MichaeLynn Kanichy | Moderator

Born and raised on the Makah Reservation and Pohnpeian of the Federated States of Micronesia, MichaeLynn believes in the importance of accepting and supporting young indigenous people in exploring their paths to become independent and successful contributors to their communities.

After graduating from Stanford University with her B.A in Science, Technology and Society with a focus in Life Sciences and Biotechnology, MichaeLynn immediately returned home to Neah Bay, WA, eventually becoming the Project Manager for a SAMHSA Native Connections Grant, which focused on preventing suicide and substance use for indigenous youth.

Teiana Gonsalves | Incoming Stanford Student

Teiana Gonsalves is a recent high school graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and was born and raised on the east side of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Her activities included Varsity Outrigger Canoe Paddling and Kayaking, the Ambassadors of Aloha ʻĀina Club (focused on the diplomatic travels of Hawaiian royalty and engaging in cross-cultural exchange today), the Poʻokula Ambassador Program (school program focused on event service, professional development and etiquette, and team-building), the National Honor Society, National History Day, and conducting beach clean-ups and recycling efforts.

Teiana will attend Stanford University in the fall and plans on majoring in Political Science with a minor in Earth Systems along the Sustainability subplan. She desires to attend law school after her undergraduate education and come back home to Hawaiʻi to advocate for Native Hawaiian land rights and environmental protection. In her free time, Teiana most enjoys paddling, kayaking, hiking, reading, yoga, cooking, and baking.

Tania Mahealani duPont | Student, Activist and Organiser in the Making, Dartmouth College

My name is Tania Mahealani duPont and I am first and foremost, a Mā'ohi vahine. I belong to the Pacific, Moana Nui, for my genealogy is rooted in Tahiti and her sister isles. I was born and raised in Hawai'i as a diaspora Tahitian, and I have been lucky enough to grow up enveloped in Hawaiian and other Pasifika cultures. Much of my motivation is rooted in giving back to those whose resiliency and strength has enabled me to exist today.

Because of that, I aim to honour my ancestors, reinvigorate the interconnectivity of Pasifika peoples and our relations, and increase our representation / narratives through action. I am currently in my third year at Dartmouth College and will graduate in 2021 with an Anthropology modified with Native American Studies degree. I hope to go on to get a PhD, or two, and a law degree while focusing on Indigenous and environmental rights.

‘Ana Fonongava’inga Stringer | Tongan Environmentalist, Vanderbilt University   

‘Ana Fonongava’inga was born in Seattle and moved to Utqiaġvik, AK with her family at the age of thirteen. She descends from the village of Lapaha and the Tu'ifua and Tonga families. While growing up in a predominantly Iñupiaq town with her Polynesian family, she came to understand the importance of Indigenous sovereignty and advocacy within environmental and academic spaces. She is an environmentalist, a first-generation college student, and a Questbridge scholar. 

‘Ana is a rising junior at Vanderbilt University and is double majoring in Earth & Environmental Science and Environmental Sociology. She is co-president of her college's Community of Indigenous Scholars and hopes to form a strong, permanent, and inclusive community of Indigenous students at Vanderbilt. Her ultimate career goal is to create frameworks for Indigenous input in environmental policy and to work as an advocate for the building of climate resiliency in Pacific and coastal communities. 

Gabrielle Langkilde | Senior, Harvard College

Gabrielle (Gabby) Langkilde (she/her/hers) is a proud Samoan woman from the beautiful island of Tutuila in American Samoa. Having grown up there surrounded by siblings, parents, grandparents, and endless cousins, aunties, and uncles, aiga (or family) has become a driving force in her life, and she aims to bring love, laughter, and, most importantly, a strong sense of aiga into everything she does. She is especially passionate about fostering a sense of aiga for Pacific Islander students in higher education, especially given the ways in which higher education has historically excluded and dismissed Pasifika and other Indigenous voices.

She is currently a rising senior at Harvard College, with a joint major in Sociology and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Outside of class, she has been a staff editor on the Harvard Crimson Editorial Board for the past two years, and she works at the Harvard College Women’s Center as an Education Committee intern. In her free time, she loves writing, dancing, binge watching Netflix shows, and finding new places to swim.

