Location: Bay Area, CA
Areas of Knowledge, Experience, Insight: Pacific Islander leadership development and education
Alina Fa’aola empowers the Pacific Islander community to walk in their purpose as the founder and executive director of the Oakland Pacific Islander Network. OPIN provides equitable services, resources, and programs to Pacific Islander youth in Oakland public schools. From coaching volleyball, serving as a case manager to Pacific Islander students, and pioneering an organization to support Pacific students, Alina believes that every student deserves an opportunity to discover their passions, skills, and purpose beyond what they are stereotypically known for. After co-founding the Oakland Unified School District’s Pacific Islander honor roll ceremony in 2017, she continues to partner with local schools to provide student-facing services and hopes to impact the greater South Pacific community.