Supporting Girls on Maui Through Mentorship, SEL Workshops, and Community Resilience

"What happens when a girl discovers her voice for the very first time? For Jen, that moment came when she joined MAUI GEMS.

Before she walked into her first workshop, Jen was quiet, almost invisible. She sat at the back of the room, unsure if she belonged. Life had taught her to stay small, to not take up space, and to silence the dreams she once dared to imagine.

But that all began to change.

Through mentorship, workshops, and connection with women who truly listened, Jen learned that her voice mattered. She began to share her thoughts in group discussions, her confidence growing with every word. She discovered tools to set boundaries, regulate her emotions, and dream about her future without fear.

Today, Jen is no longer the girl sitting quietly in the corner. She’s applying to college, volunteering in her community, and speaking up for herself and others. ‘This program gave me the confidence I never knew I had,’ she says with a smile.

Jen’s story is just one of many.

At What Makes You Feel Beautiful, programs like MAUI GEMS and the FLY SEL Program are creating moments like this every single day—helping girls find their voices, build resilience, and dream bigger. But we can’t do it without you.

This end-of-year, your gift will support girls like Jen to transform their lives and build resilient futures.

Donate Now – Impact a Life Today

Jen’s transformation is just one example of what’s possible when girls have access to mentorship, social-emotional learning (SEL), and a supportive community. But the need is great:

85% of girls from low-income families are at risk of teenage pregnancy. Programs like MAUI GEMS provide critical mentorship and guidance to help reduce this risk and open doors to brighter futures.
The FLY SEL Program equips youth aged 11–14 with essential tools for communication, emotional regulation, and boundary-setting—skills that lay the foundation for lifelong resilience.
93% of participants report increased self-confidence and emotional awareness after completing these programs, helping them navigate challenges with strength and clarity.

Help Impact More Lives Like Jen’s

These numbers are powerful, but they represent real girls with dreams, challenges, and untapped potential. Your support ensures that more youth have access to the tools they need to thrive.

Donate Now – Impact a Life Today.

Mahalo for your support!

Donation Levels:

$50 – Opal Level: Provides workshop materials for 1 girl.
$150 – Jade Level: Covers program support for 1 youth for a month.
$500 – Amethyst Level: Funds supplies for 3 youth.
$2,500 – Pearl Partner: Provides resources, workshops, and essentials for 6 youth.
$10,000 – Blue Diamond Partner: Comprehensive support, including stipends, development, and rental space.

Impact a Life Today!

What Makes You Feel Beautiful is a Maui based, 501(c)3 nonprofit female empowerment organization.

Our Mission

Empowering girls and women to cultivate self-love at every age and phase of life through education, mentorship, and resources that help them develop self-love, self-esteem and confidence.

Vision, Core Values and Beliefs

Our vision is a world where all girls and women feel confident, empowered, and safe in their own skin, and where self-love is celebrated and embraced as an essential part of personal well-being and growth.

Core Values:

Self-Love: We believe that self-love is the foundation of personal growth, that every person has the potential to cultivate it and that cultivating self-love is essential to building confidence and resilience.

Inclusivity: We embrace diversity and recognize that everyone has unique experiences and perspectives that should be respected and celebrated regardless of age, race, gender, size or background.

Empowerment: We are committed to empowering girls and women to take charge of their lives, make informed decisions, and reach their full potential.

Education: We believe that education is key to personal growth and development, and we strive to provide girls and women with the tools they need to cultivate self-love and confidence.

Community: We believe in the power of community and support networks to create lasting change, and we strive to build a community of girls and women who can uplift and inspire each other.

We believe that self-love is essential for personal growth, happiness, and success.

We believe that every girl and woman has the right to feel confident and beautiful, regardless of societal norms or beauty standards.

We believe that education and resources are critical in empowering girls and women to cultivate self-love and develop a positive body image.

We believe that when girls and women feel beautiful and confident, they are more likely to achieve their goals and make positive contributions to their communities.

We believe in the importance of building a supportive and inclusive community that celebrates and uplifts the diversity and beauty of all individuals.

We believe that every person has the potential to cultivate self-love and confidence, regardless of their past experiences or circumstances.

Transforming Lives, Building Futures

Supporting Girls on Maui Through Mentorship, SEL Workshops, and Community Resilience