She lives in the SF Bay Area and is a daughter of Samoa.  She is founder of Pacific Islander Community Partnership (PICP), as well as founder of Camp Unity Polynesian Inspired Summer Enrichment Program.  In response to many Samoan youth who were raised stateside and had never been to the islands, Manufou brought the islands to them by creating a summer enrichment program which focused on Pacific Island culture.  The many youth found a connection to their roots.  The program is quite successful in helping youth find their identity as Pacific Islanders and taking pride in their rich cultural heritage.  That is just one of hats that Manufou wears.  She also sits on various Boards of Directors and School Boards.  She is a Commissioner at the San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women.  She is a Commissioner at Personnel Board City of Daly City.  And last but not least, she is a Head Start Management Fellow at UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Ipu Lefiti, victim advocate for Catholic Social Services in American Samoa.  Ipu shares on the important work of assistance and support for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.  She also talks about the challenges and barriers that can oftentimes dissuade victims from reporting.

special guest Tuiloma Sina Retzlaff founder & president of Samoa's Global News joins the Alliance podcast team for a very informative discussion  on the updates between the 2 Samoas during COVID19 and the rise of violence within the communities.

March is Gender Equality Month, therefore, we are spotlighting female leadership.  Ms. Li'a Seui is the Executive Director and Founder of Intersections, Inc. here in American Samoa.  Intersections, Inc. was founded in 2002 and is about strengthening and empowering youth and their families by providing opportunities for social growth, skills, and academic development.

Because the American Samoa Legal Aid office had some great information to share on this radio show, we wanted to share it as one of our podcasts.  Joining us here from ASLA is Jesse Berrenfeld, and he spoke on ASLA's services on supporting and assisting victims of teen dating violence.  The Alliance works in collaboration with ASLA in making sure that victims of violence get the right information and the assistance they need to support them when affected by violence.   

Follow up discussion with Iutita Snow who attended the Workplace Bullying workshop and wished to share her real life experience working with those who were victims of workplace bullying.  Iutita shares her disappointment on how she experienced this within our own local setting and how she was able to assist and support those affected by workplace bullying.  A 'must' listen to experience.

Part 2 of 2 series on Workplace Bullying.  In part 2 prevention is discussed and tools to assist workplaces on how they too can be part of the support system.  How our culture seem to make its way into our workplaces, and why so many lose their voices when they are faced with abuse at work.  How as people do we process our feelings and emotions to be able to understand what is happening to us, within our surroundings.  Again Robert Toelupe clears alot of issues here that end up making perfect sense.  This is a must listen to, so make sure you do.

This is part 1 of a 2 part series on workplace bullying.  Special guests is Robert Toelupe of our local VA Center & Clinic who shared a great deal of information on the topic of workplace bullying at a cultural level.  The discussion was able to define what workplace bullying is, how does workplace bullying happen, the signs and effects of workplace bullying at work and outside of work, and what can be done to stop or prevention of workplace bullying.  

It's January and it is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.  Talanoa Now was able to interview agents from the American Samoa Government Department of Homeland Security, Lead Special Agent for Human Trafficking Paea Toeava, Special Agent for the Narcotics Unit Jacob Fano, and Special Agent for the Terrorism Unit Scotland Elisara.  Listen as they share what human trafficking looks like in American Samoa, and more so on a cultural level, who can help victims, and the laws that support victims of human trafficking in our territory.

Published on: December 11, 2019 at 3 PM

Listen to how a small village community responded and supported the victim, looked out for unusual signs or behaviour from the victim, and how the community is putting into action the awareness that they have, by believing in the victim and not victim blaming the children.  Learn how Fagasa Elementary School staff helped and the importance of Mandated Reporting, and how to improve on our efforts to help and support victims when we suspect one is being abused.  

Co host:  Judy Matautia, Eleanor Sogialofa, Elizabeth Mailo, Marilyn Ho Ching