2026 PILOT Cohort
Meet the future leaders of our 2026 cohort!
Joseph Anastacio
Joseph Anastacio is a proud Palauan Pasifika student and third-year Public Policy major at the University of California, Riverside. Raised in Stockton, California by a single mother, Joseph’s advocacy is rooted in his lived experience growing up low income and navigating systems that were not built with communities like his in mind. Joseph has previously served as Legislative Director at the Associated Students of UC Riverside, Government Relations Vice Chair at the UC Student Association, and Executive Director of the California College Democrats. At the national level, he serves on the Interim Governance Council of the United States Student Association, contributing to governance reform and federal advocacy on college affordability and student protections. He also manages the UCSA Policy Fellowship Program and oversees advocacy day steering committees for Latine, SWANA, and AANHPI students. His policy interests include education equity, housing affordability, artificial intelligence policy, and environmental sustainability. Joseph is committed to building advocacy spaces that center Pacific Islander communities and pushing Pasifika issues to the forefront of policy conversations at every level.
Elenoa Fifita
Mālō e lelei, i’m Elenoa Fifita, or Ele! I am rooted from the beautiful kingdom of Tonga, Vava’u, Leimatu’a and the island of Madeira Portugal. I grew up in the Bay area and am currently going into my senior year at UC Davis. I am studying Human Development with three minors; Public Health, Education, and Communication. I am passionate about access, advocacy, and visibility amongst the Pasifika Community within higher education and legislatively. I hope to pursue a career in Critical Pacific Islands and Oceania Studies and conduct research contributing and giving back to the Pacific Islands. I love to paint, read, watch films/TV, and sleep in my free time. One of my favorite things to do is being in the ocean or in nature, relaxing. I have an adorable dog who is a bundle of joy at home and she is currently learning Tongan! I come from a home with 5 siblings and I am so blessed and grateful I get to do life with them.
Siutiti Holani
Malo e lelei! My name is Siutiti Holani. I am so excited to join this year’s PILOT cohort. I was born in Southern California, and raised in Los Angeles. Ethnically I am Tongan. I am a first generation, rising junior at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Sustainability Studies. I am passionate about making a meaningful impact in my community by supporting and uplifting others. I enjoy helping create opportunities, encouraging those around me, and being involved in programs that inspire growth and connection. As someone who values leadership, service, and representation, I hope to continue giving back to my community and making a positive difference wherever I can.
Meleotuvaililo Kaylyne Manavahe
My name is Meleotuvaililo Kaylyne Manavahe and I go by she/her pronouns. I’m an easygoing individual who enjoys listening and learning a multitude of different things. I’m usually quiet and kept to myself but I enjoy meeting people and learning from them as well as developing friendships. I value honesty, respect, and good communication. I’m always in search of ways to improve my communication skills and to grow confidence as a person. In my free time I like to play video games, watch shows and movies (especially animated ones), and listen to music or podcasts while I bake or cook. I like to take pride in being respectful and considerate to anyone who crosses paths with me, I believe everyone deserves kindness and shouldn’t be met with negativity.
Kia’aneRani Sarote Osotonu
My name is Kia’aneRani and I also go by Kiaane or just Kiki. I’m from Vallejo, CA, I’m in my third year, and I’m Samoan and Rotuman!
Jessica Piamonte
Håfa Adai! My name is Jessica Piamonte, and I am a proud first-generation CHamoru-Filipino from Long Beach, CA. I am a rising third-year Biochemistry student and the President of the Pacific Islands’ Student Association at UCLA. I am committed to advocating for my Pacific Islander community who continue to pour into me every day. Through the time, knowledge, and skills I gain as a PILOT, I hope to continue preserving and commemorating our histories, honoring the struggles of those before us, and uplifting the priorities of our people. I am honored to be part of this year’s PILOT Program cohort!
Seluvaia Tuitahi
I'm a believer of Christ, a proud Tongan from Orange County, California. I currently attend Sac State. I'm currently studying cultural anthropology. I'm ultimately, full of gratitude to be here.
Kylee Aumoeualogo
I’m Kylee — a hardworking, family-oriented person with a loud laugh, a big heart, and goals that keep me motivated. I balance work, school, and life while still trying to make the people around me feel supported and cared for. As a Polynesian instructor, culture is a huge part of who I am, and I love creating spaces where people can have fun, connect, and feel welcomed. I can be dramatic sometimes, but I’m also resilient and determined when things get hard. I value loyalty, honesty, and genuine connections, and I try to bring positive energy wherever I go. I’m someone who dreams big, whether it’s traveling, building financial stability, transferring to my dream school, or creating a future I’m proud of. Even when I’m stressed or unsure of myself, I keep pushing forward because I know I’m capable of more. At the end of the day, I’m just trying to grow into the best version of myself while enjoying life, loving my people, and staying true to who I am.
Fotu Fuka
Malo E Lelei 🇹🇴 My name is Fotu Fuka and I'm of proud Tongan descent! I was born and raised in the Sacramento area where I'm now a rising second year Social Work student at Sacramento State. I'm currently planning on double minoring in Child and Adolescent development and Social Justice to become an advocate for the youth of our Pacific Islander communities.I'm currently involved on campus as the Vice President of the Sac State chapter of APAPA and a member of our Pacific Islander United Club. I will be interning with API Advocates in the Fall as well. I'm passionate about ensuring that our voices and experiences as Pacific Islanders are heard and that our youth are well equipped with the resources they need to succeed in higher education spaces and more!
