SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Good Things Utah) - This Women's History Month (March) we're celebrating remarkable women who give so much of their time, talent and treasure to help make our communities stronger and better for everyone. This week's honoree - Susi Feltch-Malohifo'ou is a great example that hard work can pay off and be a source of pride.

Nearly a decade ago, Susi, along with her husband, Simione Poteki, and Cencira Te'o co-founded Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources (PIK2AR), a nonprofit that builds alliances, and bridges across all communities, providing culturally relevant services to eliminate violence and its effects, increase income into ethnic and overlooked communities through business, preserving and perpetuating all Pacific Island cultures art forms for empowered positive change for all-around health and wellness.

Susi says she's always marched to a different beat in life. Born in Tonga, Susi is a transracial adoptee - raised by a white family in Vernal, Utah. She says she struggled at times to find her identity and community, made some mistakes long her journey and faced challenges - but has not let those define her or - prevent her from becoming the person she is today.

"You can make all the mistakes in the world, I've probably made them all," Susi says. "But you can still do goo. You can still lifit up. You can still bridge and you can still help."

Susi definitely is flexing a muscle or two by helping lift up others through her work with PIK2AR and other community outreach. She was featured by Forbes Magazine in its 50 Over 50 Project which recognizes women who are changing their communities and the world for the better. Susi was also honored by the FBI for her community leadership in Utah. But she lists among the accomplishments she is most proud of that fact that she is considered to a friend to many people who think of her as a refuge, and someone they can trust.

An important message Susi shares with others and tries to help others with is to figure out what it is you want out of life and what kind of a person you want to be.. to figure that out and make it happen.

Those who know Susi best, her husband Simi among them, describe Susi as an innovative problem solver and an ultimate survivor. She's referred by many to be a remarkable bridge builder and connector - someone always working to strengthen people and communities.

Visit PIK2ar.org to learn more about Susi and Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources.

Remarkable Women 2024 sponsored locally by West Shore Home.