Jaysha Alonzo-Estrada | Moderator

Aloha, my name is Jaysha Alonzo-Estrada. I was born and raised in Hilo, Hawai'i. In 2019, I graduated from Stanford University majoring in Human Biology with a concentration in Social Determinants of Health. I hope to return back to school to study Public Health. In my free time I enjoy being outside, spending time with friends and family, and exercising (mostly so I can eat more). Mahalo!

Kapono Faitau | Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley

Kapono provides financial and investment advice to individuals, families, and business owners. Prior to working in the financial industry, Kapono worked in the Hospitality Industry for 10 years. Kapono is the first in his family to pursue secondary education and received his B.S in Business Management from BYU-Hawaii.

Kapono served a 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Kapono is a well-blended Polynesian (Tongan, Samoan, Hawaiian). Kapono currently lives and works in Honolulu, HI, with his wife, Rachel, and their 2 daughters. When Kapono is not working, he is most likely spending time with his family, surfing, or playing basketball.

Eli Jennings | Director of Financial Aid, Pacific Rim Christian University

When you meet Eli Jennings, you immediately sense his enthusiasm for the impact he is able to make in the lives of students. He truly understands the struggles the students he counsels are facing because he has been there. The financial struggles he dealt with make him even more motivated to help students in similar situations, especially his Pacific Island students. Eli is passionate about educating students to be realistic about money management: “I want the current generation to understand that there is more to it than Mommy and Daddy doing it for you.” He believes it’s important that they understand the basics of how loans work, as well as credit and budgeting. Just as importantly, students need to understand their options for improving negative financial situations. If I can do it, you can do it.

Marlena Segi | Moderator

Malo e lelei. Talofa! Bula Vinaka. Kon'nichiwa - I'm Marlena! In honoring the tradition of our ancestors' storytelling, I feel it pertinent to share my unique journey with you, which like so many others, is rooted in family. I was born in Pago Pago, American Samoa to a Samoan & Fijian mother and a Samoan & Japanese father. At just a few months old, I was gifted to my paternal grandmother and her Tongan partner, Folau (which fittingly enough, translates to "journey") who brought me to the U.S. in pursuit of opportunities for growth.

Although I was of no blood relation to them, my Tongan family welcomed me with open hearts and warm embraces. Folau's elderly parents & sister, Tahoa, took me in, raised me as their own, and she eventually became my legal guardian. Alongside my father Toetu'u, older sister Lesieli & younger brother, Tevita, and the innumerable amount of absolutely dope aunties, uncles & cousins I have, my family has served as a solid foundation for me throughout countless challenges and victories. Much of my life has been spent trying to navigate through the multiple layers of tapestry I am woven from, but my traditional Tongan upbringing is one that I am greatly proud of. It continues to influence me in adulthood and I am honored to be a representative of it as I continue journeying onward.

Anita Kiteau | Gates Millennium Scholar, Ed.D & Co-Founder of ST Concrete LLC

"Be a force for good" is my life motto. Whatever I do is to make a difference and be a force for good in my family and community (s). I am an enthusiastic professional and leader in higher education with 8 years of experiences in student services and organizations. I am one of the first few Tongans who received the Bill Gates and Melinda scholarship that funded my entire college education. I graduated with my bachelor in Business Administration and a master in Education emphasizing in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah. I pursued and earned my doctorate from Northcentral University focusing in Leadership in Higher Education. My research focused on college retention for Pacific Islanders and issues concerning this ethnic group. I am also an entrepreneur with experiences in property management and residential contractor. I recently co-founded ST Concrete LLC providing services in the Portland OR areas. Besides being a full-time mom, a business owner, I seek opportunities to serve my Asian and Pacific Islander communities and faith, locally and nationally.

