations such as Soul Dope LLC, Unity on Maui, the Luna Center, Ho'aka Mana, and Mental Health America, Hawaii. These partnerships have enhanced our ability to offer comprehensive support, including mental health workshops, internship placements, and employment opportunities for participants.

Grant Funding: We've secured significant funding, including a $10,000 grant from the JD Finish Line Foundation, and additional support from 4Imprint ($500), Charity Walk Maui ($250), Schwab Charitable Gifts ($2,000), and Morgan Stanley ($1,000). This funding has allowed us to expand the MAUI GEMS program and provide resources critical to the success of the young women we serve.

Mental Health Resources: We’ve trained our mentors and staff in mental health first aid, offering workshops that address self-critical thoughts, anxiety, and other emotional challenges, fostering resilience and mental well-being among participants.

Successful Events: We've hosted multiple community events and workshops, including leadership workshops, movie nights featuring local leaders, and career development sessions, further strengthening community ties and providing participants with enriching experiences.

What’s Next:
Program Expansion: Our next goal is to expand the MAUI GEMS program to reach more girls in underserved communities. This includes launching a new cohort, increasing the number of mentorship pairs, and enhancing internship opportunities.

Enhanced Partnerships: We aim to deepen existing partnerships with Soul Dope LLC, Unity on Maui, and other local businesses and organizations, to provide more resources, employment, and educational opportunities for young women.

Sustainable Funding: We will continue applying for grants and building relationships with donors to ensure the long-term sustainability of our programs and support for the girls we serve.

Leadership and Advocacy: We plan to launch new workshops focused on public speaking, leadership, and self-advocacy, further equipping young women to lead in their communities and advocate for themselves.

Increased Outreach: Our strategy includes broadening outreach through virtual programming, enabling us to reach more participants and offer flexibility in accessing our programs.