“We can grow a generation of young Pacific Islander leaders who practice and preach tolerance, understanding and love across communities.”
’Alisi Tulua sees young people as the solution to the violence and disconnection that have plagued the Pacific Islander community in Los Angeles, much as it has other parts of the city.
Born in Tonga and raised in California, ’Alisi’s passion for serving her community has taken her through more than a decade of non-profit work advocating for and advancing the rights of Pacific Islanders. With Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA), ’Alisi works to promote service, education, advocacy, organizing, and research related to the needs of Tongan, Samoan and other Asian and South Pacific Islander populations. Before that, she founded and led Empowering Pacific Islander Communities, an organization that promotes social justice. ’Alisi has also served in the Tongan Community Service Center, the Asian and Pacific Islander Obesity Prevention Alliance, and Weaving an Islander Network for Cancer Awareness, Research, and Training.
’Alisi serves on the board for National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development. She received her master’s degree in biology and her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry/cell biology from the University of California, San Diego.
Organization:
Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance; Los Angeles, CA
Area of Focus:
Financial literacy (youth)/wealth building
Fellowship Project:
Pilot a culture-based curriculum focused on financial capability for Pacific Islander youth.