I’m back home in California, and what do I find in the mailbox? A beautiful reminder of where my journey began. 🌱

In high school, I was awarded my first scholarship from National Pacific Islander Education Network, an organization that champions the success of Pacific Islander students.

My relationship with NPIEN didn't end there. I went from scholarship recipient to an active NPIEN Board member, helping to guide the organization that once guided me. This year, I've come full circle, speaking to students in the Falana'i Ala/Mentor Speaker Series, sharing the lessons I've learned and the insights I've gained.

Organizations like NPIEN are the unsung heroes in our communities. They lay the foundations for our youth to thrive and lead. If my journey to where I am now says anything, it's a testament to the profound impact that community programs like NPIEN have.

To all the students out there: keep thriving. To everyone else: let's protect and support the programs that uplift our future leaders. Because of NPIEN, I am where I am today, and I couldn't be more grateful. 🙏🏾

Amaris is an Incoming Associate Attorney at Holland & Hart. Congratulations!!

Aloha/Kia ora, Aotearoa!

On The November 30, 2023 Ukulele_dad/School Talk Story Show, we had a wonderful interview with Sala Afalava, M.A., L.H.M.C. who discussed the importance of Student Attendance. We also discussed Neighbors and Time part 2, and we learned Gobble Gobble and Now is the Hour in Ukulele Class.

Please find the sheet music here.  Please subscribe on: YouTube or Twitch.

YouTube Link for the show 

NPIEN’s 22st ANNUAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE
ON OCTOBER 28, 2023

The 22nd Annual Conference at Long Beach College was very memorable and a complete success! We had 48 virtual and 181 in-person attendees, including 23 exhibitors. Participants had a chance to hear from speakers celebrate their heritage as a Pacific Islander. To enhance interpersonal skills and connect with the attendees, they shared valuable takeaways from their previous experiences.

General Session: Welcome by David Brown, Mylay, from LA Island Radio, Keynote Address by Vivian Malauulu, Vice President, Board of Trustees, and Remarks by Dr. Erainia Freeman, Long Beach City College. The Emcee for the event was Dr. Kalani Heinz, NPIEN President-Elect. Keynote Presentation and Tour by Long Beach City College MANA/PISA, Director Teila Robertson.

Workshops: Art/Weaving Class by JP Jason Pereira and Ukulele Class by Dr. Lauren Bowman. Breakfast by Mochinut Long Beach and lunch by Ohana Hawaiian BBQ. Student Performances by Dr. Lauren Bowman’s Ukulele Class, plus the Paramount High School Pacific Islander Club, Long Beach Jordan High School Pacific Islander Club and the Dominguez High School Pacific Islander Club.

Closing Keynote Speaker Panel: Pacific Islander School Principal Panel: Loriann Leota, Principal, Pendleton Elementary School, Buena Park School District, Alicia Megofna. Principal, Odyssey STEM Academy, Paramount Unified School District Rosie Sinapi, Principal, Los Altos Elementary School, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District

NPIEN Service Awards and the Christina Diaz Scholars Awards: 8 Service Award Winners and 23 Students were recognized, 18 of the students recognized were in attendance virtually.

A Special Thanks to our Hosts Long Beach City College, MANA/PISA: Teila Robertson, Kare’l Lokeni. Demeturie Gogue, Joe Polanco, MANA/PISA Students

NPIEN Service Awards and the Christina Diaz Scholars Awards: 8 Service Award Winners and 23 Students were recognized, 18 of the students recognized were in attendance virtually.

The Conference concluded with the Presentation of Conference Prizes to attendees who visited the Career, College and Resource Fair.

Sponsors of Lunch, Breakfast, and the Conference Prizes: Dr. Siona Motufau. Michael Durham, Henry Chang CPA, Maria Torres, Michael To’omalatai, Shauna Zunkle, Eugene Mafi, Dr. Juliann Anesi, Caruso Ford/Lincoln/Mazda, HundredX, Navy Pier, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Curves, Bronca, Amy’s Trophies, Carol Wynder, Bruce Lee, Teresa Molina, Dr. Tino Andres, Sweet Eve’s Gourmet Cookies, the Office of Samoan Affairs, Amy’s Trophies

Awards Sponsors, Providers of Student Certificates: Mayor Sue Beckmeyer: City of Pacifica, California, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Congressmember Michelle Steel: California, Missouri Senator Mike Cierpiot, City of Cypress, California, Mayor Anne Mallari, County of Kauai, Hawaii, Mayor Derek Kawakami, Congressmember Jill Tokuda, Hawaii. Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán, California, Congresswoman Anna A. Eshoo, California, Congresswoman Maxine Waters

Career, College, and Resource Fair: Fetutasi’s Island Souvenirs, Sweet Eve’s Gourmet Cookies, Long Beach City College, Long Beach City College MANA, U.S. Navy, Whittier College, Grand Canyon University, California State University, Northridge, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, California State University, Long Beach, Harvey Mudd College, California State University, Dominguez Hills, Cerritos College, Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC), Behavioral Health Services, Pacific Asian Counseling Services, Island Grad, Southern California Pacific Islander Community Response Team, Office of Samoan Affairs, F.O.U. Movement, Hawai'i Daughter’s Guild

Judge Johnny Gogo is a member of the Northern California Chapter of NPIEN and a long-time supporter. President Joe Biden recently nominated Judge Gogo, to serve as United States Attorney for Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, subject to Senate confirmation.

Judge Gogo is currently a Superior Court judge and has served as a Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney.

Congratulations Judge Gogo!!

Visit the Pacific Daily News for this detailed article.