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Make it stand out https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/68c95816-267c-4105-973e-24432f2301b9/11.png Advocacy Pencil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/cc2325a6-9cac-4837-a7a6-9982cf6ec3bd/10.png Advocacy Stethoscope https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/7585da3a-18dc-4862-a636-bb11bc1f23e0/12.png Advocacy Globe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/6b31fd08-e462-4317-9d76-223b97312338/Policy+Blueprint+Post+%281%29.png Advocacy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.empoweredpi.org/forward-movement daily 0.75 2021-01-31 https://www.empoweredpi.org/semester-session daily 0.75 2020-07-10 https://www.empoweredpi.org/internship daily 0.75 2020-07-10 https://www.empoweredpi.org/contact daily 0.75 2024-01-31 https://www.empoweredpi.org/jada-quidachay daily 0.75 2025-06-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/ce4d7853-37db-4155-8eff-01216cb3ddc2/JadaQuidachay-6.jpg Jada Quidachay https://www.empoweredpi.org/past-pilot-cohort daily 0.75 2021-07-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1627324239122-BZHZ2KRV3QWX4TKKWZF3/Ruta+Faifaiese.png 2021 PILOT Cohort - Ruta Faifaiese Hey everybody, I'm Ruta Faifaiese, she/her pronouns. A hope of mine is to inspire Indigenous Pacific students, along with other students of color, through my words of spoken word poetry as a way to demonstrate one of my forms of student activism. So excited to be part of PILOT! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1627415776178-SAZDJM5WF7UEC66VYBJT/Patricia+Gasaiwai.jpeg 2021 PILOT Cohort - Patricia Gasaiwai Bula Vinaka! My name is Patricia Marica Tagilala Gasaiwai. I am a 4th year Media and Cultural Studies major at UC Riverside. I currently work for Asian Pacific Student Programs as a Student Program Coordinator and I am the President of Pacific Islander Student Association. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1627417462621-L5B6DTMWTEE7CL2J8IH1/Ratu+Orisi+Lalabalavu.jpeg 2021 PILOT Cohort - Orisi Lalabalavu Bula all, My name is Ratu Orisi Lalabalavu, but I just go by Orisi. I was born in Fiji and grew up in different parts of California, but my hometown is Sacramento, CA. I am a UC Berkeley student, who is majoring in Anthropology and Social Welfare. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1627417787784-1042B64OZNB0HJQRNJQI/Keoni+Rodriguez.jpeg 2021 PILOT Cohort - Keoni Rodriguez Keoni Rodriguez is a Hawaiian student at Stanford (BA ʻ22, MAʻ23) and WCC (AA ʻ23). Dedicated to the revitalization of Pacific Islander histories, stories and futurities, they are the eldest of four siblings of John and Laryna Rodriguez, they were born and raised in San Diego, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1627417692076-WMNJIB45MWGL9IC07KBK/Seini+Tuita.jpeg 2021 PILOT Cohort - Seini Tuita My name is Seini Tuita and I am a Tongan, Bay Area native residing in Hayward, CA. I am mother to my beautiful Nenase and am an undergrad student studying Sociology. I currently work as a Health Navigator for the Pacific Islander Wellness Initiative. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1627414905606-0Z4MRF9EE366OESXB25O/Mai%2BFolau.jpg 2021 PILOT Cohort - Fa’afatiatama’i Folau Fa’afatiatama’i Puapae Folau is of Samoan descent. She is a recent graduate from UCLA as a History major (Pacific Studies). Her hobbies include playing the ukulele and the keyboard. Folau will continue her voyage at the University of Utah for her Masters in History (Pacific Studies). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1627417383897-8Z0GMHZGRMBZIEVD8RM0/Joy+Kavapalu.jpeg 2021 PILOT Cohort - Joy Kavapalu Joy is a senior studying Health, Society and Policy and International Studies at the University of Utah. As a daughter of Tongan-Fijian immigrants, Joy is passionate about helping fellow underrepresented students access higher education and engage in community-based work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1627417494228-6OQ35ZEG962FFPFG6XXK/Gabby+Lupola.jpeg 2021 PILOT Cohort - Gabby Lupola Hafa Adai! My name is Gabby Lupola (she/her) I am Chamorro and Italian, a recent Pomona College graduate, and live in Oceanside, CA. I am excited to share space with my PILOT cohort as I start my journey at UCLA in the fall to get my Master's in Asian American Studies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1627417822196-TT00VGRQO3CSCYJHE4C0/Marianne+Siulangapo.png 2021 PILOT Cohort - Marianne Siulangapo Marianne (Nane) Siulangapo was born in Yelamu (San Francisco) on the unceded territory of the Ohlone people to two Tongan immigrants. She is finishing her second year at the College of San Mateo where she is interested in ethnic studies and history. She aspires to be a teacher. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1627415258335-D3US6XNBBZMYTA4S6VV1/Henrietta+Fonua.jpg 2021 PILOT Cohort - Henrietta Fonua Hello! My name is Henrietta Fonua. I am approaching my fourth year at UC Davis, and am majoring in Human Development with a minor in Psychology. I am Tongan and Sāmoan, raised here in the States. I am excited to learn and unlearn to help our PI community grow and further develop! