Leadership IS --- Meet Makena, OisF Rider, Surfer, Leader + Friend ---

Leadership is a beautiful blend of style and finesse, confidence and softness,  kindness and curiosity, purpose and power. As we gear up for our NEW 2024 Leadership Program, we spoke with Makena Rae Taylor, a local surfer, OisF Rider and emerging leader in our community to gain some insight into what being a leader means to her. 

Surfer 

Makena will tell you that her leadership journey began in the sea. As a swimmer and competitive surfer, the ocean has served as a powerful mentor. “The ocean and surfing has brought me so much joy and taught me so many lessons. The ocean has taught me how to be brave and face scary things, and also how to be conscious of my surroundings and where I put myself. Most importantly, the ocean and surfing has given me so many friends.” From developing self-awareness and confidence, to learning how to navigate and overcome fear- the ocean has played a unique role in developing Makena as a leader. As she uses her knowledge and comfortability in the ocean to encourage her peers to push themselves towards greatness in and out of the water, Makena effortlessly shares the happiness that comes from her connectedness to nature and community in every interaction. 

Rider

Makena is a seasoned  OisF Rider, a female-led, all girls program that has had a tremendous impact in its ability to create a solid network of sisterhood through ocean-inspired activities and events. From empowering paddle boarding sessions, to fun fitness events, Makena has been instrumental in modeling The OisF’s mission and values throughout the years. “We want to continue to offer our Riders ongoing support on their journey as female role-models, which is one of the many reasons we developed our Leadership Program.” Alli Scaduto, Founder of The OisF explains, “It is individuals like Makena who exemplify what it means to ‘be a ripple’.  She is genuine. She is kind. She befriends our younger Riders without hesitation. She is tenacious in a subtle, calm, cool way. The Leadership Program was designed to keep our older Riders engaged in their own personal development while simultaneously having a hand in inspiring and guiding our next generation of young leaders.”

Leader

Makena’s participation, along with the group she led in our 2023 Leadership Program, set a notable precedent in exceeding our expectations in their noble pursuit of kindness and civic mindedness. “Through the program’s curriculum, we have older Riders team up with younger Riders to implement the tools they learn and take action in the community for a service project of their design. Makena and her group organized a lemonade stand that raised $1,450 for LivLikeAUnicorn, a New Jersey organization that provides financial support and ‘unicorn boxes’ for children fighting pediatric cancer.” Alli emphasized, “Makena and her group’s act of service was well thought out and executed to perfection. What really struck a chord with us, though, was seeing these girls take what they learned and use their natural ability as leaders to make a positive, impactful difference in the lives of others. This project in particular was a remarkable expression of everything we ever wished to impart in this program and The OisF as a whole.”

Ms.Taylor defines the value of the program simply and eloquently. “One of the most valuable lessons I learned through The OisF’s Leadership Program was how to be a leader and what it actually means. Whether it’s being someone people can come to, or being a role model, we learned it’s all about trust. One of the most valuable lessons this program taught me is that ‘there’s no we, without me’ and the only way to have a good friendship or relationship with someone comes from being able to put your trust in someone fully.”

Friend

For Makena, her favorite aspect of The Leadership Program was building friendships. “I would definitely recommend getting involved with The OisF’s Leadership Program. Not only is it a great way to meet new people and make new friends, but you will learn powerful lessons along the way.” 

 “Core to our mission is raising awareness about the impact of abuse and building a community united in preventing abuse and empowering survivors,” Alli clarifies. “Our intention behind developing our Rider program and The Rider Leadership Program stems from a belief that we are strengthened through our friendships and our connection with our community. We hope that by nurturing young, female leaders, we can take a proactive and preventative approach to safe-guarding our girls with knowledge and confidence so they always know their value and can help be a ripple of positivity in the world around them. At The OisF, we believe that leadership is less about telling others what to do and more about showing the world how to be - through kindness, strength, service and love. That is what leadership is!” 

Become

The OisF welcomes girls in 5th through 8th grade to become the LEADERS they were born to be. Please join us. Our brand NEW 2024 Leadership Program is open for registration! Learn more and apply today!