Hafa Adai, Aloha, and Mogethin!

As a Yapese born and raised in Hawaiʻi and now living in Guam and working in higher education at the University of Guam, I see firsthand the incredible potential of our youth in the Pacific. However, I also see the massive distance, both geographic and systemic, that often exists between our islands and public service in Washington, DC.

I joined the Board of the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL) because I believe we need to close that gap. The statistics are stark: AANHPIs make up only 0.9% of elected leaders and are underrepresented in the political system by 85%. For Pacific Islanders specifically, that lack of representation is often felt even more deeply.

CAPAL is working to change this by providing scholarships, internships, and the Washington Leadership Program to students who might otherwise never have a seat at the table.

This year, we are navigating unprecedented challenges and uncertainties in our community. Now, more than ever, we need to turn toward the "heart" of our work: our community. We have a goal of raising $10,000 to support our 2026 programming, ensuring that students from all backgrounds especially those from the Pacific have the support they need to lead.

Please consider a donation of $25 or $50 today. Even a small contribution can fund a meal for a student or support travel costs, helping us build a public service pipeline that truly reflects all of us.

Si Yuʻos maʻaseʻ, Mahalo, and Kammagar