"Make sure you have a strong Sisterhood, because..." Erica Yamauchi, Hawaii Director of Comms in Office of Gov

I talk with a former member I cherish so much! Erica boasts a diverse professional background. She is currently working in communications and engagement for the Governor of Hawaii in the state's Office of Wellness and Resilience, focusing on mental health and well-being. An advocate and activist at heart, Erika is the state co-lead for Moms Demand Action in Hawaii and is actively involved in advocacy work for working families and children in the Hawaiian Islands. As a mother of two young girls, she also explores her heritage, embarking on a personal journey towards reconnecting with her Filipina roots and obtaining dual citizenship.

Erika describes her multifaceted life in Hawaii, from her advocacy work for mental health and gun violence prevention to her dedicated role as a mother. She recalls the turning point in her life when she joined the sisterhood, driven by a longing to deepen her connection to her Filipina identity. Erika details how the community guided her to explore her heritage further, leading to meaningful conversations with her family and propelling her toward dual citizenship—a journey that brought her and her daughters closer to their cultural origins.

Key Takeaways:

• Community and shared experiences play a crucial role in personal identity formation and confidence building, particularly among women of Filipina heritage.
• Spaces like the Filipina Soul Sisterhood offer women a platform for soul-filling discussions, support, and self-reflection that catalyze personal growth and stronger cultural ties.
• The sisterhood empowers members to embrace their multiracial identities, providing a sense of belonging and validation regardless of their cultural background.
• Involvement in a collective like the Filipina Soul Sisterhood can inspire individuals to take concrete actions towards embracing their heritage, such as pursuing dual citizenship.
• For mothers, the journey toward exploring and accepting their identity holds significant importance for the cultural legacy they pass on to their children.

Notable Quotes:

• "Joining the sisterhood was such a lifeline for me."
• "I would love to journal every day, but like, again, just knowing that I had that space to do that and, like, take that time really intentionally just really gave me such groundedness that I really appreciated."
• "Anytime that you're in that kind of community with other really strong women, it does really build your confidence and just makes you see possibility and opportunity everywhere."
• "Make sure you have a strong sisterhood. Make sure that you have those strong female friendships around you because I really believe that they're going to take you through life and grow and evolve with you in ways that you can't grow just by yourself."

Hang out with me, Erika and other sisters weekly!

Ready to be uplifted by a community of like-minded Filipinas who are seeking the same growth and reconnection as you? Join the Filipina Soul Sisterhood. Use code LISTEN for 15% off! Doors close soon and we hope to to see you there!