Opportunity Scholars recently held its annual leadership retreat in Park City, UT. This year’s theme centered around Kuleana, a Hawaiian value that translates to responsibility and privilege, and how reciprocity is key to successfully leading others. This focus on integrity in action is core to the Opportunity Scholars program, and the leadership retreat allows time for reflection, community, and building the leadership skills necessary for a thriving career.

The retreat was filled with team-building activities, workshops, and a keynote from Koloa Wolfgramm, a nationally recognized hotelier (the youngest Waldorf hotel owner at 27) and co-founder of Wolfgramm Capital, a private equity firm. Koloa spoke of his journey and advised students to remain determined, competitive, motivated, and active in their hopes, ambitions, or goals.

“When you are hungry,” he said, “you have a high tolerance for pain and will succeed at any cost. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there with the very best. Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way.”

Students finished the weekend with shared meals, a scavenger hunt, bike riding, and an epic lip-sync battle.

“I really loved the breakout rooms we attended on Saturday morning because I believe it helped me to be confident in creating new relationships without any judgments and with an open mind,” said first-year scholar Maia Moya. “I was reminded that everyone can be going through some things in life, whether they look like it or not. There was so much kindness and smiles shared by everyone, and it was such an eye-opening experience for me. I got to meet multiple students who are enthusiastic about the same industry I want to go into, and they have helped me a lot. This retreat was so fun!”

The goal of the Opportunity Scholars Program at the Eccles School is to support and enhance the educational experience of first-generation business students as they progress toward graduation. For more information, visit Eccles.Link/opportunity-scholars.