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1627417419047-RWQ8SDO1KZBA2AKLCCQ7/Seiko+Keleb.jpeg 2021 PILOT Cohort - Seiko Keleb Seiko F. Joseph Keleb is a Marshallese student attending Whitworth University. She loves helping others, which lead to her involvement in programs like the Blood Bank of Hawai’i. She is proud of her Pacific Islander heritage and she strives to always advocate for her people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1627417758007-8WU5NZ25YO0FUE7LJL7T/Malia+Ma%27u.jpeg 2021 PILOT Cohort - Malia Mau Hello, I’m Malia Mau. My pronouns are she/her/hers, my roots come from the island of Tonga, I am currently a fourth-year transfer student transitioning to my fifth year at UC Riverside majoring in Ethnic Studies and minoring in Media & Cultural Studies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1627417918257-OAK2M7KWU3GMZZBRZ6LL/Vicente%2BBlas%2BTaijeron.jpg 2021 PILOT Cohort - Vicente Taijeron Vicente Preciardo Blas Taijeron is an indigenous CHamoru from the island of Guåhan (Guam). He is currently a rising sophomore at Colorado College and is passionate about fostering spaces that promote collaboration amongst Pacific Islanders. https://www.empoweredpi.org/jimina-afuola daily 0.75 2024-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1627412381701-LQ067YLMG7WL67IQ2CES/Jimina%2BAfuola.jpg Jimina Afuola https://www.empoweredpi.org/naomi-tacuyan-underwood daily 0.75 2021-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1631041137645-TQIBDE4R0D494JOUJP4L/Naomi+Tacuyan+Underwood.jpg Naomi Tacuyan Underwood https://www.empoweredpi.org/keith-camacho daily 0.75 2021-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/48bcfb51-4c83-400e-a096-71b9828eeefe/Keith+Camacho.jpg Keith Camacho https://www.empoweredpi.org/about-pasifika-art daily 0.75 2022-02-24 https://www.empoweredpi.org/pasifika-art-gallery daily 0.75 2022-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/d45ae4f5-040e-45fe-a70b-059769deb6dc/A+Safe+Place+to+Heal_Tiare+Lefotu.jpg Pasifika Art Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/2bb3f5e0-4338-479d-8328-8f422ede6df2/KA+PUKE+HANA+NUI+%28Zine%29_Pikake+Segia+Kahananui.gif Pasifika Art Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.empoweredpi.org/2023-pilot-cohort daily 0.75 2023-09-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/c99f5ea9-78f1-4fc3-8423-5ba2454d6f97/Screenshot+2023-08-31+at+1.49.04+PM.jpg 2023 PILOT Cohort - Alfred Tora Alfred Tora is of proud iTaukei and Rotuman heritage. He is an advocate for the fusion of indigenous cultural knowledge and modern business practices. He believes that information dissemination holds the key to strengthening disadvantaged communities. He is currently completing his MSc Organizational Psychology at the University of London and is an executive board member of the Global Organization for Humanitarian Work Psychology. His research interests include creating work satisfaction through a stronger sense of purpose in work and life; wage inequality in the Pacific; team dynamics; and decolonizing business psychology. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/f2e22a2e-455a-4b0d-8953-a646a7c210f8/Screenshot+2023-08-31+at+1.18.49+PM.jpg 2023 PILOT Cohort - Bianca Blanco Chamorro & Marshallese daughter born and raised in the Marianas on the island of Saipan. Currently, residing in Portland, OR. I enjoy learning from others, talking story, and eating good food. I am passionate about uplifting others and being in community with fellow Pacific Islanders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/56713e3c-8ac8-4747-9d8a-3331e1b7fe67/Screenshot+2023-08-31+at+1.10.27+PM.jpg 2023 PILOT Cohort - Fine Tuitupou Malo e leilei my name is Fine Tuitupou (she/her). I am the eldest daughter of two Tongan immigrants as well as the eldest granddaughter. My parents are from the villages of Kolomotua and Nukunuku. I am a rising senior at UC Berkeley majoring in Ethnic Studies and just completed my first year after transferring. I currently reside in LA where I primarily grew up. I'm passionate about different issues such as higher education access and advocating against mass incarceration of both Pacific Islanders and other minoritized communities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/d6d0b3e2-50e7-478f-8a99-7424680b8415/Screenshot+2023-08-31+at+1.07.14+PM.jpg 2023 PILOT Cohort - Lavau Nalu Dr Lavau Nalu is a Blak multi-disciplinary storyteller and Humanitarian with a keen interest in Global Health, Policy and Indigenous Affairs. Recognized as a leader in the Pacific, Lavau has been involved in innumerable health projects, selflessly devoting his time to improve health outcomes, previously working with YWAM Australia Medical Ships, the PNG Health Project and Bush Dokta Project Yumi to improve health literacy and access in his home country of Papua New Guinea. His interests in Global Health and exploring other cultures has seen him accepted for medical training in Australia, Vietnam and PNG - gaining a greater understanding of his fellow international health workers and affording him opportunities to join global panel discussions, as a delegate to the Australian National University, Asia Pacific Week and awarded the Leading the Pacific Scholarship to One Young World 2021 in Munich, Germany. He was awarded a 2021 Kokoda Track Foundation Archers Leadership Award for his work in