Lulu Wolfgramm: Making a Difference

Lulu Wolfgramm and students from Granger High School participating at the Utah State Ca

I had the privilege of sharing lunch with Lulu Wolfgramm, Director of Empowered Living Services at Pacific Island Knowledge to Action Resources https://www.pik2ar.org/  and students from her after school group at Granger High during the workshop portion of the Asian Pacific Islander Democratic Caucus AANHPI Day on the Hill on January 9, 2024. Wolfgramm invited me to introduce myself to her students as a candidate for the Utah House District 27. I asked the students about their most pressing concerns? Two students talked about housing insecurity–they had moved several times during their secondary education years. Another student talked about healthcare concerns, mentioning that her family and many others do not have access to comprehensive healthcare. Another student talked about the high cost of post-secondary education, stating that she had college ambitions but the cost made it seem out of reach for her. These are big concerns for a group of young women who are sophomores in high school.

We had a bit of a discussion about what they could do about these concerns. That question seemed a bit out of reach for them, so I asked them what their dream life might look like. Everyone of these young women talked about gaining knowledge and skills in their area of concern and then taking that knowledge back to their communities for the benefit of all. Wolfgramm and all of the other adults engaged with AAHNPI Day on the Hill were there to make improvements in the opportunities and support for Pacific Islander families and students. We should all pay attention and be door openers for these young people.