Palei Speaks at Prarie Vista Middle School, Hawthorne, CA

NPIEN sponsored yet another workshop in its ongoing mentoring program for Pacific Islander students on June 9, 2009. Pua Fineanganofo Palei, researcher at Long Beach (CA) Memorial Hospital, spoke to students at Prarie Vista Middle School in Hawthorne, CA, near the Los Angeles International Airport. The students, grades 6-8, were of Tongan, Fijian, and Samoan ancestry. Janna Iamaleava, Prarie Vista Counselor, organized the event. Palei is a researcher in the area of AIDS and HIV, discussed with students how the disease is acquired, and urged students to make good choices in their relationships. She is one of only two Tongans working in this hospital recognized for its excellence in the medical field. Afterwards, students enjoyed a great Hawaiian feast!

NPIEN at NCORE

I had a tremendous opportunity to present at the National Conference on Race & Ethnicity in American Higher Education (NCORE), held May 26-30, 2009 in San Diego, CA. It was great to be part of a panel discussion with Founding NPIEN Board Member Sefa Aina, Associate Director, Asian American Resource Center, Pomona College, Dr. Keith Camacho, Professor, Pacific Islander Studies, UCLA, and the only Pacific Islander professor in the UC system, and Kehaulani Vaughn, Student Adviser, Academic Advancement Program, UCLA. The topic of our workshop was "Who are Pacific Islanders and Where Do They Fit in Higher Education?" We each shared our experiences in earning our colleges degree, and efforts we have each made to further the concept of higher education in the PI community. Also speaking at this conference was keynote speaker Dr. Haunani-Kay Trask, Professor, Center for Hawaiian Studies, University of Hawaii. Dr. Trask is a renown indigenous leader and human rights organizer, leader of the sovereignty movement in Hawaii, and producer of the film, Act of War: The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Nation. It was a true honor to be included with many leaders in the area of equity and diversity.

NPIEN Cookie Lee Fundraiser

Lorraine Telles, Cookie Lee Jewelry Executive Director, will be in attendance at an NPIEN hosted Cookie Lee party on Saturday June 13, 2009, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at NPIEN headquarters, 4425 Pixie Ave. Lakewood, CA 90712. Cookie Lee is a Silver Level sponsor of our organization. RSVP at npien.mail@verizon.net or (562) 496-2319