Hirono Encourages Continued Commitment to Supporting Mentorship & Entrepreneurship Programs

HONOLULU – Senator Mazie K. Hirono encouraged organizers and program leaders of the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership (MCBL) Girls’ Summit to continue their work empowering young women to pursue leadership roles. Each year, the Girls’ Summit connects over 300 high school students with mentors, and holds workshops exploring a number of career fields, encouraging advocacy, and teaching the importance of personal financial management.

“We all have to do more to continue the progress we’ve made to ensure that every young woman has the opportunity to pursue the career of her choice,” Senator Hirono said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership to empower young women and address factors that limit the progression of women and other underrepresented groups.”

“The Girls’ Summit contributes to the betterment of the community by empowering the next generation of women leaders with confidence and leadership skills to serve Hawaii and beyond,” Terri Funakoshi, Director of the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership said.

In June, Senator Hirono reintroduced the Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. Slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act, legislation to provide additional resources for schools, school districts, states, and institutions of higher education to fully implement the Patsy Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, commonly referred to as Title IX.