2025 PILOT Cohort

Please meet the future leaders of our 2025 cohort!

Gerald Apisala

My name is Gerald Apisala, I am Samoan, Hawaiian, and Spanish. I am a first generation college student from Hawthorne California, graduating from UC San Diego. I am also the president of the Pacific Islander Student Association at UCSD!

 

Vineta Fukofuka

Hello! My name is Vineta Fukofuka and I am from Hayward, California. I hail from the villages of Kolomotu’a and Ma’ufanga of Tonga. As well as Letogo, Upolu and Fa’a’ala, Savaii of Samoa. I am currently a college student at California State University of Sacramento majoring in Health Science, and declaring a minor in Child Adolescent and Development to be a nurse in Pediatrics. I am so excited for what is in store for PILOT and how I can serve my community as a leader.

 

Catrine Kaho

Hi my name is Catrine Kaho, currently majoring in psychology (& other STEM field) and hoping to continue onto further depths with helping the community in the present and onwards in the future. A proud Tongan from Fasi Moe Afi, residing in Sacramento, California. While also being a student, I also continue doing a side hustle of baking with sharing a piece of myself and a piece of the pacific in every creation.

 

Nolieda Kitiona

Talofa Lava! My name is Nolieda Faith Kitiona. I was born in American Samoa and spent my childhood between Apia, Samoa and American Samoa before moving to the United States in 2014. My journey toward higher education was inspired by a deep desire to create a brighter future for myself, uplift my community, and honor my family’s support and sacrifices. Moving to the U.S. opened my eyes to the opportunities education can bring. I believe education can break barriers and drive positive change, which fuels my motivation through every challenge.

I am attending Sacramento State because it offers the academic support I need while allowing me to stay close to my family and community. Being part of Sac State has given me opportunities to grow, especially through my involvement in Pacific Islanders United, where I serve as an officer. This role has taught me the value of representation and community collaboration, especially through events like the NHPI Student Success Summit.

I’m currently pursuing a BA in New Media Art with a focus on digital animation. My dream is to work in the animation industry or teach, using art as a powerful tool for learning and engagement.

 

NeruLette Matautia

Hi, I am NeruLette Mata'utia, daughter of Vai & Pesa Mata'utia. My family originates from the villages that make up Manu'a ! I'm from San Bernardino,California. I'm currently enrolled as a full time student at San Bernardino Valley College, hoping to continue my education at Cal Poly Pomona. I'm currently majoring in Psychology. I pray I am able to become a therapist or counselor centering my focus on Pacific Islanders mental health. I am a proud San Bernardino resident, I love my community out here. A favorite hobby of mine is photography, I started with sports and now I'm doing festivals/concerts and personal photoshoots !

Evelini Mila

Malo e lelei! Ko hoku hingoa ko Evelini Mila, and I am a PROUD Tongan! I am currently a rising sophomore at CSU, Sacramento, majoring in Psychology. I was born and raised in the Bay Area-specifically East Palo Alto-and I'm passionate about giving back to my community. My goal is to work within the school system to support and uplift students, especially those who come from the backgrounds like mine. I'm excited to be a part of the Pacific Islanders Leaders of Tomorrow(PILOT) Summer institute and to connect with other Pasifika leaders. I'm looking forward to learning, growing, and bringing that knowledge back to serve my people.

I carry my faith with me in all I do, so one verse that inspires me is Jeremiah 29:11-"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'" It reminds me that my journey is guided by faith, and that I am walking a path with purpose and promise.

 

Adi Terisina Raikadroka

My name is Adi Terisina Raikadroka. I’m a proud Pacific Islander from Namara, Tailevu, Fiji, with chiefly roots and a warrior lineage. I speak Fijian well, though not as fluently as I once did. I grew up learning to balance tradition and modern life, and that mix has shaped who I am today. I played rugby throughout high school and still love the sport. I love to travel, discover new things, and step out of my comfort zone. Music is a big part of who I am and plays a powerful role in my culture — it connects me to my roots and brings people together. I’m passionate about community, helping youth grow, and breaking generational curses tied to ethnic stereotypes. My dream is to give back to my people and help create real, lasting change.