Wilbert Alik | Student, Northern Michigan University

Io̗kwe (Greetings)! Wilbert Alik is from the M̗ōkauleej clan, one of several clans in the Marshall Islands. His mother is from Majuro, Arno, and Jaluit atolls and his father is from Ebon. He was born and raised on the capital atoll, Majuro, of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). As a first generation and one who comes from a low-income family, he believes in supporting and encouraging young Pacific Islanders to find their passion and pursue it! Wilbert believes in the power and strength of a community working together and the value in equity and representation in higher education. Translating COVID-19 health materials for the RMI, Wilbert is the current way he is serving the Marshallese community. He graduated with an A.A. degree in Liberal Arts at the College of the Marshall Islands. His desire to preserve, protect and pass on the knowledge of his people gave him motivation to pursue a B.S. in Anthropology with a minor in English, in Michigan’s chilly Upper Peninsula at Northern Michigan University. He is hoping to serve as the country’s first indigenous Field Anthropologist and move projects like the National Register of Historical Sites forward. The South Pacific Islander’s Organization Community Leadership Scholarship is helping to prepare him for future community service in the RMI. Kom̗m̗ool tata (thank you very much)!

Lessei Perelini | Project Leader, Finafinau

Lessei Perelini, commonly known as “Sei”, was born in New Zealand; despite her Kiwi nationality, her upbringing took place in the depths of the South Pacific in American Samoa. As a young Samoan tama’ita’i, or lady, Sei recognizes religion and family as an integral part of her identity and values. While familial ties are central to her beliefs, she is also prominently influenced by figures in the music industry such as J. Cole. Throughout her quest for optimal education, she has developed into a dynamic leader and advocate in grassroots involvement.

As a 2019 alumna of Samoana High School, Sei attained several leadership roles, most notably as the former Executive President of the Student Government Association, and upheld other obligations in island-wide organizations and athletics. In addition, she is an active member of the community and has demonstrated her passion for the environment through avenues like Finafinau— a student-led project that is committed to saving the oceans, protecting the land, and empowering the youth.

Currently, Sei is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Politics and International Relations and Spanish at the University of Auckland. Ultimately, she aspires to master the art of tautua, or service, by devoting herself to the needs of Indigenous communities in order to elevate members of the youth to become civically engaged contributors.

Makerusa Porotesano | Multicultural Center Coordinator, Portland Community College

Makerusa Porotesano (He/Him) is a native of Portland by way of St. Johns, North Portland. Mak has been student organizing since early in his college days. He is the founder of the Pacific Islander Student Alliance (PISA), which started in 2007 when he was an undergraduate student. He is also the founding coordinator of the Men of Color Leadership Program at Portland Community College, and before that, he was the coordinator of the Pacific Islander, Asian and Asian American (PIAAA) Student Center at Portland State University, the Manager of Continuing Education at the University of the South Pacific, Majuro Campus, and the Director of the Office of Student Activities and Leadership at Chaminade University.

Makerusa is a second-generation American Samoan from the village of Fogagogo. Mak started his college education at American Samoa Community College. He later received his BS from Portland State University, and Masters in Education from Chaminade University of Honolulu.  Away from his day job, Mak is an organizer with the Pacific Climate Warriors of 350 Pacific, and is Chair of the Samoa Pacific Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) Organization for Samoans in Oregon.

Gregory Pōmaika’i Gushiken | Moderator

Born and raised on the island of Oʻahu, Greg Pōmaikaʻi Gushiken is a multiracial Native Hawaiian PhD student at the University of California, San Diego, in the Department of Ethnic Studies. His dissertation utilizes ethnographic, cultural studies, and Kanaka ʻŌiwi methodologies to examine LGBTQ+ diasporic Hawaiian relationships to Hawaiian sovereignty movements, ʻāina, and the ever-shifting concept of home. He holds degrees in Indigenous Politics and English from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Sione Taunga | Lead Navigator, TupuToa

Sione was born in Tonga and migrated to New Zealand when he was 3 years old. From then until now he grew up in West Auckland, attended the University of Otago where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary School). He has worked in New Zealand and abroadd as a manual labourer, farm hand, fitness instructor, art dealer, teacher aide and an administrator and is currently The Lead Navigator at TupuToa. The important things that Sione values can simply be summed up in ‘F’ words – Faith, Family, Friends and Food. He has a huge passion to see people grow in their God given gifts and talents and is extremely blessed and grateful to be walking alongside future Māori and Pasifika change agents.

Alema Fitisemanu | Stanford Undergraduate, BuildOps

Alema Fitisemanu is a third-year Sāmoan and Tongan student at Stanford University majoring in human-computer interaction and art practice. He is an aspiring UX designer with a design portfolio including projects in music & memories, law software, and athletics event ticketing. After completing his B.S., he plans on getting a Master’s from the Stanford Graduate School of Education, focused on building augmented-reality learning experiences for Pacific Islander youth.