public health in Papua New Guinea. Beyond the realms of Medicine, Nalu co-founded and curates archiveples - a digital media project that renegotiates the visual narrative and external perception of Papua New Guinea, by documenting stories of PNG shared by Papua New Guineans themselves, thereby taking control of the gaze, navigating colonial histories and false assumptions about PNG and the larger Melanesian community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/347139b7-478d-434a-88f7-b53e881c1383/Marina+Aina 2023 PILOT Cohort - Marina Aina Marina Aina is a mixed-race Sāmoan woman from Southern California. She recently graduated from Pomona College with her B.A. in American Studies and will be at UCLA pursuing her M.A. in Asian American Studies in the fall. She’s passionate about health and education equity for Pasifika folks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/cb4556a2-4ddc-47d0-bc6b-db5fbf39e749/Onosai+Fonoti 2023 PILOT Cohort - Onosai Fonoti Hey! My name is Onosai Fonoti and I am of Samoan descent. I am a fourth-year premed student at UC Davis, majoring in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. I aspire to one day have the opportunity to serve my Pacific Islander community through medicine. I am excited to learn about the ways in which I can develop myself as a leader for the PI community in the future! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/3e47b580-f923-4242-8fdf-f394379d4959/Tane+Te%27i 2023 PILOT Cohort - Tāne Te’i How we doin family! I’m Tāne Te’i & I’m super grateful to EPIC for selecting me for Cohort #15. Fa’afetai , fa’afetai , fa’afetai lava. Representing Oceanside, CA – I’m in my last year at Mira Costa College planning on transferring to UH Mānoa or CSU Long Beach in the Fall of ‘24. This past year, I served as Mana Club President & was able to lead my team in executing some events that tackled some of the local issues our Polynesian community deals with (such as climate change, health issues & lack of access to higher education). I plan on taking what I learn in the PILOT Institute & bringing it back to Oceanside so I can be the best leader I can be for my Polynesian people & my city. I’m beyond grateful to be here & I look forward to building a network with like-minded Polynesian scholars & activists. Oside Stand Up! More work to be done! Mālo lava & Mo Life! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/10257fbe-4847-4169-bf2a-59277d88808f/Screenshot+2023-08-31+at+1.31.13+PM.jpg 2023 PILOT Cohort - Andy Viernes Hi, my name is Andres Viernes but I like to go by Andy. I am half Tongan and half Chamorro and from Hayward CA . I’m currently a first year at Chabot College studying Kinesiology but I plan to possibly switch majors to work more with mental health. I am excited to learn about how I can improve/help my PI community within mental health. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/b54dc5b0-8069-4a00-9703-af931a3aa9ee/Elana+Pula 2023 PILOT Cohort - Elana Pula Hello! My name is Elana Pula and I am a rising third year at UC Davis. I am a 19 year old, first generation Samoan child who was raised in the city of Compton, California. I came to Davis for the hopes of higher education and new opportunities that thankfully I've been given. I will soon be a chief in the UC Davis's PISA, and I also am the Treasurer for Na keiki O Hawai'i. My major is Linguistics and I hope to pursue a successful future within this field. I look forward to meeting more P.I. that also have hopes and dreams within higher education, and I hope that I gain a new reasoning to help drive my passions in life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/c7274ee5-ad09-45e4-b5eb-f4885268b17d/Screenshot+2023-08-31+at+1.24.37+PM.jpg 2023 PILOT Cohort - Jayda Mauga Talofa lava! My name is Jayda Mauga and I am full Sāmoan. I am an undergraduate transfer entering my fourth-year at CSU Sacramento to receive my Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies. I aspire to become a Teacher, Leader and a well representative within our Pasifika community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/bdb1f27c-782e-4f1e-8891-416ae39a5055/Screenshot+2023-08-31+at+1.27.48+PM.jpg 2023 PILOT Cohort - Lesieli Netane Malo e lelei! My name is Lesieli Netane. I was born and raised in San Bruno, CA. I am a first-generation college student currently attending a local community college in Sacramento with hopes to transfer to a four year. I'm majoring in Film and one of my career goals is to amplify Pasifika stories and voices. I work as a mentor on campus working hand and hand with other Asian Pasifika Desi American students in hopes to help our communities reach academic success. Some of my favorite hobbies are sleeping, annoying my siblings, and anything art related. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/de46c4d5-0c70-4444-9358-be9f8a37e5a1/Screenshot+2023-08-31+at+1.26.05+PM.jpg 2023 PILOT Cohort - Michael Niu Chur, I’m Michael Niu (he/him) and I’m from South Sacramento, California. Parents hail from Nukunuku and Lakepa in Tonga so I’m puttin’ on for my T’z. A recent graduate of Sacramento State where I got my BS in Criminal Justice and minored in Psychology, continuing onto my masters at the same institution, I hope to uplift our PI’s in everything I do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/474c9d4e-44d0-4e3e-8746-da5df3e2b1f1/Screenshot+2023-08-31+at+1.38.37+PM.jpg 2023 PILOT Cohort - Supiesi Tiueti Mālō e lelei, my name is Supiesi Tiueti and I am Tongan born Australian. I moved to Oakland, California a few years ago and have been here ever since. I am currently studying Sociology at San Jose State University in hopes of graduating in the Spring of 2024. