We are honored to announce that we awarded five $1,000 USD scholarships to outstanding applicants from the 2021 Scholarship Applicant pool.

2021 SPIO Honorary Scholarship Recipients:

• Chelsea Cruz | Miracosta College

• Gillian Dueñas | University of Washington, Seattle

• Isaiah Aitolu | California State University

• Jekope Maiono | University of Otago

• Vinessa Dueñas | University of Guam

Learn more about the scholarship recipients below.

Chelsea Cruz | Miracosta College

Bachelors in Sociology

Chelsey Cruz (Familian Che'le yan Tunda) is an Indigenous Chamorro Famalåo’an from the unceded nation of Guåhan, Marianas. They are from Otdot, Guåhan and is a sophomore studying Sociology at Miracosta Community College in the unceded Territory of Kumeyaay or San Diego CA. Since the 2019 Global Pandemic they have become an independent creator serving their local Kumeyaay and Guåhan communities with healing and storytelling through their podcast/social media where they share stories on lived experiences to educate social stigmas, shine light on social issues and encourage generational healing.

Gillian Dueñas | University of Washington, Seattle

Master of Social Work

Gillian is a CHamoru woman who was born and raised in Bremerton, WA. She received her Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Washington in 2020. During her time as an undergraduate, she tapped into her passions for community, empowerment of Pasifika peoples, and art. She returned to the University of Washington to pursue a Master of Social work and will complete her MSW in Spring 2021. After finishing her education, she plans to become a licensed clinical social worker and art therapist to work towards healing for Pasifika and Black and Indigenous Communities of Color. Through her future career she plans to explore cultural practices as a health intervention for these populations.

Isaiah Aitolu | California State University, Sacramento

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Isaiah Sila'ila'i Aitolu is a Political Science major at California State University, Sacramento. During his time thus far in his undergraduate career, Isaiah has made it his mission to make sure that the voices of the underrepresented are heard, especially voices of Pacific Islander students. From co-founding the Pacific Islander student organization on campus to being a residential advisor for the first Asian-Pacific Islander themed living community within the CSU system, Isaiah is determined to bring visibility to the Pacific Islander community while also increasing representation within higher education. Isaiah's love and passion for his Samoan culture and Pasifika community continue to keep him motivated to pursue higher education and advocacy work.

Jekope Maiono | University of Otago

PhD, Te Tumu School of Maori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies

Jekope is a Fijian hold a Bachelor of Commerce in Management, a Master of Sustainable Business, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science (Occupational Health and Safety) from the University of Otago. He is married to Litia Liza Maiono, and they have three children, Anabella, Atunaisa, and Aseri. He is currently studying for his PhD at Te Tumu School of Maori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies at the University of Otago with the support of a Pacific Island scholarship. Before enrolling in a PhD program, he worked as a printer, warehouse manager, and hazardous materials coordinator for Tuapeka Gold Print Limited for 13 years. In addition to coaching sevens, he also coaches fifteens for the University of Otago rugby football club. Currently, he is a tutor for PACI101 and POPH192 at the University of Otago.

Vinessa Dueñas | University of Guam

Graduate Student in Micronesian Studies

Vinessa Dueñas was born and raised in California and is a first generation college graduate. She is a co-founder and cultural research studies chair of the non profit organization, Allied Marianas, dedicated to creating dialog of CHamorus/Chamorros unifying as one island chain and providing historical data. She is also the founder and community organizer for the grassroots organization, Masakåda Collective, created in response to the growing diasporic concern for the over militarization in the Mariana Islands. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Micronesian Studies at the University of Guam and hopes to continue her advocacy for the Mariana Islands and the region of Micronesia as a whole.

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