Christine Imaizumi | Product Design Manager, Facebook

Christine was born on the island of O’ahu and raised in the Bay Area. She attended college in Texas and there began her career in product design and research. For the past several years, she’s focused on building financial and regulatory products for large corporations. Christine is currently a Product Design Manager at Facebook and moved her family back to the Bay Area last year. She is multiracial Native Hawaiian and a perpetual student of hula and ‘oli chanting, sharing the foundational stories that define and power our culture.

Julia Arnott-Neenee | Co-Founder, PeopleForPeople

Julia is an international insights and communication strategist, passionate about technology and people. She has worked in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. She is dedicated to looking at how technology will impact the most amount of people for the better, advocating progress that reaches the whole society. Julia has recently co-founded PeopleForPeople a youth-led Pacific Social Enterprise with the mission to strengthen Digital Empowerment in Aotearoa.

Alanna Simao | Moderator

Alanna is a higher education administrator working in career services and professional development. After participating in internships at her university's museum as an undergraduate, Alanna knew that she wanted to pursue a career in Education. She worked briefly as a high school tutor before transitioning to higher education. Alanna has always loved learning and attributes this to elementary school field trips to her local museum.

Cady Ching | Executive Director, Summit Public Schools

Cady was born and raised on the island of Oahu in a multicultural home. She attended Stanford University and attained a bachelor’s degree in Human Biology with an Area of Concentration in the Intersection of Ethnicity, Education and Health and a minor in Native American Studies. Her commitment to working with educational programs in diverse communities across the country has spanned a decade. Currently, Cady is a Principal at Summit Preparatory Charter High School, and has previously worked as a teacher-coach, biology and AP Environmental Science teacher and a mentor for five years. In addition to her work in public education, she has worked with a literacy project in Hawaii; an academic and cultural summer program on the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation in Idaho; and a residential program teaching science to Native American high school students in South Dakota.

Sereana Naepi | Professor, University of Auckland

Dr Sereana Naepi is passionate about Pacific peoples being able to engage and be successful in whatever field they choose. As a lecturer in Sociology at the University of Auckland she researches higher education across the globe. Dr Naepi is passionate about including Pacific research methodologies in research. After completing a qualitative analysis of Pacific people's experiences working in universities, she now focusses on presenting quantitative data that maps out the systemic racism within new Zealand universities.

Brittany Kamai | Postdoctoral Scholar, University of California Santa Cruz & California Institute of Technology

Dr. Brittany Kamai is Native Hawaiian, an astrophysicist, an athlete, a poet, a writer, a mentor and a change maker.  She is on a mission to help enhance our fundamental understanding of the universe and does so by weaving together every aspect of who she is. As an experimentalist, Dr. Kamai’s research focuses on improving gravitational wave detectors with novel technology ideas. She is advancing studies of metamaterials on a path to improve the LIGO detectors. Dr. Kamai cares deeply about how we do science and infuses the aloha spirit into her practice of science. She advocates on national and international advisory boards to build towards a more inclusive and equitable field of astrophysics. Dr. Kamai is Heising-Simons Foundation Postdoctoral scholar with a joint appointment between University of California, Santa Cruz and Caltech. 

Marushka Hirshon | Moderator

Born in Tahiti and raised in Los Angeles/Chicago, Marushka believes in empowering Indigenous and Oceania communities through social impact, entrepreneurship, and educational initiatives. She is currently Head of Social Impact and Entrepreneurship for Smart Oceania, a consulting agency helping Pacific entrepreneurs expand their business to U.S. markets. She is also the co-founder of KULTURA, an online magazine featuring culture creators — artists, activists, makers, and entrepreneurs — who give back to their community. She previously worked at Stanford’s Office of Undergraduate Admission as an Admission Counselor for Diversity Outreach and External Relations and at Oracle as a solutions consultant. She was awarded a Stanford Award of Excellence in 2014 and a Stanford Team Impact Award in 2018. She is a first-generation college graduate from Stanford University with a B.S. in Science, Technology & Society focused in Environment & Sustainability. In her spare time, she serves on the Stanford Asian Pacific American Alumni Club board and previously served on the Stanford Asian American Activities Center (A3C) advisory board.

