This session focuses on how strengthening cultural identity in bilingual learners promotes resilience, agency, and self-efficacy. The presenter discusses how tapping into students' cultural wealth from their Hawaiian and Hispanic backgrounds can help maximize cultural identity and support literacy development. Cultural identity is paramount to students' sense of self and ability to develop life skills. When educators acknowledge students' cultural backgrounds, it opens opportunities for sociocultural learning and agency. Overall, cultural identity plays a significant role in students' self-efficacy and ability to make sense of the world.