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this year's PILOT Summer Institute, and excited to see what's in store. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/ba4b6381-938c-44aa-93fd-1acf49f75652/Screenshot+2023-08-31+at+1.35.09+PM.jpg 2023 PILOT Cohort - Wileen Mongami Hafa Adai/ Alii, my name is Wileen Mongami and I am a senior majoring in Environmental Science and Management at Portland State University (PSU). Before transferring to PSU, I had received my Associate in Science in Natural Resource Management from the Northern Marianas College in 2019. I am a first-generation college student coming from the ethnic background of Chamorro/Palauan. I became passionate about serving the community through the land and sea through research on sustainability and agriculture to implement more sustainable actions towards future generation of natural resources that still could be replenished and not depleted. I was given the opportunity to continue my education through the BUILD EXITO program and the McNair Scholar Program. Growing up all my life on an island and then moving out here to the United States, was something new for but I really do believe that if we take care of the environment, it will take care of us. So I have a passion of the outdoors and being to be in touch with nature and learn and experiences opportunities out here that I could take back home and implement it, so that all the islands have a chance of still carry out the culture from the land and sea but as well go back to using medicinal herbs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/5968bbf4-30e7-4604-b4ea-036cba33747a/Screenshot+2023-08-31+at+1.36.37+PM.jpg 2023 PILOT Cohort - Asupa Mila Malo e lelei, I am Asupa Mila! Currently, I'm a rising third year at Sacramento State University studying sociology and communications. I am also full Tongan and from East Palo Alto, CA. I am looking forward to being a part of this years' PILOT program and excited to learn from other Pasifika leaders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/8d92e0a8-5855-4cc9-bf31-da3b81ce3903/Screenshot+2023-08-31+at+12.43.53+PM.jpg 2023 PILOT Cohort - Erin Mata’afa My name is Erin Mata’afa, I am 20 years old and I use she/they pronouns. I am of Samoan heritage and was born and raised in Long Beach, CA. Currently I am at Long Beach City College studying Kinesiology and Digital Media Arts (Graphic Design to be exact) and hopefully transfer out soon with my AA in both fields. I am currently the President for our Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA) and a part of the Asian Pacific Islander & Desi Club here at LBCC. I also work on campus as a student assistance/peer mentor for our MANA Learning Community. Within these spaces I strive to hold accountable for those who have authority and that continuously excludes Pacific Islander heritage and history while also uplifting our voices through educating others and spreading awareness both out and in our community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/3ce7093b-9f8e-4a1c-baab-544183944142/Screenshot+2023-08-31+at+1.33.17+PM.jpg 2023 PILOT Cohort - Kelela Ma’u Hi all, my name is Kelela Ma’u! I have roots stemming from the beautiful Kingdom of Tonga and was born and raised in the Bay Area. In the fall, I will be entering my second year at UC Berkeley, where I am studying Landscape Architecture. I will also be joining the PI Initiative at Cal as an intern! I am extremely excited to be part of the PILOT program and to expand my knowledge on ways to further serve and uplift my community! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/029b835f-0d28-4048-84d1-fa7695f68a4a/Screenshot+2023-08-31+at+1.16.44+PM.jpg 2023 PILOT Cohort - Marcina Langrine Marcina was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and moved to Springdale, AR back in 2011. Marcina Langrine is the Program's Manager for the Marshallese Educational Initiative. In addition to assisting with administration and program coordination, Marcina has developed training and workshops to raise awareness of violence against women, and works with Marshallese youth to promote enrollment in higher education. In 2022 she was a featured youth speaker at a United Nations' Conference in Vienna, Austria, as part of MEI's work to raise awareness of the nuclear testing legacy. She is a climate and nuclear justice advocate who has also formulated a research study about cancer rates and impediments to healthcare. Aside from her professional work, she is a band Manager to a Marshallese boy band called MARK Harmony. She is an avid reader, a lifelong learner, loves to bake and travel all around the world. Marcina loves spending time with her family & friends and meeting new people across the globe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/5f2c238e-5bb8-4e90-86bd-c78050991346/Screenshot+2023-08-31+at+1.29.47+PM.jpg 2023 PILOT Cohort - Michayla Stanley-Maluia Talofa everyone, my name is Michayla Stanley-Maluia and I am a proud tama’ita’i Sāmoa. I was born and raised in Northern California, but am blessed to consider the Sāmoan islands as both my ancestral and personal “homeland”. I am entering my third year as an International Relations student at UC Davis and am aspiring to work in the realm of politics in the Pasifika so as to someday serve the needs of our beloved people and nations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/a4512815-5beb-4382-9761-e8d6e4f5290f/Tammalivis+Salanoa 2023 PILOT Cohort - Tammalivis Salanoa Tammalivis Salanoa is a first-generation college graduate, a local independent Samoan artist, a community leader, and an advocate for civic engagement. Born in the beautiful U.S. island territory of American Samoa, then became rooted in Anchorage Alaska. Her presence in the community has granted her opportunities to travel on behalf of her university, city, and state. Advocating for the AANHPI community on the national level with programs such as APIA (Asian Pacific Islander Association) Scholars, APAICS (Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies), and EPIC (Empowering Pacific Islander Communities). She is currently working with Connect AK and the Rasmuson Foundation to provide digital equity to the state of Alaska. The most memorable moment in her career so far is being the recipient of the PAOA (Polynesian Association of Alaska) Volunteerism Award which was presented to her by the mayor of Anchorage Dave Bronson for her dedicated work in serving the community. https://www.empoweredpi.org/karla-thomas daily 0.75 2025-06-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/de791982-00c8-494b-aea7-a3a5c2a50be0/Headshot.jpg Karla Thomas https://www.empoweredpi.org/olivia-anderson daily 0.75 2026-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1140689c-4dae-4528-95fd-c788fe75a3da/Olivia+A..jpg Olivia Anderson https://www.empoweredpi.org/2024-pilot-cohort daily 0.75 2024-07-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/df482549-ebf0-42d8-adc8-682b293f24bc/Malia+-+EPIC+PILOT.jpg 2024 PILOT Cohort - Malia Miller Hafa Adai! My name is Malia Miller. I am half Chamorro and half Filipino. Born and raised in San Diego, I am entering my second year at a local community college as a Business Admin major. I am passionate about empowering Pacific Islander voices and creating spaces of belonging and support. I hope to uplift our community through advocacy and leadership. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity, and I am excited to learn, grow, and connect with fellow Pacific Islanders at PILOT! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/4f8019d5-1699-4876-901f-28b32b72202e/PILOT+-+FEHI.jpg 2024 PILOT Cohort - Fehi Loto’aniu Malo e lelei! My name is Fehi Loto’aniu. I was born and raised in the Yay Area with ancestral roots tracing back to the beautiful islands of Vava’u and Ha’apai in Tonga. I’m currently a third year at UC Riverside, majoring in Sustainability Studies with the hopes of finding ways to combat the tragedies of climate change that our Pasifika communities have been facing. Next year, I will be serving as the PISA President, a student coordinator at the Asian Pacific Student Programs office on campus, and will be working closely with the AANAPISI committee at UCR. I’m looking forward to building new connections, being a part of a space with fellow Pasifika advocates, and being given the opportunity to grow and learn more about myself and what I can provide for my community. T’z up! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/a8b95da7-7386-41c0-846d-d077ff5c8d26/PILOT+-+Alesi.jpg 2024 PILOT Cohort - Alesi Kamakanaokalani Meyers-Tuimavave Aloha mai kakou/talofa lava. My name is Alesi Kamakanaokalani Meyers-Tuimavave. I am Sāmoan, Hawaiian, German, Japanese, Chinese & Black. I was born & raised in Oceanside & have recently moved to the Big Island (Hilo side) in pursuit of my bachelors degree in English Literature, along with certificates in TESOL & Pacific Studies. My goals for the future are to become an English Literature & Pacific Literature professor, but more importantly, to serve as an advocate for my communities. Mahalo/Fa‘afetai tele lava to EPIC & the PILOT program for this awesome opportunity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/7c6ba55e-010f-42cd-ae2e-cb912182759f/PILOT+-+Kazani.jpg 2024 PILOT Cohort - Kazani Finao Kazani is Samoan first and a man with trans experiences. He is an advocate and community organizer, and multidisciplinary artist. Kazani’s compassionate spirit is dedicated to protecting the people and the communities he is a part of. Kazani is a sun, a big brother, a fairy goddad and a warrior. He was born and raised in San Francisco(Frisco). He believes in individual freedom and for people to define their own self determination. Kazani is a co-founder of Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition that is a member-led organization of over 5,000 formerly and currently incarcerated and systems-impacted women and trans people of all genders, founded in 2017. He is a co-founder of Reimagine Youth Justice SF Coalition that was founded in 2020 to support the efforts of youth justice in San Francisco related to the San Francisco Closure