Jayden Galamgam | Resident, UCLA Medical Center

Jayden was born on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. He is a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with BA degrees in Biology and Hawaiian language. He then attended the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Currently, Jayden is now a resident physician at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California. He is interested in becoming involved with mentorship and finding other ways to support the PI community.

Earl Stewart | Designer, Nike

Born & raised in Aotearoa (New Zealand), grew up with a multi-cultural perspective handed down from a Maori Mother & NZ European Father. Earl believes in providing opportunities to the under represented through educational & career equity. Studied Industrial Design at Victoria University of Wellington with a Masters in Advanced Manufacturing/Design. Following early success with start-up companies in the footwear & medical orthosis fields a move from London to Portland for Nike was the next challenge. Currently plying his trade as a Footwear Designer specialising in Computational design process.

Andrew Pati Ah Young | Scientist II, Immunology, Dren Bio

Dr. Andrew Pati Ah Young is a young Samoan investigator at the biotechnology company Dren Bio, where he investigates the underlying cause of various diseases and uses this data to develop innovative and effective treatments. Dr. Ah Young was born in the village of Faleniu in 1987 and began his education at Pava’ia’i Elementary School. He attended Tafuna High School between 2001 and 2005, a period he describes to be the most intellectually stimulating in his life. At Tafuna High School, under the mentorship of his Chemistry teacher Dr. Joserose Jyothibhavan, Dr. Ah Young developed a strong passion for basic research and enthusiasm for making scientific discoveries.

He received the prestigious Gates Millennium Fellowship which allowed him to pursue higher education abroad. Dr. Ah Young earned a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of New Mexico (UNM). There, he was a member of the Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) research program for underrepresented minorities which exposed him to cutting-edge research and provided a supportive community of minority academics. At age 27, Dr. Ah Young received his Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles. His graduate studies on an important sub-cellular communication mechanism led to several peer-reviewed publications and earned him a four-year postdoctoral fellowship at the pharmaceutical giant, Genentech.

His postdoctoral work led to the discovery of a novel gene that plays a role in vascular leakage and inflammation, with interesting implications in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. Currently, he is an investigator at the start-up company Dren Bio where he combines his broad skillset in protein structure, biochemistry, and immunology to unravel disease biology and develop robust treatments. He dreams to one day establish a research institution in American Samoa that translates Samoan medicinal plants into powerful drugs to treat diseases, and to help train the next generation of young Samoan scientists to tackle serious health problems in Pasefika.

Dr. Ah Young believes in the inherent potential of young Pacific Islanders (Polynesians, Micronesians, Melanesians) to succeed in science, medicine, and anything they set their minds to achieve. He credits his achievements to the values of hard work and community that were taught by his family and his upbringing in a Samoa that had so much to offer to a young curious mind.

Asaeli Matelau | Senior Software Engineer, Divvy and Co-Founder, CodePurpose

Born and raised in West Valley City, Utah Asaeli went on to study at the University of Utah, where he was the co-chair of the Pacific Islander Student association, founder of Face Movement mentoring, recognized as a Generation Google Scholar and participant in National Pacific American Leadership Institute.

While studying computer science at the University of Utah, Asaeli discovered a passion for addressing social injustices. He undertook the study of technology with the hope that he could wield technology as a medium for promoting a more equitable and just world. Asaeli has been able to contribute back to his community by founding CodePurpose to help others grow their technical skills. He also has participated in code workshops with Mana Academy and Future In Design. Asaeli’s hope is that his presence in these spaces shows students that we have a place in Utah’s startup and tech community.

Malie Kawamoto | Automation Engineer, Intel

Malie Kawamoto was born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. She has been working in the tech industry for 20+ years and has lived in many states throughout her technical career: from California to Colorado, New Mexico to Oregon and is currently residing in Arizona. Malie is a founding Board member for the Pacific Islanders of Intel (POI) Employee Resource Group and is leading the successful implementation of an Arizona Chapter. One of POI’s active visions is to pair local Pacific Islander students in higher education with a technical mentor.

