Teen author redefines empowerment
Gen Z isn’t waiting for permission to lead, and author and aspiring journalist Kavya Thakrar is proof.
With her debut book, “Bows and Ties,” which she published at age 16, the Tustin teen reimagines what empowerment looks like today. Throughout the book, Thakrar weaves together authentic voices from influential women who are redefining leadership, creativity and connection. The result is a powerful celebration of modern sisterhood.
“I wanted to show that sisterhood isn’t just about friendship; it’s about learning from one another, celebrating each other’s growth and creating space for more women to lead with confidence,” Thakrar said. “’Bows and Ties’ is a tribute to the women who remind us that success feels more meaningful when it’s shared.”
Through 19 in-depth interviews with accomplished women who have built remarkable careers – from entrepreneurs and designers to writers and founders – Thakrar explores how ambition and empathy can thrive side by side.
Much more than a book of interviews, “Bows and Ties” is part handbook, part advice column and part archive of real women being real with each other.
– Submitted by Kavya Thakrar
Tustin resident Kavya Thakrar, 17, published her debut book, “Bows and Ties,” at age 16. (Courtesy of Kavya Thakrar) Seaman Kendall Hall, who graduated from San Clemente High School in 2017, is assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Portsmouth in Virginia. (Courtesy of Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sylvie Carafiol, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East) From left, Harvesters Chair Jassel Kaye, Lucy Donahue and co-chair Monica Wood at the 33rd annual Fashion Show & Luncheon at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. (Courtesy of Ryan Miller) Show Caption1 of 3Tustin resident Kavya Thakrar, 17, published her debut book, “Bows and Ties,” at age 16. (Courtesy of Kavya Thakrar) ExpandSan Clemente native serves with Navy Medicine in Virginia
Seaman Kendall Hall, a native of San Clemente, serves with Navy Medicine assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Portsmouth, in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Hall graduated from San Clemente High School in 2017 and Cal State Fullerton in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in English. She joined the Navy a year ago and now serves as a yeoman.
“My older brother served in the Navy as an operations specialist for eight years, and he inspired me to challenge myself and reach for a higher level of excellence and the standards the Navy promotes,” Hall said. “To be a part of the less than 1% of Americans who currently serve is something I had always admired, and I was determined to make it happen for myself.”
Navy Medicine – represented by more than 44,000 highly trained military and civilian health care professionals – provides expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below and above the sea, and ashore.
“Serving in the Navy has given me a sense of pride and accomplishment that I will carry for the rest of my life,” Hall said. “I am grateful for every challenge, as it will make me more equipped to handle adversity I may encounter when my service is over.”
Hall is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my older brother for inspiring me to join the Navy by demonstrating such a high character that could only be obtained through service,” she said.
– Submitted by Senior Chief Mass Communication Spec. John Osborne, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Annual event raises more than $2 million to fight local food insecurity
Harvesters hosted the 33rd annual Fashion Show & Luncheon at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, raising a net of $2 million in support of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.
The signature event, produced by the women who make up Harvesters, brought together about 350 guests whose generosity helps meet the county’s rising need for dignified, equitable and consistent access to nutritious food.
“With a growing number of food-insecure households living above the poverty line yet still struggling to make ends meet, the need for Second Harvest Food Bank’s support is stronger than ever,” said Monica Wood, Harvesters co-chair. “It is deeply moving to see our community come together in such a meaningful way.”
“Orange County continues to face an ongoing hunger crisis, with far too many families struggling to put food on the table,” said Claudia Bonilla Keller, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. “We are incredibly grateful for Harvesters’ unwavering support. The Fashion Show & Luncheon is a tremendous help in our ability to provide nutritious food to our community and respond to the growing demand with dignity and equity. Harvesters’ dedication allows us not only to meet today’s need but to prepare for what’s to come tomorrow.”
In addition to the event’s main fundraising efforts, attendees were invited to support an important community program, Second Harvest’s Mobile School Pantries. The program brings fresh, nutritious food directly to school campuses, reducing barriers for families who are struggling to make ends meet and the surrounding community. By meeting parents and children where they already gather, the Mobile School Pantries program helps ease the pressure of choosing between rent and groceries.
In fiscal year 2025, Second Harvest Food Bank distributed 42.1 million pounds of food to an average of 458,995 neighbors in need each month.
– Submitted by Harvesters
The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.
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