2019 Impact Report
The problem.
Pacific Islanders are under-represented in higher education. In 2016, the U.S. Pacific Islander college graduation rate was 22.3% — below the 31.3% national average.
Source | U.S. Census
Our solution.
Provide Pacific Islanders the resources they need to achieve higher education and access economic opportunities.
Who we are.
South Pacific Islander Organization is a nonprofit building Pacific Islander presence in higher education — globally.
Our vision.
A thriving Pacific Islander community rooted in cultural heritage.
Our mission.
To support and promote Pacific Islander voices, cultures, and communities through leadership development, cultural revitalization, and community partnerships.
Our Milestones.
2019 Program Impact.
2019 Top Supporters.
CORPORATIONS
Island Block Radio
Coach V Radio Show
Google for Nonprofits
Google Ad Grants
Oracle NetSuite
Perkins Coie LLP
HIGHER EDUCATION
CSM Mana Program | Pacific Islander Community Complete Count of San Mateo
Stanford University, NACC
UCLA, PISA
OUSD | Pacific Islander Night
NONPROFITS
EPIC (Empowering Pacific Islander Communities) | EPIC’s PILOT Community Dinner
Pacific Islander Community Association | Bay Area Aloha Festival
Pacific Islander Ethnic Arts Museum
Pacific Peoples’ Partnership | One Wave Gathering
GOVERNMENT
Consulate General, Federated States of Micronesia (Oregon) | FSM Community Day
ADVISORS
Frank Asi Talatini | Consul, Consulate General of Canada
Jazmine Anastacio | Educational Equity Consultant
Aukeem Ballard | Assistant Principal at Summit Tamalpais Public School
Tristia Bauman | Senior Attorney at National Law Center of Homelessness and Poverty
Dane Carlson | Portfolio Manager
Sharon Mail Kanichy | Member of the Makah Tribe
Lorayma Taula | Deakin University Doctoral Student
Anita Kiteau-Tuiaki | NCU Doctoral Candidate
Dr. Sereana Naepi | Associate Director, All my Relations: Indigenous Wellness Research Centre
Terri Register | Grants Manager
June Siaosi | Ready to Rise Completion & Career Coordinator
Patterson K. Shed | Regional Coordinator at DT Global USAID Climate Ready Project
Karla Blessing Savaliolefilemu Thomas | USC Master of Public Health Candidate
VOLUNTEERS
Cady Ching
Christine Schilling
Daniel Tonga
David Newcomb
Eldred D. Lesansee
Elisabeth Leontieff-Hirshon
Gabrielle Langkilde
Heilala Garcia
Jessica Sii
John Peapealalo
Jullian Sekona
Katy Basnett
KL Parker
Marushka Raimere Hirshon
MichaeLynn Kanichy
Dr. Mere Tari Sovick
Nicole Deville
Olive Vaai
Seumanu Dimitrijevich
Siosifa Fotu
Tania Mahealani duPont
Teiva Hirshon
Teyonna Jarman
DONORS
Ankur Gupta
Ashley Harris
Carly Chiwiwi
Catherine Leontieff
Charles, Lisa & Max Hirshon
Cheyanne Lillie
Danielle Denney
David Bloch
David Newcomb
Debha Amatya
Florida Schilling
Gosia Labno
Holly Armstrong
Hope Hallett
Joel Fontenot
Jordan Williams
Josanna Balderson
Josephine Lee
Lisa & Teiva Hirshon
Lulu DeBoer
Marco & Tatiana Ciucci
Marushka Hirshon
Matatea Changuy
Nick Azpiroz
Pou Dimitrijevich
Rahul Gupta-Iwasaki
Ray Taula
Rich & Victoria Newcomb
Rickson Kanichy
Risley Sams
Sharon Mail Kanichy
Vaitiare Hirshon
Wilfried Chung
Yolanda & Richard Newcomb
Yuto Nakasone
Looking towards the future.
Our 2020 Programs.
Mentorship Program.
A free 1-1 online mentorship program to help Pacific Islanders navigate the higher education application process.
Scholarship Program.
Scholarships aimed to increase Pacific Islander scholars in higher education.
Spotlight Program.
An online article spotlight series featuring inspiring Pacific Islanders around the world.
Higher Education Network.
A online network of Pacific Islander scholars to build community, share resources, and build presence in higher education around the world.
Online Directory of Educational Resources.
An online directory of educational resources for our Pacific scholars interested in pursuing higher education.
6. Inaugural 2020 SPIO Annual Celebration.
An annual celebration highlighting exceptional Pacific scholars, volunteers, community members, and allies who are dedicated to increasing Pacific representation in higher education.
Get Involved in 2020.
“Together, we are mighty.”