Two UW Tacoma Juniors Selected as AANAPISI Scholars

Valomanaia Elizarraraz and Exita Lealofi, both Juniors majoring in Ethnic, Gender, and Labor Studies at the University of Washington Tacoma, have been awarded the AANAPISI scholarships, along with twelve other  UW Tacoma students. The AANAPISI scholarship, founded in 2003, was specifically designed to support Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) students who demonstrate strong community leadership, academic achievements, and a commitment to their APIA community.

In addition to their academic pursuits, Valomanaia and Exita actively contribute to the vibrant UW Tacoma community as Pack Advisors. In this role, they provide guidance, introduce campus resources, and ensure a seamless transition for incoming students. Exita, upon receiving her AANAPISI Scholarship, highlights the significance of her involvement and the motivation she derived from becoming a Pack Advisor, which ultimately led to the co-creation of her first alliance. She shares, "I joined as a Pack Advisor to support incoming students and co-founded the UW Tacoma Pacific Islander Student Alliance. Our alliance aims to foster a critical understanding of Pacific Islander issues and identity while advocating for the needs of the PI community." After completing her bachelor's degree, Exita plans to pursue a master's degree in social work, dedicating herself to providing protection and support to API women and children affected by violence and abuse. Valomanaia echoes the personal importance of receiving the AANAPISI Scholarship, as it fuels her determination to uplift her Polynesian community and family. Her future endeavors include advocating for mental health, with a particular focus on the youth within her community.

To discover more about the inspiring stories of the AANAPISI Scholarship recipients, please visit the following link. For detailed information regarding the scholarship's eligibility criteria and application process, please click here.

Written by Madeleine Porter