There’s an empowering and exciting event this upcoming Friday at the Guam Museum, just in time for International Women’s Month. University of Guam students are collaborating with the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce to bring you “LeadHER”. 

The UOG Soroptimist Sigma Society is collaborating with the GWCC for their first annual LeadHER event.  Keana Ardiente is the president of the student organization, and told KUAM News, "We found a real need to create a space for young women and women in our community just to connect, learn from each other and celebrate each other’s achievements."

It’s the perfect alignment for Rachel Davis, the Women's Chamber's executive director. She said, "We provide different opportunities and advancements for businesses and professionals on Guam. With the UOG Soroptimist Sigma and the women coming up and rising in our society, I think it was the perfect alignment."

It’s expected to be an empowering and exciting evening featuring panel discussions, women-owned businesses, food trucks and entertainment.  The collaboration comes at the best time with it being Women’s Month. 

"LeadHER is just this event that seeks to empower women and seeks more connection and celebrate each other," Ardiente said.

There will be an inspiring panelist of women leaders in their respective fields to include Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, UOG president Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, GCC president Dr. Mary Okada, Docomo Pacific president/CEO Christine Baleto and M80 president Jessica Leon Guerrero, to name a few. 

"So it’s just very diverse. They’re from different landscapes, whether that’s the professional or business landscape," added Ardiente. The duo hope Friday’s collaboration will bring up membership for both organizations, as Davis noted ,"What we will be rolling out at the event is our student rates. We wanted to provide a more accessible opportunity for our students to join us, especially when they are coming up out of college and they’re looking to get mentorship or professional development classes. It’s just the perfect union of both worlds.

"At the start of the year, we really strategized and really manifest that 2025 is the year of collaboration. We can do so much more when we unite our village."

LeadHER is taking place on March 28 from 6pm to 10pm at the Guam Museum.  The event is free and open to the public.