National Pacific American Leadership Institute

11/13/2024

Congratulations to former NAPALI fellows Verona Mauga and Jake Fitisemanu.

516 likes, 32 comments. “Samoans in Utah making history. Congratulations to Verona Mauga - first Samoan woman to serve in a state legislature within the U.S & Jake Fitisemanu voted in for Utah House District 29 - the second time a Samoan man has served in a U.S. state legislature. ...

07/31/2024

Thank you Senator Jarrett Keohokalole for always making time to inspire young leaders 🙏🏾❤

07/29/2024

Thank you for hosting us Hokulea Crew. We love you all.

07/29/2024

Day 8: Our fellows were privileged to hear from Makanani Salā, Chief Operating Officer of Gravitas Pasifika, as she shared her experience as the Director of Operations at FestPAC Hawaii, a role that presented numerous daunting challenges. Makanani emphasized that leadership is not always straightforward, often involving uncertainty, tension, and chaos. However, she successfully navigated these challenges with the support of a remarkable core team, a dedicated group of volunteers, and funders who believed in the mission and vision of FestPAC.

07/29/2024

Day 8 in the classroom ended with a session entitled ‘Awa Ho’oku’ikahi: A Unifying Awa, presented by Ulise Funaki, NAPALI Class of 2019, Nakia Na’ole, NAPALI Class of 2019, and Inoke Hafoka, NAPALI Class of 2017, about the ritual aspects of ‘awa (kava) in Pacific Island culture not only in formal occasions but also as a tool to mediate conflicts and/or to foster important conversations. Tēvita Ka’ili provided additional context regarding the Tongan origins of ‘awa by reciting the story or Fevanga and Fefafa, and that traditionally, according to the lore, ‘awa is always paired with sugarcane or kō (tō in Tongan). Our fellows then experienced the delightful pairing of ‘awa and kō.

07/29/2024

Day 8: Moki and Kat Nahoi shared their inspiring story of going from drug addiction and being unhomed, to turning their lives around and went on to earn their college degrees from Leeward Community College. They have dedicated their lives to helping others to do the same. Moki and Kat are both NAPALI fellows from the Class of 2015 and 2016 respectively.

07/28/2024

Day 8: We are so grateful for Polynesian Voyaging Society for always making time for our fellows to visit and learn about their mission and vision. Our fellows got to learn about their latest initiative, "Moananuiākea: Voyage for Earth" from Mark Ellis, and got a tour of the Hōkūle'a, Hikianalia and the Hawai'iloa, from Moananuiākea voyaging crew members, Jordan Jacobson and Lucy Lee.

07/28/2024

While the NAPALI Leadership Course can be intense, we always make sure to schedule some time to play and relax. Mahalo Shaka's Bar & Grill in Kailua for hosting us!

07/27/2024

Our fellows ended their visit to Windward Community College with Michelle Kamakanoenoe Tupou, Assistant Professor in the Hawaiian & Pacific Studies Program, NAPALI Class of 2012, and her husband, Misa Tupou. Both Noe and Misa have worked extensively in the film industry in Aotearoa in various capacities, and shared their experiences with our fellows.