Latest news with #TakeTheLead
ABC News
09-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
'Everyone has a place to serve': Elizabeth Kite is empowering the next generation of leaders in Tonga
Tongan youth advocate and activist Elizabeth Kite is reshaping the leadership landscape in the nation. As the founder and CEO of Take The Lead, Tonga's first youth-led organisation, Elizabeth empowers young Tongans, especially women, to step into spaces of leadership, education, and politics. After years of volunteering and the loss of a close family member, the activist told Nesia Daily it all started with wanting to create "an NGO that would empower and educate the next generation of leaders". "We can reshape how leaders would actually tackle issues, especially regarding the people that are most vulnerable in our country." Now seven years strong, Take The Lead has reached hundreds through mentorship, scholarships, and its flagship program She Leads Fale Alea - a mock parliament for women aged 16–29. She Leads Fale Alea 2025 is helping train young women in leadership, civic education, and politics. ( ) This year, 30 young women debated real issues like climate education and Tonga's energy policy, and the outcomes were submitted to MPs to present in Parliament. "They did a phenomenal job in showing Tonga just what young women can do if they're given the opportunity." As the Pacific Regional Representative for the Commonwealth Youth Council, Elizabeth's work has earned her global recognition, including a Queen's Young Leader Award. Elizabeth's message to young people across the Pacific is clear: "Everyone has a place to serve, and I would encourage young leaders to focus on service, over focusing on leadership."
CBS News
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
"Take The Lead" musical tells story of champion dancer who became influential NYC teacher
"Take The Lead" is a new musical about notable New Yorker Pierre Dulaine. He went from the world of professional dance to the classroom and his students became champions. The energetic show, now playing at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Milburn, New Jersey, stars Tam Mutu as Dulaine. "I mean, he's just a beautiful human being," Mutu said. "It's about how a man brings people together. It's a love story between a teacher and his students." The musical is based on Dulaine's journey from a champion ballroom dancer to an educator in New York City public schools. He eventually founded the non-profit Dancing Classrooms . His story was turned into a popular movie in 2006 starring Antonio Banderas. This new musical with original songs mashes up hip hop and ballroom dance while telling a story of finding confidence and chosen family. Dulaine was there for opening night. "It has been over 30 years since this happened and now I am thrilled I'll be 81 years old in 18 days from today and it's happening before I die. I don't dance anymore, but I can still shake it," he said laughing. "I was told once, three things in life to be happy - someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to." There's also romance in this production. Waltzing in to each other's lives are the characters LaRhette and Rock. "We really don't have to try too hard for the authenticity because it truly is just so parallel to my experience," said Savy Jackson, who plays La Rhette. "I'm very protective over this character and making sure that the people who identify with him feel appropriately represented," said Vincent Jamal Hooper, who plays Rock. Take the Lead will be at the playhouse through April 27th.