of Juvenile Hall legislation passed in April of 2019 Youth-led and spearheaded by organizations like YoungWomen’s Freedom Center. Kazani is a co-author of an amazing art and activism collective called I Am Why Reclaiming the Lens, An art and social justice book. He recently co-founded the Pasifika Transgender Men Network(PTMN) with the Main creator and visionary Manumalo Ala'ilima of Pasifika Transgender Men Network(PTMN). Today, Kazani is the founder of – Shine Wit Purpose. SWP centers black and brown pasifika indigenous trans men and masc folks in their storytelling art and activism and growing new approaches and practices in self determination and self empowerment. He is a student at City College of San Francisco majoring in Critical Pacific Islands & Oceania Studies and LGBTQI studies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/d83cf06c-6d0e-4e0b-be04-596844a5333d/Bain+-+EPIC+PILOT.jpg 2024 PILOT Cohort - Bainivalu Sautu-Davetawalu Bula Vinaka and Talofa Lava, my name is Bainivalu Sautu-Davetawalu. I am a 19-year-old iTaukei, born and raised in the village of Nu’uuli, American Samoa, with roots in Lau and Tailevu. As a proud Tangata Pasifika, I hold American Samoa and Fiji as the cultural chargers of my identity. I am in my first year of undergraduate studying environmental studies and geographic information systems. I aspire to pursue a career in which the presence of the Pacific is emphasized and elevated in all aspects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/3ea8d22e-ddb2-4d6a-9218-a4465396e565/PILOT+-+LindaMae.jpg 2024 PILOT Cohort - LindaMae Aquino https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/01d0e98d-9557-40e9-ba70-f02aa2dc90e5/PILOT+-+Hector.jpg 2024 PILOT Cohort - Hector Nakautoga Bula Vinaka y mucho gusto! My name is Hector Nakautoga and I am the son of an iTaukei Fijian father and a Mexican mother. I was born in Southern California, but I was mainly raised in the city of Vallejo in the Bay Area. I am going into my third year at UC Riverside majoring in Public Policy, and this coming year I am also the Vice President for my school’s Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA) as well as a student coordinator for the Asian Pacific Student Programs office on campus. I also work at Island Grad, an educational non-profit based in the Inland Empire that strives to celebrate and provide support for our Pasifika community in educational settings, through ceremonies, workshops, and scholarships. I hope to one day use my degree and related experience to serve my beloved Pasifika community, hopefully in the form of providing housing professionally, but also as a mentor and leader in my community! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/e5e53444-a265-4216-b5ee-5664ee091ee5/PILOT+-+Samuelu.jpg 2024 PILOT Cohort - Samuelu Fesili Tālofa Lava and Aloha Mai Kākou! My name is Samuelu Fesili, and I am deeply honored to join this year’s EPIC Cohort #16. Without a doubt, I am truly grateful for this opportunity to build with such an inspiring and powerful community of Pasifika Excellence! Born and raised in ancestral Payómkawichum/Luiseño Land (the fabulous city of Oceanside, California), I come from a great, big, loving Samoan and Native Hawaiian family. Rooted in the core values of faith, family, and education, my recent undergrad journey in Psychology and Asian American Studies at UCLA further deepened my commitment to serving our beautiful people. Now researching with the amazing Pacific Islander Community Health (PIC Health) organization, I currently aspire to pursue an MPH (Master of Public Health) to competently address our Pasifika health disparities. During this year’s PILOT Institute, I eagerly look forward to learning, strategizing, and co-conspiring to honor our ancestral legacies of love, empower our current communities, and pave a brighter future for all of us to come! Faʻafetai Telē Lava and Aloha Nui Loa! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/8c8db293-29af-43e2-8dea-6004b92f0093/PILOT-+ari.jpg 2024 PILOT Cohort - Aiyiana Tiger-Mantanona Hi! My name is Aiyiana Tiger-Mantanona (She/Her), I am an Indigenous woman of Chamorro and Native American (Choctaw, Seminole, Creek) heritage, born and raised in Northern California. Relocating to San Diego in 2021, I embarked on a journey in pursuit of higher education. Beginning in Fall of 2024, I will join the Community Based Block (CBB) graduate program at San Diego State University, focusing on multicultural counseling to become a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed therapist. My passion lies in serving Pacific Islander and Native American communities, aiming to dismantle mental health stigmas and facilitate healing from traumas. My journey is deeply influenced by the resilience of my ancestors and communities. Having witnessed firsthand the disparities faced by Indigenous peoples, I feel a profound responsibility to contribute to the empowerment and well-being of our people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/2ab4f74f-7feb-4988-9961-5086eb101e2c/PILOT+-+Fay.jpg 2024 PILOT Cohort - Fay Sakura Miyamoto Cordeiro Fay is a trans and queer Kānaka Maoli Nikkei artist born and raised in Nuʻuanu on the island of Oʻahu. They are going into their 4th year as an undergraduate studying