Taimane Tuia'ana is deeply committed to ensuring that no youth feel invisible or unworthy. With this in mind, she was recently promoted to the youth program director position at UTOPIA Washington, which was been working to connect QTBIPOC people to resources since 2009.
Tuia'ana has dedicated the past 14 years to youth development across King and Pierce Counties, having served as a paraeducator, youth coordinator and program developer. She's launched the creation of inclusive spaces like Le Lumana'i o le Pasifika, a Pacific Islanders club at Federal Way High School.
"Through all these experiences, one thing remains clear to me: young people are searching for love, acceptance, and spaces where they feel seen, heard and valued," Tuia'ana said in a UTOPIA social media post. "As a diasporic Pacific Islander and unapologetic Samoan Fa'afafine Transwoman, I know firsthand the power of representation, healing, and belonging."
Educators and mentors who saw Tuia'ana's potential and who loved, supported, and empowered her to thrive are experiences she carries with her every day, ones she is committed to paying forward to youth and young adults.
UTOPIA's Mana Youth Program cultivates youth leadership and advocacy through reclaiming Indigenous Queer identities and cultural practices, and focuses on the lived experiences of QTBIPOC youth.
"I believe in empowering young people to embrace their potential as leaders for their communities, and to achieve academic success. By centering their inner healing and lived experiences, we can equip them with the tools, confidence, and mindset they need to thrive and make a lasting impact," Tuia'ana said.
The organization's Mana Youth Council encourages youth to advocate and seek policy change, all while fostering care and support. The Mana Care Work Program allows students to connect one-on-one with a team member to construct an individualized care plan, including the development of leadership goals and ways to strengthen personal connections.
Under the program, youth can meet with mentors up to four times per month. This initiative also allows UTOPIA to understand what resources are needed to assist young people in the Queer Pacific Islander community. The program currently serves Chief Sealth International, Cleveland, Auburn, and Mt. Tahoma High Schools.
"I am excited to continue reclaiming and celebrating Indigenous identities, elevating QTBIPOC voices, and creating spaces where young people can fully embrace their authentic selves," Tuia'ana said.
For more information visit https://utopiawa.org.
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