Finafinau represents Am Samoa at STEMtastic Adventures

Nadi, FIJI (September 2025) — Finafinau, American Samoa’s youth-led nonprofit for environmental stewardship and resilience, proudly represented the territory at the STEMtastic Adventures with Young Pacific Leaders Symposium in Nadi, Fiji. What began as a single scheduled presentation quickly grew into multiple invitations for panels, podcasts, and exhibitions — highlighting not only Finafinau’s mission but also the rising role of American Samoa in regional and international climate and STEM leadership.

The symposium, hosted by the Education Alliance, Pacific & Indigenous Education Leaders (PIEL) Network, and Fiji National University, with support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Young Pacific Leaders program, gathered youth, educators, government representatives, and innovators from across the Pacific to explore how STEM can drive resilience, sustainability, and empowerment.

FROM ONE SLOT TO CENTER STAGE

Finafinau initially signed up for a single presentation. Yet the enthusiasm of organizers and participants quickly expanded their role:

• •          Opening Plenary Dialogue: On the first day, youth representatives Sierra M. Fata and Aicylle Rhiann DelaCruz Calibuso joined peers from Hawai‘i, Samoa, and Fiji in a high-level dialogue. They shared how Pacific youth are shaping the future of STEM and emphasized that American Samoa must be part of the solutions for climate, conservation, and education.
• •          Presentation: Community Engagement in American Samoa: On Day 2, Sierra and Aicylle delivered a formal presentation on how Finafinau mobilizes youth through citizen science, coastal restoration, conservation, and climate education. They highlighted Finafinau’s mission to save the ocean, protect the land, and empower people—and how youth-led action in American Samoa is building resilience across the Pacific.
• •          STEM Village Exhibition: Finafinau was invited to showcase their work at the STEM Village, a central hub where attendees could visit booths, learn from organizations, and exchange ideas. The exhibition allowed Sierra and Aicylle to share hands-on examples of Finafinau’s coastal clean-ups, nursery development, and climate education programs.
• •          Podcasts and Media Features: Throughout the week, Finafinau was called upon to share more through interviews and recorded sessions that will reach international audiences—amplifying American Samoa’s youth voices far beyond Fiji.

A SPECIAL VISIT FROM THE U.S. AMBASSADOR

A highlight of the symposium came when Ambassador Marie C. Damour, U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu, visited the Finafinau booth at the STEM Village Exhibition. Ambassador Damour took time to learn about American Samoa’s coastal resilience initiatives, youth climate education, and the work being done to build a stronger Pacific through youth leadership.

On behalf of American Samoa, Sierra M. Fata presented gifts to Ambassador Damour, symbolizing the territory’s gratitude and cultural ties. The ambassador’s support and encouragement left a lasting impression on the youth and reaffirmed that Finafinau’s work is being recognized at high levels of diplomacy and leadership.

BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS

By being asked to present far beyond their original slot, Sierra and Aicylle demonstrated what happens when Pacific youth are trusted and empowered. Their voices not only represented Finafinau but also amplified American Samoa’s identity and resilience on a global stage.

“This is more than representation,” said Dr. Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, Founder of Finafinau. “It’s proof that when youth are given a seat at the table, they step up with courage, vision, and solutions.”

Behind the scenes, Mrs. Uisaina Collins, Finafinau’s Board Chapter Liaison, and Dr. Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, Founder, mentored Sierra and Aicylle as they prepared for this international opportunity. Their leadership ensures that youth are not only present but well-prepared to articulate solutions rooted in American Samoa’s culture, challenges, and aspirations. Collins and Suluai-Mahuka were also present to represent the American Samoa Resilience Office and served dual roles at this international event. 

LOOKING FORWARD

Currently, Finafinau has active youth chapters at Samoana High School and Tafuna High School, where students participate in nursery development, coastal cleanups, educational outreach, and conservation efforts. Other high schools are warmly invited to join Finafinau and be part of partnerships like STEMtastic, where students gain access to international experiences and regional collaboration.

Finafinau’s experience in Fiji showcases the strength of Pacific youth networks and the impact of providing young leaders with a platform. From plenary stages to exhibition booths, from podcasts to diplomacy, Sierra and Aicylle carried the story of American Samoa proudly.

Youth representatives Sierra M. Fata (right) and Aicylle Rhiann DelaCruz Calibuso (left) at the STEMtastic Adventures with Young Pacific Leaders Symposium in Nadi, Fiji.
[photo: Finafinau]

Their journey at STEMtastic Adventures reaffirms that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are shaping resilience and innovation today.