American Studies at UC Berkeley, on Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone land. Some of the classes they've taken include The Harlem Renaissance; James Baldwin's America, 1953-1974; and Rhetorics of the North American AIDS Epidemic. For the past two years, Fay was an intern with UC Berkeley's Pacific Islander Initiative, under APASD (the Asian Pacific American Student Development Center). They worked on programming, political education, and community engagement. In the coming school year, they will be a fellow for UC Berkeley's MOVE fellowship which pairs Asian American undergraduate students with community-based organizations (CBOs). They will be working with Lavender Phoenix, a trans and queer Asian and Pacific Islander CBO. In their free time, Fay enjoys spending time in nature, organizing information in their essays and zines, and spending time with friends and community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/7491837f-6b52-40ad-a391-ef7de6d4c43e/PILOT+-+Cassidy.jpg 2024 PILOT Cohort - Cassidy Roberts Hi all, my name is Kelela Ma’u! I have roots stemming from the beautiful Kingdom of Tonga and was born and raised in the Bay Area. In the fall, I will be entering my second year at UC Berkeley, where I am studying Landscape Architecture. I will also be joining the PI Initiative at Cal as an intern! I am extremely excited to be part of the PILOT program and to expand my knowledge on ways to further serve and uplift my community! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/3c527941-0865-45e0-a28d-312ae48f622c/PILOT+-+Leighani.jpg 2024 PILOT Cohort - Leighani Rene Sablan My name is Leighani Rene’ Sablan (she/they) and I am the daughter of CHamoru parents. My family and I come from Dandan, Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, but we relocated to the states when I was younger. I grew up in Manteca, CA, a small town in the Central Valley where I earned my Associates in Psychology from a local community college. I transferred to UC Irvine and graduated with my Bachelors in Psychological Science this past June! Although my time at UCI was brief, I co-founded and served as Co-President for UCI’s first Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA), creating a space of community for our Pacific Islander students. My passions lie in health equity, access, and education for Pacific Islanders and I aspire to contribute to health data research and policy initiatives in the future. I’m super grateful for the opportunity to be part of this cohort in the PILOT program and I am excited to meet and grow with everyone! https://www.empoweredpi.org/equal-payday-2024 daily 0.75 2025-08-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/1598504288262-7YG52O1SI60LCQNQORI7/pencil.png Equal Pay Day ToolKit 2024 Pencil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/37449b3a-0889-4dec-b2db-d984885757e9/NHPI+Womens+EPD+Toolkit.jpg https://www.empoweredpi.org/statement9-5 daily 0.75 2024-09-05 https://www.empoweredpi.org/tana-lepule daily 0.75 2024-09-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/9e4f9d00-1ef2-4b87-891a-af0a658ce652/85f509df-6fbc-4f34-a8a0-dca842749982-1_all_6391.jpg Tana Lepule https://www.empoweredpi.org/vote daily 0.75 2024-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/6b8696c1-fecf-46fd-ab9d-72da54af2f51/Front+of+Post+Card+%282%29.png Voting Guide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/f5fb3420-4e13-4cfe-ab5f-a58074a17515/Front+of+Post+Card+%283%29.png Voting Guide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/ace2c19e-859a-48f3-b000-c089a8b34cab/Front+of+Post+Card.png Voting Guide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/0cd6526d-2a2c-4078-a78e-8f2ddcaf6eb8/Front+of+Post+Card+%284%29.png Voting Guide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/5edbe567-653b-4a32-abeb-90baea2aa630/Front+of+Post+Card+%282%29.png Voting Guide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/f6cd2223-9e32-4b7d-a869-f49afba413b0/Front+of+Post+Card+%282%29.png Voting Guide - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/6cfa6d4d-9491-41af-9191-86988351b15d/Screenshot+2024-10-10+at+3.46.03+PM.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/00b6f221-24a2-4bb5-bfca-eab343d86838/Screenshot+2024-10-10+at+3.43.53+PM.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/efd83091-d06c-4c66-ab8e-d2273c79c064/Screenshot+2024-10-10+at+3.47.50+PM.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/e2a09e51-cecc-4e8a-a075-eb438af28f17/TONGAN+1_2.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/d40f46fb-470c-4b27-9277-9b6a9bac33db/MARSHALLESE+1_2.png https://www.empoweredpi.org/immigration-updates-resources daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://www.empoweredpi.org/ana-taukolo daily 0.75 2025-10-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/d9b10b16-9c74-4bfc-9604-b0cf884acc3b/A6053E9B-1CF4-48A3-83BD-4AB4E63946B0.JPG Ana Taukolo https://www.empoweredpi.org/2024-annual-report daily 0.75 2025-04-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/6d0fc7af-46d3-4ac3-80db-45a163b7a2d8/annual+report+cover+1.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/468026a3-bfa9-4770-bd61-3b82a76a5633/2.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/afd1d232-b387-48b3-af10-66e133a44072/3.