Governor of Guam Honorable Lourdes Leon Guerrero with the Young Pacific Leaders taking part in the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs conference, in Guam.
By Michelle Curran
Strategic Communications, Pasifika TV
Governor of Guam Honorable Lourdes Leon Guerrero has paid tribute to “the dreamers, believers, and disruptors” at the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) launch in Mangilao, Guåhan.
The Governor, who is also the Founding President of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, left the 25 Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) gathered for the Dreams Become Reality Conference feeling inspired and excited about prosperous futures for their families and wider communities.
Hosted by Guam Community College, the YPL participants will spend the next four days hearing from expert speakers, taking part in workshops and networking sessions, and touring businesses in the United States territory.
The YPL journey continues until October, with online training via Arizona State University and GCC, supplemented with local speakers, networking opportunities and skill-building activities that support women as they develop their businesses.
Ensure you have your vision and purpose
Visibly inspiring the YPL with her shared career experiences, Governor Guerrero spoke about starting out as a registered nurse, to become the President and CEO of the Bank of Guam, a senator, and the first female Governor of Guam.
She says having a vision and purpose is essential to make your dream a reality.
“Don’t fall in love with power, but fall in love with purpose,” Governor Guerrero says.
“When I entered politics, I was focused on creating a safer island, with more jobs, and building projects for our future generations which benefitted them.
“You do not need to be elected to lead – you can lead from where you are.
“By advocating for women in business, you are helping to shape policy… and policy is the bridge between our dreams and reality.”
Hailing from Niue, YPL AWE participant Alana Fiafia Richmond-Rex says she resonates with the Governor’s insights, and the Pacific needs more of the type of leader she exemplifies.
“She is powerful, very influential and underutilised…we need more champions of women like the Governor, who is self-made and willing to share her experiences to uplift other women,” the owner of Eco Niue says.
“Other parts of the Pacific can learn from Micronesia, who boasts the first female Governor of Guam, and the President of the Marshall Islands, Her Excellency Dr Hilda Heine.”
Rising to the challenge
Meanwhile, President of GCC and founding member of Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce Dr Mary Okada is delighted to host the AWE conference and YPL participants.
She says Guam has many great businesses and services to showcase, as a result of increased advocacy and support over the past decade since the Guam Women’s Chamber was established.
“Women often rise to the challenge and help uplift others, while also learning from each other,” Dr Okada says.
My advice to this group of YPL is to create your network so you can bounce ideas around.
“Always lean on another person and build a circle of friends you can talk to…remember to take their advice constructively – it is not meant to degrade you or your business, but to strengthen it.”
Valuing Pacific partnerships
United States Pacific Regional Engagement Specialist Mara Hosoda Su’a says the US Government deeply values the Pacific region and its partners and the YPL program aims to strengthen leadership development and networking in the Pacific.
“The United States sees worth in building resilient communities and economies, which in turn builds countries that do not rely on aid or handouts, and who can stand on their own two feet.
“It is through programs like AWE, focussed on economic development, which can strengthen women’s families, their communities and their country’s economy – it benefits many people and not just individuals.”
Visit the Young Pacific Leaders website for more details on the US Department of State initiative.
