Reflecting on February
Featured Story
Immigration Policy Webinar featuring Sina Uipi
At Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC), we are committed to uplifting the voices of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities. This month, we’re proud to spotlight Sina Uipi, EPIC’s Director of National Policy and Advocacy, who joined UTOPIA Washington’s Immigration and Know Your Rights (KYR) Webinar last week.
Alongside other NHPI leaders in political advocacy and immigration, Sina helped break down key immigration policies affecting our people. The panel also addressed misinformation, navigating encounters with ICE, and accessing critical support during these uncertain times.
This webinar exemplified the strength of our community coming together—led by us, for us. We celebrate Sina’s leadership and unwavering commitment to empowering our people as well as UTOPIA Washington for leading and organizing this important conversation!
EPIC Updates
Welcoming Ana
We are thrilled to introduce Ana Taukolo, the newest addition to our team at EPIC! Ana joins us as the Interim Advocacy Coordinator, filling in for our Advocacy and Civic Engagement Manager, Jimina, as she takes these next months on maternity leave. Based in the Sacramento area, Ana Latu Taukolo is a dedicated and passionate Tongan-American organizer, advocate, and nonprofit leader committed to improving the life chances of youth, Pacific Islanders, and marginalized communities. She is poised to make a significant impact in supporting our mission through advocating for systemic change and equitable opportunities for our people. Join us in welcoming Ana to the EPIC canoe and stay tuned for the exciting work she will help bring to life in the coming months!
PILOT
Introducing the University of Buffalo Interns
We are honored to share that six graduate students from the University of Buffalo are joining us this semester to support the Pacific Islander Leaders of Tomorrow (PILOT) program! This internship is made possible through Chamoru assistant professor and political sociologist Kevin Lujan Lee’s Decolonial Participatory Action Research class. Through this collaboration, interns will analyze past PILOT program data, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to our NHPI community. We are grateful to Professor Lujan Lee and these accomplished students for their dedication to our communities.
Read more about the interns and their class here.
Forward Movement Project Update
At EPIC, we remain committed to cultivating the next generation of NHPI leaders. Through Forward Movement Projects, PILOT Alumni are taking action to address some of the most pressing issues facing our communities today. We recently checked in with our alumni as they advance their short-term projects—follow their journeys on Instagram!
ArchivePles: Lavau is creating a digital magazine that aims to strengthen the intersection of visual representation, social issues, and Melanesian culture with a focus on Papua New Guinea.
Tora_Podcast: Rooted in the stories of the Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian communities, this storytelling project seeks to celebrate ancestral connections, document cultural narratives, strengthen community bonds, educate and inspire, and promote cultural pride.
We are constantly inspired by our PILOT alumni as they lead with purpose, passion, and service to our people!
Significance of February
Black History Month
We honor and celebrate the rich history, contributions, and strength of Black communities, recognizing the deep intersections within NHPI histories and communities. At EPIC, we stand in solidarity, committed to unlearning systemic anti-Blackness within our communities and cultures. We use this time as a reminder to continuously reflect, uplift, and educate. Learn more about the intersections between our communities and Black Pasifika resources here.
Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month)
This past month, we celebrated Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, a time to honor and preserve the Hawaiian language. As part of our commitment to being culturally-centered in our work, we encourage everyone to learn and share the beauty of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, ensuring that future generations have access to this sacred language. Check out mahinaolelohawaii.org or #mahinaolelohawaii on social media as well as our own Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i post.
We invite you to engage in local events, learn about the histories and contributions of the Black community and Native Hawaiians, and continue celebrating and honoring these movements beyond February.
Stay connected, stay engaged, stay empowered!