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/f11b3879-bb97-4c74-8044-2c50e818fe5b/annual+report.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/bd29c812-79ce-41f6-ac0a-5e374ce4167d/2024+EPIC+Annual+Report.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/0edce5b5-90d2-4e55-95fd-cb6226c76141/6.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/e79af232-168d-4c62-85b7-34527f83178f/7.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/a27a41bf-0b8c-4d6f-9329-bb1dff7000c2/8.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/39fd8c23-3f76-4fff-9e35-eeac4e74c648/9.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/ff905a1f-5b40-476a-94a9-6ec3f6e6fef5/10.png https://www.empoweredpi.org/2025-pilot-cohort daily 0.75 2025-07-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/a8617c24-2481-462b-a3ac-b3ef406ba793/Screenshot+2025-07-03+at+6.42.04%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2025 PILOT 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! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/d3de2961-2980-4f25-9750-cddc0cdd6265/Screenshot+2025-07-03+at+6.46.19%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/44cbe92e-eb3a-4ee1-8fe0-7300a6960d77/Screenshot+2025-07-07+at+1.23.05%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/7575eafc-111b-475c-8cfa-6385c495180c/Screenshot+2025-07-07+at+1.22.14%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/cc92cb94-7fc9-444d-96c8-582bfbd2ec42/Screenshot+2025-07-09+at+12.09.26%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/27a73196-c3c7-4402-9752-09a178128064/Screenshot+2025-07-09+at+12.11.00%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/3ffdba1b-e733-4506-b0f3-cdb2b1b25649/Screenshot+2025-07-09+at+12.12.03%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/76f2aba3-420f-4368-8189-941ddca8acac/TaliilangiA.jpeg 2025 PILOT Cohort - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/0f6102ea-f079-4a33-8816-a4f1c7f59421/Screenshot+2025-07-03+at+6.53.16%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/7bc56104-6e75-48ac-aa73-21e13bca3cee/Screenshot+2025-07-07+at+1.22.37%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/c6be404d-6215-4310-92da-59749ddf34c7/Screenshot+2025-07-09+at+12.08.03%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - 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! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/48170ed0-e740-4192-8acf-e17a5690bec4/Screenshot+2025-07-09+at+12.10.28%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/edd3df12-b8b0-47be-b34e-33d2531c3c71/Screenshot+2025-07-09+at+12.09.56%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/b832d049-1c36-4d5e-9aa8-9bb6fbd146c3/Screenshot+2025-07-09+at+12.11.48%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/e5e53444-a265-4216-b5ee-5664ee091ee5/PILOT+-+Samuelu.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - 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! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/7aab18db-5191-4944-8bf0-ad13272d44db/IMG_6873.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/cf8d7a94-2b78-4d6b-8fb5-904acd2b8884/Screenshot+2025-07-07+at+3.41.26%E2%80%AFPM-2.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/fa21a5c9-d5a3-430b-ab49-c11eb146ae6b/Screenshot+2025-07-09+at+12.12.14%E2%80%AFPM.png 2025 PILOT Cohort - 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! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/20dc15cd-e770-427b-a862-1a3117695fa7/Screenshot+2025-07-09+at+12.10.10%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/b6c11e98-05e0-4b3c-a1af-4c51e58c7360/Screenshot+2025-07-09+at+12.10.46%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2025 PILOT Cohort - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.empoweredpi.org/careers daily 0.75 2026-03-19 https://www.empoweredpi.org/nhpi-equal-payday-2025 daily 0.75 2025-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/7c7b8a08-718a-475c-9220-1d45ce3ea7c0/Screenshot+2025-08-25+at+1.21.25%E2%80%AFPM.png https://www.empoweredpi.org/vote-2025 daily 0.75 2025-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/3f22e526-d35e-45ec-92e8-214fb8f731c5/7.png Special Election 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/16429b20-4013-4abd-9e0e-2ca5a31c2fda/5.png Special Election 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/2ab9af4a-b254-4978-975d-a32d2ec8d69a/vote+cover+graphics+%2725+%283%29.png Special Election 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/83a3f0ee-9ee0-47cc-8d77-a68660182f55/vote+cover+graphics+%2725+%287%29.png Special Election 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/61e2c4ce-227e-4c61-a63e-a2a66c6db727/vote+cover+graphics+%2725+%286%29.png Special Election 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/3e6059b2-f900-41fc-acb0-7957a0f1337a/Special+Elections+Social+Calendar+%281%29.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/483d545f-1c65-49c8-b719-b19d1984189c/vote+cover+graphics+%2725+%284%29.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/272427ec-7671-4c5f-83fc-600078c6cef8/Screenshot+2025-09-30+at+10.56.38%E2%80%AFPM.png https://www.empoweredpi.org/jason-pereira daily 0.75 2025-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ef63030d9999309b65e3c91/9e351284-6530-47f1-b8de-27cab96b6a5d/JP+JASON+PEREIRA+1000PX.jpg Jason Pereira