Who we are.
South Pacific Islander Organization is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)3 nonprofit democratizing Pacific Islander access to educational and career resources.
Our vision.
A thriving, inclusive Pacific Islander community rooted in cultural heritage.
Our mission.
To innovatively support and promote Pacific Islander voices, cultures, and communities through leadership development, storytelling, and community building programs.
2020 SPIO Milestones.
2020 Program Impact.
2020 $5,000 Scholarship Recipient Testimonials.
Wilbert Alik, Northern Michigan University ‘21
The South Pacific Islander’s Organization Community Leadership Scholarship will help in preparing me for future community service in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), especially in cultural preservation and language documentation. I will be able to pay for tuition, books, room and board, and other necessary expenses. Kom̗m̗ool tata (thank you very much)!
Lessei Perelini, University of Auckland ‘23
Words are simply inadequate and could never fully convey my gratitude. I have been inspired by the platform [SPIO] provides and its efforts to broaden the spectrum for Pacific Islander and youth excellence. This serves as a reminder of why I must persist to fully engage in my community and utilize my education as an avenue to achieve standards of academic and career equity to elevate Pacific peoples in society.
Teiana Gonsalves, Stanford University ‘24
I live in a middle income family and my parents have sacrificed so much for my education and passions. This opportunity helps foster a stronger desire to strive for my personal excellence and one day help the youth of Hawai’i, and the larger Pacific Islander community, just as the SPIO has helped me.
Powered by a 100% Volunteer Movement.
Advisors
Anita Kiteau-Tuiaki, Aukeem Ballard, Dane Carlson, Elisabeth Leontieff-Hirshon, Jazmine Anastacio, June Siaosi, Karla Blessing Savaliolefilemu Thomas, Lorayma Taula, Natasha Guerrero, Patterson K. Shed, Pefi Kingi, Dr. Sereana Naepi, Sharon Mail Kanichy, Susifina Afemui, Terri Register, Tristia Bauman.
Board of Directors
Cady Kealohi Ching, Christine Schilling, Eldred D. Lesansee, Marushka Raimere Hirshon, MichaeLynn Kanichy.
Directory Consultants / Education Resource Ambassadors
Elise Plecnik, Gregory Pōmaika’i Gushiken, Isabella Bigley, Joyce Cocker, Kahaia Voelkl, Kupaaikekaiao Thomas, Lorna-lei L. Sua’ava, Maximillian Raiari’i Hirshon, Sione Lister, Timaima “Tima” Clawson.
Grant Researchers
Gregory Pōmaika’i Gushiken, Lorna-lei L. Sua’ava, Marlena Segi.
Individual Donors
The Andersons, K. Angelo, M. Cable, V. Chaumont, C. Chiwiwi, D. Effland, F. Haddock, H. Hallett, The Hirshons, I. Ides, K. Jamentz in loving memory of Ace Agaese Tago, The Kanichys, B. Lazar, The Newcombs, A. Roger, R. Savaria, E. Scott, E. Shay, J. Sloane, A. Stowers, E. Wolfgramm.
Higher Education Network Ambassadors
Alema Fitisemanu, AnnaVeronica Bourke, David Mapa, Gregory Pōmaika’i Gushiken, Isabella Bigley, Jaysha Alonzo-Estrada, Kupaaikekaiao Thomas, Lorna-lei L. Sua’ava, Manumalo Muasau, Marlena Segi, Saeni Lele’a, Sione Lister, Tania Mahealani duPont, Travis Wells.
Journalists
Gregory Pōmaika’i Gushiken, Marlena Segi, Tania Mahealani duPont, Toafa Tatiana Mamea.
Virtual Summit Coordinators
Alanna Simao, AnnaVeronica Bourke, David Mapa, Gregory Pōmaika’i Gushiken, Isabella Bigley, Jacklyn Duff, Jaysha Alonzo-Estrada, Kupaaikekaiao Thomas, Lorna-lei L. Sua’ava, Marlena Segi, Poerani Tapare-Pin, Tania Mahealani duPont, Toafa Tatiana Mamea.
