March is a time to celebrate the women who shape our world, and here on the island, their stories are woven into the tides, the winds, and the heart of our community. From athletes who challenge the waves to entrepreneurs carving out their own paths, and the locals who keep our traditions alive, each woman carries a story of resilience, passion, and purpose. This month, we honor them—not just for what they do, but for who they are.
This month, we’ve asked these women about their beliefs, empowerment, and passion.
Susan Escanilla, a local and shortboarder competitor, answered us with the following questions on how does it feel like to be a woman in the lineup when surfing, the challenges they’ve faced, and advice for aspiring women surfers out there:
“Since the most common surfers are male surfers. I feel powerful when I’m at the line up because I can show them that women can compete with them or sometimes better than them. When female surfers like me compete and win championships, sometimes we don’t get enough recognition.”
But this doesn’t stop her as she advises those who want to follow the same path to “Keep focusing on your goals and train hard to achieve them!”
Here’s also what Maureen Delamide, one of the island’s famous longboarder, has to say:
“It feels powerful to be in the lineup. Feeling the energy of the ocean, and knowing that I deserve to be here just as much as anyone else. Of course, sometimes you get side-eyes or get dropped in on, but that just fuels me to paddle harder and prove I can hold my own. It’s amazing when you share waves with fellow women who are hyping each other up. Waves are for everyone so get your board and paddle na (FOR REAL). Don’t wait for permission just paddle out. You belong there.”
And of course, these women surfers aren’t the only one who empowers the island.
Juanna, an entrepreneur, and founder of The Island Aesthetics, shared some heartfelt answers for our questions on what inspired her to pursue the path she’s on today:
“What inspired me to pursue the path I’m on today is Maddox. Becoming a mother changed everything for me—it made me more intentional about the way I build my life and career. I wanted flexibility to be present for him while also creating something meaningful, something that could support us and give him a future full of opportunities. Every decision I make, whether it’s growing my business or taking on new projects, is driven by the desire to build a stable and fulfilling life for both of us. He’s my biggest motivation and my greatest teacher, reminding me every day why I keep pushing forward.”
And an advice she would give her younger self:
“The piece of advice I would give myself is this: Be kind to yourself—you will get there. Learn to let go, trust the process, and love yourself a little more along the way. Don’t get distracted by setbacks; they are just part of the journey, not the end of it. Keep moving forward, and remember that everything you’re working for is already unfolding.”
But our women’s month wouldn’t be complete without having an input from one of our own.
Here’s JayAnn, our longtime dedicated staff at Diwa, has to share on the importance of being a woman and what can she advice to young women out there:
“Being a woman for me is to have faith in yourself and in God, to never turn away from your obligations and responsibilities as a mother, no matter what happens. To be devoted and to be giving to others. For young women out there, remember to never give up on your dreams and never stop hoping, and that there’s always something bigger guiding us in every path in life.”
As Women’s Month comes to a close, the stories of the island’s women continue—written in every wave they ride, every dream they chase, and every tradition they carry forward. Their strength, creativity, and resilience aren’t just something to celebrate for a month, but every single day. May we keep uplifting their voices, supporting their journeys, and inspiring the next generation of island women to rise.
Here’s to the women who make this island a home, a haven, and a place of endless possibility.
