Mom Talk: Q&A With Wāhine Rise Founder Marisa Guerrero

This O‘ahu mom shares how a ladies night pau hana inspired a women-empowering empire.

November 15, 2023

Laura Dornbush,

Photo: Ijfke Ridgely

Marisa Guerrero believes that behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back. Five years ago, while juggling a full-time job and a toddler, she unintentionally created a tribe of her own—a women’s networking group called Wāhine Rise.

Now with a community of more than 2,000 women, Wāhine Rise connects, supports and ignites female leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs through quarterly events and panel discussions. “I like to be in the supporting role, not in the limelight, connecting women behind-the-scenes. I feel inspired and invigorated helping them in their personal life and career,” says Marisa.

Inspiring wellness all around her, this caregiver-at-heart balances her Wāhine Rise duties, family responsibilities with now 8-year-old son, and role as senior marketing manager with WebMD. We sat down with Marisa to hear her story, find out how women can support other women, and learn about the things she loves.

What inspired the creation of Wāhine Rise?

I was trying to climb the corporate ladder and was really struggling to find the time and the energy to do it all. I knew that there were amazing women around me, and I really wanted to be able to tap into their advice and support, so I invited a group to a one-time happy hour. That night, something began that was sort of out of my control in the best way possible. After that first pau hana, we had another one a couple of months later with even more women. And a couple of months after that, we had another one.

Can you share an example of a Wāhine Rise ‘success story’?

When April Hail of Keiki Kaukau was still noodling on the idea of starting a toy company, she came to a Wāhine Rise event. She ended up chatting for a long time with an executive from DFS Waikīkī and had a super casual conversation about how she could get started. And look at her now! Of course, I take no credit for her business success, but it’s cool that she was able to get some information and inspiration from an event.

What is coming up next for Wāhine Rise?

We have an event in the works for January 20 at Gather, a woman-owned coworking space in Hawai‘i Kai. The theme is “Glow Up” to help women get geared up for the start of the new year in mind, body and soul. Unlike past events, which have been panel-based, this will be an interactive pop-up format featuring women entrepreneurs and vendors. Guests will visit a variety of booths to learn something new and receive a giveaway or experience, such as an IV hydration drip or fresh-pressed juice.

Wāhine Rise is all about women supporting women. Can you share any ideas on how local women can support each other?

First, there are a whole bunch of really interesting women-run networking and business groups here in Hawai‘i that are all doing amazing things, and slightly different things, in terms of creating community for women. But at the end of the day, I think the way that we can best support women is through what we spend our money on. For example, we can go to local, women-run coffee shops or buy Christmas presents from somebody who’s making things here instead of buying on Amazon.

Speaking of…which local, woman-owned businesses do you love?

Dolkii, Keiki Kaukau, Mohala Eyewear, Jules & Gem, Pua Hana Flower & Lei, Yireh, Gazoz, Ambient Rentals and Black Sheep Creamery. I love supporting these companies because not only do they have great products, but I also really respect and admire the women that are behind them.

Loving all the female vibes, but as a boy mom, how do you bond with your son?

Gosh, it is interesting, because I have three younger sisters, and now we all have these dirt bike-riding, LEGO-building, Mario Kart-loving boys. Although I don’t love him playing video games all the time, when my son asks to play with me, I always say “yes,” because he’s not going to ask forever. That’s his way of spending time together, so I try to be present when I can and do whatever he wants.

What holiday tradition do you love?

One of my favorite family memories is my grandma’s annual cookie decorating party. It always seemed like she baked for 48 hours and made thousands of gingerbread cookies. Then she invited the neighbors over to decorate them with all the things—piping bags, frosting, sprinkles.

For more Q&As with Hawai‘i-based momtrepreneurs, visit honolulufamily.com.