These mentors and POI will facilitate conversations about the tech industries’ current environment. POI also strives to enhance Pacific Islanders careers for those whom are currently working inside the industry with professional development objectives. POI is excited to become a bridge between Pacific Islanders and the technical field. Aside from POI activities, Malie is a member of the Arizona Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Club (Na Leo 'o Ke Kai), part of a 501c3 organization. This canoe club is involved in the Arizona Aloha Festival, which promotes the education of the Polynesian culture within the Arizona region. Together, with POI and the canoe club, Malie continues to spread cultural awareness and aides as a steppingstone for PI’s personal and professional prosperity.

Poerani Tapare-Pin | Moderator

I am from Tahiti, French Polynesia and I am the first in my family who wants to study and possibly work in the United States. I earned a Bachelor degree of Business Administration at the Ecole de Commerce de Tahiti and then, a certificate for the MBA Preparation Program at California State University, Long Beach. I am planning to attend CSULB again to do the Accelerated MBA Program focused on Entrepreneurship and Innovation since I aim to launch my company in a few years.

Mary Aue | Managing Director, Coconut Wireless

Mary Aue is the Managing Director of Coconut Wireless, the largest self funded online platform for Maori and Pacific with 1/2 million followers with a reach of 2-5 million people a week locally and globally celebrating and promoting #OURCultures #OURPeople. The Effective Social Media Business is run behind the scenes helping people build their brand, build an online presence and teaching people how to earn an income using Social Media. Coconut Wireless has supported many Community events, individuals and in the last year helped businesses navigate Social Media and have been involved in some high profile campaigns: A) #TonganFlagBearer Pita Taufatofua before he broke the internet B) Mate Ma'a Tonga and the Rugby League World Cup since 2017 #OURCultures #OURPeople

Doris Tulifau | Founder Brown Girl Woke

Bio coming soon.

Dr. Mere Motari-MuraMura Sovick | Founder and Executive Director, Melanesian Women Today

Dr. Mere Tari Sovick is an indigenous scholar-practitioner from the Republic of Vanuatu, educated in New Zealand, and later in the United States of America, where she currently resides. In 2012, Dr. Sovick founded Melanesian Women Today a grassroots nonprofit organization that operates internationally across the Melanesian region of the South Pacific, and aims to empower and help women, girls, and youth alike to achieve their full potential. She is also the first Ni-Vanuatu woman to found and run a U.S. nonprofit organization and the first to earn her doctorate in the United States of America and one of a handful of female scholars with a doctoral degree from Vanuatu Dr. Sovick holds a Bachelors in Business Management and an MBA degree from the University of Phoenix and a Doctorate (DBA) degree from Walden University with a focus on International Business and research.

Elizabeth V Kite | Founding CEO, Tonga Youth Leaders

Elizabeth V Kite is the Founder and President of Tonga’s only Youth-led Non-Government Organisation, Tonga Youth Leaders. The organisation focuses on empowering Tongan youth to lead and be catalysts of positive change. Elizabeth also is the Pacific Regional Representative for the Commonwealth Youth Council, the world’s largest and most diverse youth group, with the council representing the 1.2 billion young people of the Commonwealth.

Marushka Hirshon | Moderator

Born in Tahiti and raised in Los Angeles/Chicago, Marushka believes in empowering Indigenous and Oceania communities through social impact, entrepreneurship, and educational initiatives. She is currently Head of Social Impact and Entrepreneurship for Smart Oceania, a consulting agency helping Pacific entrepreneurs expand their business to U.S. markets. She is also the co-founder of KULTURA, an online magazine featuring culture creators — artists, activists, makers, and entrepreneurs — who give back to their community. She previously worked at Stanford’s Office of Undergraduate Admission as an Admission Counselor for Diversity Outreach and External Relations and at Oracle as a solutions consultant. She was awarded a Stanford Award of Excellence in 2014 and a Stanford Team Impact Award in 2018. She is a first-generation college graduate from Stanford University with a B.S. in Science, Technology & Society focused in Environment & Sustainability. In her spare time, she serves on the Stanford Asian Pacific American Alumni Club board and previously served on the Stanford Asian American Activities Center (A3C) advisory board.