Taliilagi Aumavae

Talofa lava! My name is Taliilagi Aumavae, and I’m born and raised in Portland, OR with roots in both American Samoa and Samoa. I will be going into my last year of university at Portland State University this upcoming fall. My major is in Art + Design with a minor in Graphic Design. Aside from academics, I am a board member for PSU’s Pacific Islanders Club as well as a lead mentor for the INSPIRE program which provides mentoring support for first year & transfer students. My passions lie in community work and especially being able to use media as a way to advocate & uplift our people. I’m especially passionate about being able to get PI people in university and giving them support to continue towards their goals and ambitions.

 

Blase Michael Halu'u Ramos

Blase Michael Halu’u Ramos is a second-year undergraduate student at Stanford University from the island of Guåhan studying Biophysics and Linguistics. They come from a Pasifika-Southeast Asian household where karaoke is commonplace. They have been attempting to sing along to Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Pearl Jam with their mother since they had adequate control over their vocal cords, and singing at church since they were eight. When they are not singing, you can find them learning a new language, attempting to cook a tasty meal, making some doodh cha, trying out a funky new beverage, making a new beverage, raving about some random fragrance that consumed their weekly obsession, screaming about their favorite canon couple in a show of recent uptake, or just hanging out on a couch and listening to any Broadway hit with their headphones. Other than this, at Stanford, you can find them hanging out with people from the Pacific Islander Student Association, the Bengali Students Association at Stanford, or working at the Asian American Activities Center. Back on island, they would most likely be driving around, grabbing a coffee from Infusion, a big meal from a nearby mom and pop store, and hanging out at the beach or nearest breezy spot with family, their dogs, and a really loud speaker.

 

Susan Lokboj

My name is Susan Lokboj. The Pasifika community in Sacramento knows me as "Souf Sac Su" if youre from South Sacramento. I am of Marshallese and Kiribati descent. I identify as Marshallese not Micronesian because there is nothing Micro about me.

 

Maya Meaole

Tālofa Lava & Mālō e Lelei, My name is Maya Tagiamala Meaole! I was born and raised in San Diego, but currently reside in Highland, CA. My ancestral roots span from Savaii in the village of Salealoga to Upolu (Falefa) and Tutuila by way of A’uto (Faigatua), Amanave, Alao and lastly Manu’a-- while my Tongan roots are proudly carried through my Tuipelehake and Su’apa’ia bloodlines. I come from a family with 3 generations of military service, which has deeply instilled in me the values of community, service, and teamwork. I’m majoring in Public Policy and going into my 3rd year at UC Riverside with hopes to one day become that Pāsifika representation needed in government, health, or higher education spaces. I want to be that bridge between our people and the institutions that impact us to ensure that our voices are heard. This coming year I will be serving as Vice President of my school's Pacific Islander Student Association, as well as a student coordinator at the Asian Pacific Student Programs. I am honored to join this year's PILOT Cohort and can't wait to connect with fellow Pacific Islander scholars. Hoping to bring the love and wisdom I gain from PILOT back to my people and make our community stronger. Fa'afetai tele lava!

 

Sharon Nejad

Hi! My name is Sharon Nejad and I am Tongan and Iranian. I’m a rising senior at Pomona College majoring in Molecular Biology. I was born in Tehran, Iran and raised in San Jose, California. My dream is to become a dentist! I believe the future of our communities lies in health and education and I hope to help the next generation access both, with dignity, support, and cultural pride. 

 

Gjali Rollins

Håfa Adai and Aloha Mai Kākou! My name is Gjali Moana Fejeran Rollins and I am born and raised in San Diego with my roots planted in Hawai'i and Guam. I'm a first generation student at UC Irvine, and will be a second year student this fall with a major in Sociology and a minor in Education. I am an activist in every role I find myself in, and love using that drive and passion to bring awareness to the issues that affect our communities, and find resolves. I'm excited to take partnership in this year's cohort, and for the opportunities to follow!

 

Edith Tiko

Bula Vinaka! My name is Edith Tiko. I was born and raised in Santa Rosa, CA, and I’m heading into my second year at Cal State San Marcos this fall. I’m majoring in kinesiology in hopes of becoming a nurse one day! I am of Fijian heritage, and my culture is something that I take much pride in.

