The National Pacific Islander Educator Network's (NPIEN's) Northern California Chapter (NCC) held its second annual education conference on May 15, 2010 at California State University East Bay (CSUEB), Hayward, CA. The conference theme was "Cultural Connections to Higher Education." Over 175 attendees enjoyed three workshop strands, Pacific Islander entertainment, and of course, authentic food prepared by Fairfield Island Treats. CSUEB President Dr. Mohammad Qayoumi, NPIEN NCC President Soledad Santos, NPIEN Executive Director Dr. Victor Thompson, CSUEB Pacific Islander Student Club (PISC) President Norah LeDoux, and Conference Chair Ben Servino provided opening remarks, with prayer by Reverend Alexander LeDoux of the Samoan Christian Fellowship, Fairfield Assembly of God. CSUEB Staff Nancy Martinsen, Samantha Harker, and Laty Johnson provided financial aid and scholarship information for the audience, consisting of students, parents, and educators. A Career Strand featured Aubrey Ramos, Career Consultant, Dr. Hope Crstobal, Clinical Psychologist, Cimone Satele, Research Associate and Together Samoa Founder, and Matekihelea Fakava of Kaiser Permanente. The Keynote Speaker was Michael Migetu Tuncap, UC Berkeley Ethnic Studies Instructor. Students provided entertainment featuring cultural dance and music. The performers included Evergreen Valley College Pacific Islander Club, Samoan Christian Fellowship, and CSUEB PISC members, including a finale Samoan taualuga dance by Norah LeDoux. A viewing of a new PBS documentary, "The Insular Empire: America in the Marianas" concluded the conference. NPIEN congratulates NPIEN Northern California Chapter, and thanks its conference sponsors: CSUEB Pacific Islander Student Club, Associated Students Inc., ASI Diversity Center, APIAFSA, Samoan Christian Fellowship, Together Samoa, Chi Rho Omicron, and M. Rex/NCSMKO.
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