Sofie Wulf never thought much about gross incomes, let alone starting her own business. The Los Altos High School freshman said tending to all of those business details seemed boring until last summer, when she and her peers launched a successful vending business.
Through the YWCA's job training program, JumpStart, Wulf helped plan, budget, order, display and sell food items at local events that drew as many as 300 people.
"It was easier than I thought," Wulf said. "I was interested in the money part, but then I realized, 'hey, this is fun.'"
Wulf's classmate, Mani Tenisi, also helped operate the vending business.
Both have continued to volunteer their time at the YWCA on a weekly basis to help other young women realize their potential in the business world. There they helped organize activities such as the Economic Empowerment Conference for Teen Women.
Darelda Medina, a graduate of the Mountain View-Los Altos Adult Education program, has also dedicated much of her time to helping other teen women. The 19-year-old mother volunteered to help launch the North County Adolescent Pregnancy Campaign to prevent teen pregnancy.
Wulf, Tenisi and Medina were among the eight teen women recognized at the YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula's third annual Voices of Our Future last Thursday for their outstanding community outreach. This is the first year the YWCA program, which honors teen women from San Jose to San Francisco, accepted nominations from the public.
"We try to look for people who are 'unsung heroes,' people who might not always be in the spotlight but show commitment and leadership," said spokeswoman Diane Rezendes Khirallah.
She said the YWCA hopes to help eliminate racism, empower women and boost their self-confidence through the awards program, which is also a fund-raiser. Proceeds will benefit YWCA programs including, Teen Assault Prevention, AIDS Prevention, Teen Women Entrepreneurs and Outlet. Organizers said they hoped to raise $90,000 at this year's event.
Rezendes Khirallah said each of the three Los Altos recipients had overcome economic or social barriers, and were able to reach out and motivate other teen women.
Wulf said she was surprised by nomination.
"I thought I didn't do anything," she said. "But I guess we are doing something."
Wulf said she plans to attend college and is interested in being a lawyer or a professional volleyball player.
Tenisi said she believes her business experience will lead to bigger things.
"If I have a goal, and I set my mind to it, I can accomplish anything," she wrote about her experience at the YWCA.
Despite becoming a teen parent, Medina remained committed to learning. She earned her general education diploma and was a selected graduation speaker.
She is currently working to prevent teen pregnancy in her community.
In addition to Wulf, Tenisi and Medina, the following Peninsula teen women were honored: Jeannine Torres, Maria Ruth Alvarado, Brie Finegold, Deaidre White and Darcie Green.