Virtual Summit Panelists
Teiana Gonsalves, Tania Mahealani duPont, ‘‘Ana Fonongava’inga Stringer, Gabrielle Langkilde, Kapono Faitau, Eli Jennings, Anita Kiteau, Wilbert Alik, Lessei Perelini, Makerusa Porotesano, Sione Taunga, Alema Fitisemanu, Christine Imaizumi, Julia Arnott-Neenee, Cady Ching, Sereana Naepi, Brittany Kamai, Jayden Galamgam, Earl Stewart, Andrew Pati Ah Young, Asaeli Matelau, Malie Kawamoto, Mary Aue, Doris Tulifau, Dr. Mere Motari-MuraMura Sovick, Elizabeth V Kite, Dagmar Dyck, Kalolaine Fainu, Victoria Wonsowicz, Mary Hattori.
Spotlight Guests
Saeni Lele’a, Kapono Faitau, Vehia Wheeler, Kalolaine Uechtritz Fainu, Dr. Andrew Pati Ah Young, Joseph V Langkilde, Leolani Ah Quin, Tiana Masaniai, Elizabeth Kaloumaira, Eli Jennings, Doris Tulifau, Elizabeth V Kite, Patty Leilua, Iesina Tupouniua, Lorna-Lei Sua’ava, Afakasi Prints, Jennifer Baing-Waiko, Michael Green Jr, Michael Tui, Asena Tolungamaka, Marlena Wolfgramm, Reina Kapiolani Pahulu, Te Aue Addison-Valaau.
Volunteer Testimonials.
“I love my experience working with South Pacific Islander Organization (SPIO). The Board has been amazing at incorporating feedback from Advisors as well as from the Pacific Islander Community. As a younger organization, SPIO has managed to exceed all expectations and has achieved outstanding results even in times of global uncertainty. I admire all of the leaders and their resilience and determination to promote a more inclusive and immersive educational experience for Pacific Islanders; therefore creating a legacy of sustainable change.” Terri Register
“When I graduated, I went on the search for an organization that serves and embraces young Pasefika students. I was suffocated in my poor college experience that I wanted- I needed- I was longing to see if there were a safe space for P.I. students. I came across SPIO on social media, and immediately realized my search was done. I emailed Marushka and MichaeLynn to chat it up and I knew that I wanted to volunteer! For there on out, it has been great to connect with like-minded leaders, and learning the in's and out when it comes to program development. The advisor experience is great for professional development, and challenges me to think deeper to best support the students!” 2020 Advisor
“It's great to be a part of an organization that truly keeps it about the students and alumni without slipping into the allure of recognition and praise of an organization name and brand. I believe SPIO is about the people and their humanity. This is why I continue to serve.” Aukeem Ballard
Thank you to our mission-aligned supporters.
2021 Programs.
Mentorship Program
Free 1:1 virtual college application mentorship and video content.
Scholarship Program
Global scholarships for Pacific Islander undergrad and graduate scholars.
Directory of Educational Resources
An annually updated online directory of educational resources available to Pacific scholars.
Career Fair
A global virtual career fair for Pacific Islander scholars and recent grads.
Spotlight Article Series
An article spotlight series highlighting inspiring Pacific Islanders and Pacific-focused organizations from around the world.
Spotlight Podcast
An extension of SPIO’s signature Spotlight Program, the SPIO Podcast will feature inspiring global Pacific Islanders across academic and professional fields.
Higher Education Network
A free, digital, inclusive network for Pacific scholars and professionals to connect, share resources, and build community.
Virtual Summit
Free community-building and knowledge-sharing event led by global Pacific Islanders who believe in extending their privileges and knowledge to aspiring PI scholars, current scholars, and young professionals.