Dagmar Dyck | Artist, Sylvia Park School

As a first generation New Zealander, Dagmar Dyck is an artist, researcher, art educator, and social justice advocate of Tongan, German, Dutch and Polish descent. Her navigation in and around different worldviews is at the heart of her identity and arts practice. Dagmar graduated from Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, with a Post-Graduate Diploma of Fine Arts in 1995. She was the first woman of Tongan descent to do so. Dagmar has exhibited work in New Zealand galleries and internationally since 1995 and her work is held in significant national collections. In 2014 she received the Contemporary Artist Award at the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards. Since completing her Graduate Diploma in Teaching in 2009 Dagmar has merged her skills and is passionate about empowering her students through the platform of the arts at Sylvia Park School. In 2019 she completed her Masters in Professional Studies - Education (Hons), at The University of Auckland. Her research involved examining art teachers’ beliefs, attitudes and pedagogical practices and how these could affirm Pasifika students’ success as Pasifika. It also entailed exploring how Pasifika students’ success was enacted through their art works and stories. Dagmar holds several governance roles and is a Board member (Ministerial Appointment) for The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand | Matatū Aotearoa.

Kalolaine Fainu | Founding Director, Pasifika Film Fest

Kalo is an emerging female filmmaker of Tongan/Australian heritage and is the Founding Director of Pasifika Film Fest. Over the past 8 years, her primary focus has been in film festival development as well as small-scale multimedia and video production with a large part of her work focusing on Pacific communities. After many years of developing a platform for Pacific creatives to have their films shared with audiences on the big screen across the region, Kalo is stepping back into the role of filmmaker to create stories of her own. This creative journey has seen the Sydney based creative-entrepreneur spend the past 12 months exploring her ancestral ties to East New Britain in Papua New Guinea where she now spends most of her time. Her creative skill set has opened doors for further exploration and reporting across PNG which has led her to producing work for The Guardian and The World Bank and a number of influential political figures and large corporations. Kalo’s interest however, has always been connecting with people at a grassroots level. Her credentials include a Masters of Media Arts & Production, a BVA Photography with a Photojournalism major, the completion of two AFTRS Open Courses; Research for Television / Feature Documentary Intensive and the recipient of a Commonwealth Supported Place in Asia & Pacific Studies as a Masters student at the Australian National University. “Being a woman who proudly carries Pacific Island blood and someone who has been involved in Pacific storytelling through production and distribution platforms for many years, I maintain a vision that both represents and facilitates the growth of Pacific Stories told in Pacific Voices.”

Fenton Lutunatabua | Pacific Managing Director, 350 Pacific & Founder, Beyond the Narrative

Fenton is currently the 350.org Managing Director in the Pacific. He has over 10 years' experience in radio and TV, as radio and TV personality for a number of years. He is a writer, photographer, storyteller, trained facilitator, and podcaster on his Beyond the Narrative platform. Fenton also sits on the Board of the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network and supports cross-regional climate policy work in this role.

Victoria Wonsowicz | Co-Founder, Oceanic Artist Collective

A senior at the University of Hawai’i Mānoa pursuing a degree in Pacific Islands Studies with a concentration in Arts, Culture & Performance. I’m a self-taught digital artist that recently opened an online shop for my artwork called Toria Talanoa. I work collectively with Oceanic Art Collective to promote beautiful artwork by Pasifika artists around the world. 

Mary Hattori | Scholarship Coordinator/Affiliate Scholar Coordinator The East-West Center

Mary Therese Perez Hattori is hagan Guåhan, indigenous CHamoru born and raised on the island of Guåhan (Guam). She is one of nine children born to Fermina Leon Guerrero Perez and Paul Mitsuo Hattori, of the clan Familian Titang.

She currently resides on the island of O'ahu with her son and husband. Dr. Hattori's professional praxis embodies the CHamoru saying, I irensia na'lå'la' i espiritu-ta, Our heritage gives life to our spirit and informs her art, teaching and research. She teaches poetry in response to art, culture-based leadership, culturally sustaining educational technology and indigenous research methodologies, and mentors indigenous Pacific islander students engaged in community-based research.

Dr. Hattori is co-founder of the annual Cultural Animation Film Festival in collaboration with Twiddle Productions and the Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Museum of Art.  She is also a primary organizer of the annual Celebrate Micronesia Festival first held at the Honolulu Museum of Art School and now at the Bishop Museum.