Women’s Services & Resources holds 2025 Women’s Conference addressing body image and self-esteem
Women from BYU–Hawaii were reminded of their eternal identity as daughters of God as they attended the 2025 Women’s Conference on Feb. 8 with the theme “In His Image,” hosted by the Women’s Services & Resources (WSR).
The event was held in the Heber J. Grant Building and began with a panel discussion with the authors of “Voices of Latter-Day Saints Women in the Pacific and Asia.” Attendees then participated in various workshops centered on life's spiritual, physical, emotional and social aspects.
The theme, “In His Image,” is the WSR’s answer to the growing concerns and issues on body image, said WSR Senior Missionary Sister Clara Spilker. “The more you see yourself through Christ’s eyes, the better your self-image will be,” she explained.
The workshops included a cooking class by Polynesian Cultural Center Executive Chef Felix Tai and Sous Chef Landon Hullinger, a class on women in scripture by BYUH Religious Education Director Aaron Shumway, a physical wellness workshop by health and human science professor Kate Mcllelan, a dating workshop by Massage Therapist Krystal Christensen, a perfectionism workshop by Clinical Social Worker Aliah Hall, a work-life balance workshop by BYUH Budget Director Heihana Hanohano, a wellness class by Dr. Ember Christensen and a hula class by Hawaii Club President Killihea Burke.
A sacred space
“Women’s Conference for me is a sacred space. It is where we can be heard, connect, and inspire one another,” said Angely Chris Doctolero, a senior from the Philippines majoring in hospitality and tourism management, and one of the WSR interns during the 2024 Fall Semester organizing for the 2025 Women’s Conference. She said the conference was where one was reminded of the unique contributions of women across all aspects of life.
As an intern, Doctolero said her project was to plan out the conference by working with the Spilkers. She said their tasks included research and surveys to conceptualize ideas, along with weekly reports, meetings and discussions. Initially unsure of the conference theme, she shared they found out the major concerns students face were self-esteem and body image during the 2024 Campus Community Connect. “We connected these issues to the relationship that we have with our Savior,” she said.
Winslette Quiray-Santiago, a sophomore from the Philippines majoring in psychology and also a previous intern, said, “The Women’s Conference for me is all about empowering women and reminding them of their divine identity and eternal destiny.” She said she served as one of the team leaders during the conference, making sure the event wouldn’t just be beneficial but also fun and memorable.
During the conceptualization of the event, they brainstormed and were inspired to choose “In His Image” to remind students of their divine identity, the love God has for them and the blessings in store. “It’s a statement to let them know they are capable of doing difficult things and are given so many talents to touch and inspire other people’s lives,” she said.
“To me, the Women's Conference is a time to reflect, reconnect, and grow both spiritually and personally,” said WSR employee Kesaia Requilman, a senior from New Zealand majoring in elementary education. Requilman said she was involved in planning and organizing different aspects of the event like scheduling workshops, designing posters, and handling marketing. As the conference emcee, she said she ensured things ran smoothly by introducing speakers and guiding the program.
After realizing the struggle for self-worth among the women on campus, Requilman said they wanted the conference to be a place where they could feel uplifted and gain a stronger sense of their divine potential. “More than anything, it’s a reminder that we’re not alone,” she shared.
A shared purpose
Requilman said the speakers brought the theme to life by sharing their experiences—either their own or those of important women in their lives. “Seeing so many women come together for a shared purpose is really special, and I always leave feeling uplifted,” she shared.
May Shumway, one of the panelists, shared her personal experiences about her mother and the importance of motherhood, Requilman shared. “It was one of those talks that really made you reflect and feel the spirit,” she said.
“While all the speakers were absolutely incredible, I think my favorite was Sister Shumway,” expressed Doctolero. Mentioning memories from the Philippines, Doctolero said Shumway’s story resonated deeply in her. She said it challenged her to reflect on her own life and sparked a desire to make positive changes when she returns to the Philippines.
Santiago also shared she had an opportunity to attend the conference workshops and learned from the presenters. When deciding who to choose as a presenter and which topics will be discussed, she said they based the topics on how Jesus Christ grew and developed as found in Luke 2:52. “As we know, Jesus developed in all aspects—spiritually, socially, physically, and emotionally,” Santiago shared. She said students feel inspired that they too can grow and progress in these aspects, just like the Savior.
Evident in the tears
Doctolero said she believed the event to be a success. “It was evident in the smiles, tears and hugs shared among the attendees,” she shared. She said she found the panelists and workshops engaging until the end, and the attendees were visibly inspired by the messages. The event would not have been possible without the combined effort of the WSR missionaries, employees, interns and volunteers.
“More than anything, the feeling in the rooms made it clear that this event was meaningful,” Requilman shared. She said seeing the women engaged, happy and connected was special.
Requilman said the hearts of everyone involved made the difference and the event happened. “Hearing positive feedback and knowing that people walked away feeling uplifted and encouraged made all the effort worth it,” she said.
Santiago also said, “It is refreshing and inspiring to see women and men gather to uplift women and recognize the value and influence they bring to their families, peers, and communities.” She said the event helped her reflect on what she needed to learn as a woman navigating all the different aspects of her life.