Impact Points:
- Pioneering Advocate: Founder and CEO of Tonga’s first youth-led organization, Take The Lead, dedicated to empowering young leaders.
- Youth and Women’s Empowerment: Creator of the She Leads Fale Alea ‘O Tonga program, promoting young women’s participation in politics.
- Community Connector: Facilitator of Tonga’s only networking event that enhances dialogue and leadership opportunities among the youth.
Introduction
Elizabeth Kite is a beacon of leadership and empowerment in Tonga, where she has established a groundbreaking platform for youth engagement and leadership development. As the founder and CEO of Take The Lead Tonga, Elizabeth has dedicated her career to nurturing the potential of young leaders, especially young women, and enhancing their influence in national decision-making.
Founding Take The Lead Tonga
Empowering Youth with a Voice in Decision-Making From her deep personal connections to both vulnerability and leadership seen in her family, Elizabeth Kite was driven to create opportunities for underrepresented groups in Tonga. Take The Lead Tonga is the fruit of her vision, providing educational programs, leadership training, and civic education to empower the next generation of Tongan leaders. Elizabeth explains, “What inspired all of this were the two most prominent men in my life growing up – my favorite uncle, who was mentally disabled, and my Dad, who was a national leader.”
She Leads Fale Alea ‘O Tonga
Training Women for Political Leadership Elizabeth’s commitment to fostering female leadership culminated in the She Leads Fale Alea ‘O Tonga program, which uniquely prepares young women for political engagement and leadership through specialized training and mentorship. This initiative reflects her belief in the critical need for diverse voices in political spaces, traditionally dominated by male perspectives in the Pacific region.
Advocacy and Cultural Empowerment
Championing Cultural Values and Modern Leadership Understanding the transformative power of cultural values, Elizabeth Kite advocates for a nuanced appreciation of Tongan traditions in contemporary contexts, especially among the youth. She challenges misconceptions about cultural limitations, emphasizing the progressive nature of Tongan heritage. “Our cultures and traditions are very progressive but are too often misunderstood,” she notes, underscoring the importance of dialogue and respect within cultural frameworks.
Vision for Future Leaders
Entrepreneurship as a Path to Sustainable Change Looking ahead, Elizabeth is passionate about guiding young leaders towards entrepreneurship, viewing it as a sustainable alternative to traditional non-governmental organizational models. Her advice to young visionaries reflects her practical and impactful approach: “Forget about Non-Government Organizations, instead set up a social enterprise or business. You can make far more of an impact that way.”
Conclusion
Elizabeth Kite’s leadership and initiatives like Take The Lead Tonga are pivotal in transforming the landscape of youth and female empowerment in Tonga and the wider Pacific region. Her work not only educates and empowers but also inspires a new generation to merge tradition with innovation in leading societal change. Elizabeth continues to be a powerful advocate for youth, dedicating her efforts to ensure they have the platforms and skills needed to shape their futures and that of their communities.
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