Samuelu Fesili

Talofa Lava and Aloha Mai Kākou! My name is Samuelu Fesili, and I’m so, so honored to be joining EPIC Cohort #17 after catching COVID (mmm of all illnesses, right!?) during last year’s program. Needless to say, I’m beyond grateful to be back and deeply honored for the opportunity to build with such a powerful community of Pasifika Excellence. Born and raised on ancestral Payómkawichum/Luiseño Land (Oceanside, CA), I come from a big, loving Samoan and Native Hawaiian family. Rooted in faith, family, and education, my undergrad journey in Psychology and Asian American Studies at UCLA further deepened my commitment to serve our beloved people (E kala mai, my focus was always Pasifika Studies, but we’re still fighting for that much-needed disaggregation!). Currently pursuing my MPH at USC with a concentration in Health Policy, I also serve with Pacific Islander Community Health, working to address Pasifika health disparities in ways that are rooted, restorative, and real. I look forward to learning, building, and co-conspiring to uplift our communities and honor the legacies that carry us. Fa’afetai Telē Lava and Aloha Nui Loa!

 

Brissa Hunter

Brissa is a proud daughter of Saipan, in the Northern Mariana Islands, and is currently pursuing a degree in Marketing and Economics at Simmons University. Growing up surrounded by the ocean and deep-rooted traditions of her Pacific Islander heritage, she carries with her the values of community, respect, and environmental stewardship. In her work as the Research and Pacific Islander Community Coordinator at the MA AAPI Commission, Brissa brings a heartfelt understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of Pacific Islander communities. Guided by a strong sense of purpose, she is passionate about uplifting Pacific Islander voices, bridging cultural gaps, and contributing to inclusive, community-centered policy. In her free time, Brissa finds peace in the waters of home, whether swimming or snorkeling, enjoys storytelling through film, and appreciates discovering the rhythms of life in Boston.

 

Noah Lum

Aloha mai kakou! My name is Noah Kaloeaholokai Lum and I am so excited to be a part of the PILOT 2025 program! I am Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) originally from ʻAiea on the island of Oahu. Currently, I am a third year at the University of Washington studying Political Science, International Studies, and Pacific Islander Studies. My career focus is on environmental policy and the ways in which climate change affects Pacific Islander culture and self sustainability. Additionally, I also focus on steps made towards land and water rights for Pacific Islanders under settler colonialism. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, attending cultural events in my area, trying new/different foods, going to the beach, canoeing, hiking, martial arts, and building bridges across different communities.

 

Ailana Mendiola-Power

Hafa Adai! My name is Ailana Mendiola (she/they) and I am a proud CHamoru and Puerto Rican recent college grad! I was raised in Colorado and Northern California before moving to Oregon to pursue my undergraduate degree at Portland State University. There, I received my Bachelor's of Arts in Sociology with a minor in American Sign Language and served as the Director for Community Outreach for my university's American Sign Language Club. I also served Portland’s Pacific Islander community as a Resource Navigator for the brilliant organization, UTOPIA PDX, who serve Oregon's Queer and Trans Pacific Islanders. I am passionate about supporting the intersectional identities of Pacific Islanders through advocacy and community organizing. I am so excited to be part of PILOT’s Cohort 17 and learn alongside other incredible Pacific Islanders! Saina ma’åse for this incredible opportunity!

 

Francesca Quinata

Hi! I'm Francesca, a proud Chamorro from Guam who recently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. Growing up in a military family, I've lived all over the US and abroad, which has given me a unique perspective on different cultures while keeping my Pacific Islander heritage close to my heart.

I'm preparing for law school, where I plan to focus on corporate law. When I'm not studying, I'm fencing or trying out new restaurants with friends around Austin.

 

Fa’aea Tūmanuvao

Tālofa Lava! My name is Fa’aea Tūmanuvao and I was born in American Sāmoa but raised in Hinesville, GA. I am family oriented, ambitious, and strive to support my Pasifika community! I am a current graduate of San Diego State University with a bachelor’s in International Security and Conflict Resolution with an emphasis in Environment. With that, I aim to become a foreign service officer in the Pacific Islands to help mitigate climate change!