Wesley Kamu
Hi Everyone!! Super excited to meet Everyone! My name is Wesley Kamu. I am 24 years old. My Ethnic background is Samoan. I recently graduated with my BA in Sociology at CSUSM. I want use my degree to become a teacher for SPED students. What I like to do for fun is either camping at national parks or going out and trying different foods.
Myah Hope Matautia
Hello! My name is Myah Hope Matautia. I’m currently a sophomore at San Bernardino Valley College and looking forward to majoring in Aviation. I’m full Samoan and I represent the villages of Ofu, Fitiuta, and Ta’u Manu’a. I’m very proud of my ethnic heritage and the history of why I am where I am right now. I love to talk a lot at times and I’d describe myself as outgoing. I also love singing even though I don’t know how to lol. I have 5 siblings, 4 girls (all older) and 1 younger brother (youngest out of all 6). Growing up my parents and uncles were huge advocates on how to not only make the community we lived in a safe space for all but also our small (at the time) Pasefika community feel welcomed as well. Having their non profit organization called The Young S(erving).A(ll).M(ankind).O(ur).A(lofa), truly helped me improve my leadership skills and also helped me learn more and more about my culture as a child who wasn’t raised back on our homeland. Also seeing how much our Pasefika community went unnoticed/unheard growing up made me strive even harder for our voices. I’m so excited for this experience and I’m ready to advocate, learn, gain experience, share my story, and lead for the benefit of our Oceania communities!
Brook Parr
Hi, my name is Brook Parr! I am a Christian, CHamoru, 1st-generation college student, and the oldest daughter (2nd mom) to my 2 younger siblings. I graduated from El Camino HS in 2023 and just got my AA in Liberal Arts at MiraCosta College in Oceanside. I hope my time at PILOT gives me the skills to get into outreach for NHPI youth and get them not only into higher education but to get things done while they're there. My plan for advocacy in the youth is through meaningful relationships, endless support, and communal success!
Wesley Shafer
Aloha Mai! My name is Wes. I am mixed Kanaka/Native Hawaiian and I’m Central Valley raised, originating from Visalia, California. This coming fall I’ll be starting my 3rd year at University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, and I’m pursuing my Bachelors in Music in Music Education. I’ve been serving the Pacific Islander community for a few years now as Youth Ambassador for Central Valley Pacific Islander Alliance. My service to my community has brought me from Sacramento all the way down to Bakersfield. In my free time I like to weight-lift, do any pretty much anything physically active, compose music, and play drums!
Isabel Tupe
My name is Isabel Tupe and I am Samoan & Guatemalan! I’m currently a Sociology major and exploring different career paths, but leaning towards a career in higher education. I’m the eldest daughter in my family and I have 2 younger siblings. Some of my favorite things to do are listening to music, going to the beach, hanging out with my family and friends, and baking!
Laitak Briand
I am a first-generation college student. My parents immigrated from the Marshall Islands, and I was born in Florida. I finished my time at Sacramento City College and am going to attend CSU Sacramento in the Fall 2026 semester. I am also part of a nonprofit based in Sacramento. The Sacramento Marshallese Youth Coalition was founded back in November 2024. We have been working to bring resources and information to the Marshallese population in Sacramento. We also work with other Pacific Islander communities and host events in nearby parks.
Simione Vakauliafa Hala
I am a Business Administration student at California State University San Marcos, specializing in accounting, serving as Treasurer of the Pacific Islander Student Association.
Preston Victor Lauifi
My full name is Preston Victor Lauifi/Tufaga, and I was named after my uncles with my first and middle name. I am full Samoan and I do YouTube and small little hobby. I wish to connect with my roots as I failed before but determined to pick it up again.
Violeti Muavao
Hi! I'm Leti, a 3rd year economics student at University of California, Riverside. I am passionate about advocacy, love traveling and enjoy trying new things (food, music and experiences.) I'm so excited to meet new people who have the same drive of empowering our community!
Nathaniel Petueli
Hi all, my name is Nathaniel Petueli, and I am a student leader at Sacramento City College, becoming the first Pacific Islander to serve as Student Senate President. I am passionate about empowering student and community voices, and creating positive change through leadership, advocacy, and community engagement.
Malakai Siketi
I was born in the Kingdom of Tonga, in Kolofo’ou, and later moved to the United States at a young age. Growing up between cultures has shaped the way I see the world and taught me the importance of resilience, family, and community. I spent most of my life in Texas before eventually settling in California. I am a Psychology major with interdisciplinary studies in Language Arts and Social Sciences. I recently graduated from College of San Mateo and will be transferring to California State University, Long Beach this fall. My academic interests center on understanding people, human behavior, communication, and the ways culture and life experiences influence personal growth.Outside of academics, I enjoy creative writing, poetry, and exploring stories that connect people across different backgrounds. As a first-generation college student, I am passionate about education, leadership, and creating opportunities for others. My long-term goal is to use my education to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and communities while continuing to learn from the diverse experiences that shape our world.