Author: Sipping Koko

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Empowered Pasifika Women: Petrina Wilkinson

No matter where we are in the world, our teachers are under appreciated. There is so much that our teacher sacrifice for their students whether it be their own money, time, etc. That is why I’m very honored to help share Petrina Wilkinson’s story.

Empowered Through Teaching

I am an afakasi (Samoan/New Zealander) who lives in Christchurch. I am a teacher and leader within our school community with a focus on cultural responsiveness. My Mum is Samoan and always inspires us to do the best we can.

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“That happened hundreds of years ago…” – Dangerous Words. Spoken Too Often.

I was in a Clubhouse room this week when I brought up the topic of illegal annexation of Hawai’i and whether or not we should continue to fight for sovereignty for our brothers and sisters of the land. What I was met with was, “That happened hundreds of years ago…we have to move on.” And, what I wish I had countered with was, “This is dangerous grounds you are walking on saying that. If that’s the logic we put towards our people, than that’s the logic you have to say to Black Americans, to Asian Americans, to Native Americans, etc. People who are still fighting for the right to exist in this land without oppression.

So, let’s take a look at the timeline in Hawai’i (I will be using this as a source for a timeline. So if it is wrong please correct me: http://hawaii-guide.info/past.and.present/history/timeline/). Was it really hundreds of years ago or was it merely years ago.

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Empowered Pasifika Women: Lorna-lei Sua’ava

Can I just say how absolutely amazing our Pasifika women are? If you ever hear that our women aren’t smart or are lesser, than might I point you to Lorna-lei Sua’ava! Here is her amazing story:

Empowered Through Education

My name is Lorna-lei Sua’ava and I am Samoan! I live in the land of the midnight sun.. and brutal winters, Alaska! I just recently graduated from Southern Virginia University with my Bachelor’s in Biochemistry/Psychology. I love all things nature, hiking, traveling and shopping. I also love school, I’m not sure many people can say that but I love learning and trying new things. 🙂

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Empowered Pasifika Women: Falon Mei

I am so honored to help share this amazing woman’s story. I met Falon on Clubhouse and her amazing spirit and positive vibe is so contagious. She is a bright light and her story of how she has been creating change within her family is beautiful. Here is her story:

Empowered Through Challenges

I am a first generation American Samoan woman born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. My husband and I have been together for 10 years and married for 6 years. I’ve been an entrepreneur since I was young and since then opened multiple businesses. My current endeavor is working as a virtual assistant/brand story consultant with local Las Vegas, women owned businesses. I am passionate about emotional intelligence, learning about theology, challenging myself and living fully alive.

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Pasifika Love Storie: DeeJay and Neens

This love story is one that I’m excited for y’all to read! Please meet DeeJay and Uini aka Neens. They have been together for 10+ years and here is there their story:

What is Your Love Story?

I’m Samoan and my wife is Tongan. Tokouso to the fullest! Been around the same crowd but never ran into each other until college. We met thru FB. Got together September 2010, married June 2014 and 3kids later we’re still growing together. Our love has been on a rollercoaster from the start. Trust issues, family issues, postpartum, and more. But I wouldn’t have done it with anyone else.

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