Director, Editor, Gagana Sāmoa (Samoan Language), Chief Photographer, Reporter

Niko is the Chief Photographer and Reporter for Sāmoana Media and has several years of teaching in Samoan language and Pacific Islands Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi and is currently working in the Hawaiian immersion schools teaching Samoan and social studies courses. He has a M.A. in Pacific Islands Studies from the University of Hawaiʻi - Mānoa, a graduate certificate through the Kahuawaiola Teacher Indigenous Teacher Education Program from the University of Hawaiʻi - Hilo, where he is currently pursing a Ph.D. in Hawaiian and Indigenous Language and Culture Revitalization. His current research involves Samoan language revitalization in the diaspora, with a particular focus in teaching Samoan through the medium of Hawaiian. 

General Manager, Photographer, Media Director, Reporter

Carmelita is a co-founder of Sāmoana Media and its General Manager. She manages the organization's administrative duties, including social media profiles, having background in Human Resources. She also creates and edits content and writes articles. Lita has experience in creative media and is a photographer and media specialist and editor for sports and current events.

Manager, Reporter

Tammy handles administrative duties and helps to create content, develop stories, and write articles. She has vast experience in early childhood education as a trained teacher, preschool director, and preschool manager. She is involved with our literacy program and helps to promote reading among young children to adults.

Junior Reporter

Naulea is involved in the development of content for Samoan language curriculum. She is currently learning Samoan and is involved with Samoan language courses for elementary school children. Naulea is a Kaiapuni (Hawaiian immersion) student and is heavily involved in language revitalization efforts, especially in learning and promoting her Samoan language.

Media and Content Editor

Gabby has several years of media experience, having graduated from the Academy for Creative Media at the University of Hawaiʻi - Mānoa. She has worked in several capacities in the public sector and currently operates her own independent media company in American Sāmoa, Alafaga Media (www.alafaga.com). Gabby's passion for film and other forms of creative media inspires her to integrate Samoan culture and create innovative stories that transcend traditional narratives. 

Junior Reporter,ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language)

Kama assists in the development of content in Hawaiian, having experience working at the Hale Kuamoʻo Hawaiian Language Center at the University of Hawaiʻi - Hilo, where he also completed his undergraduate degree in Hawaiian language. Kama's passion for ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi has led him to teaching in the Hawaiian immersion schools, which he believes is crucial for the survival and thriving of the lāhui (Hawaiian nation), to which he has committed to serving through education. Kama alsois a currently doing his student teaching practicum for the Kahuawaiola Indigenous Teacher Education Program.