Alquiza, Ridgeway are 2020 FMPR Scholars

24 Nov Alquiza, Ridgeway are 2020 FMPR Scholars

Fujita & Miura Public Relations (FMPR) announced that Leilani Alquiza of Koloa and Maddie Ridgeway of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania have been named the 2020 FMPR Scholars and each received a $1,000 college scholarship.

Alquiza is a third-generation Hawaiian cattle rancher at Maha`ulepu Cattle Company, working over 1,000 acres of land.  She is attending Texas A&M-Commerce’s Agribusiness program with an animal science minor.

“Leilani has an entrepreneurial spirit and the passion to serve the agricultural sector, which has deep roots on Kaua`i. We know she’s going to take everything she learns and bring it back home for the benefit of our island,” says Joy Miura Koerte, partner with FMPR.

Alquiza says she is deeply inspired by Kaua`i’s traditions and the unique ways of our local community that stemmed from the sugar cane era.

“I envision a time when Kaua`i’s community and traditions can be combined with new, innovative solutions that can allow us to understand the economics of global agricultural industries and markets so we can be successful in our traditional ways of growing and raising local food for our consumption. Future generations should not have to lose confidence in becoming local ranchers and farmers because of economic defeat,” Alquiza adds.

Ridgeway works as a director of student and young adult ministries at Paoli Presbyterian Church and teaches dance at the Salvation Army Kroc Center. She received her B.A. in youth ministry from Eastern University and is now attending Chicago Theological Seminary’s Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work program.

“I deeply desire to use the gifts that the Lord has gifted me to serve in communities where resources are limited. I would love to combine my experiences in ministry with the skills needed for social work to help people meet their biopsychosocial needs. Dance has played a huge role in my life and ministry and I would love to use that passion with the people I work with as well,” Ridgeway says.

“Maddie aspires to see people thrive as they connect with God, themselves, and those they are in community with.  This is such a beautiful mission and one we’re happy to support,” says Jenny Fujita, FMPR partner.

Ridgeway hopes that her schooling will prepare her to work in her community so she can provide social services from a Christian aspect.

FMPR Scholars are chosen based on several key criteria: they are Kaua`i or Pennsylvania residents and students who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees; are interested in owning or working for a small business and/or home-based business; engaged in entrepreneurial activities; intend to come home to and pursue their livelihoods in their local communities after undergraduate or graduate school; are engaged in community service and wish to advance their local community after college; have proven intellectual and academic achievements; show integrity of character and an interest in helping others; and have the ability to lead and the motivation to use their talents to the fullest.

Fujita & Miura Public Relations is a full service communications consulting firm located on Kaua`i, Hawai`i and in the Greater Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Since 2000, FMPR has been providing strategic advice and services to businesses and nonprofit organizations to help them achieve their goals.