Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Tafilisaunoa Toleafoa
Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell
A Leader Rooted in Service and Culture
Tafilisaunoa Toleafoa, known affectionately as Tafi, was born in the Independent State of Samoa and raised in the village of Pava’ia’i in American Samoa. She describes her upbringing as one shaped by community and shared responsibility. “It was small enough that people knew your business,” she said with a laugh, “but also small enough that people knew your needs and showed up to support.”
In 2004, Tafi moved to Anchorage, Alaska, to reunite with her family. For her, home has always been defined by people, not place. “Once my family left American Samoa, I knew home was no longer a location. It was wherever they were.”
Finding Her Voice Through Advocacy
Tafi’s educational journey began in American Samoa, where she earned her high school diploma and associate’s degree. She later completed her bachelor’s in liberal studies and political science from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Inspired by a desire to create change, Tafi initially envisioned a career in law. She worked at the ACLU of Alaska and was drawn to the courtroom, but over time, she saw the justice system’s limitations.
“It’s delayed justice for the privileged and limited to no justice for many,” she reflected.
This realization guided her to a new path—one rooted in direct community care. Tafi began working in substance abuse counseling and mental health treatment, supporting clients through her roles at the Salvation Army, Akeela House, and AWAIC (Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis). She later joined the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness, where she managed the youth homelessness list and helped coordinate services for vulnerable populations.
Leadership in Action
Today, Tafi serves as the Executive Director of Pacific Community of Alaska (PCA), a nonprofit focused on health equity, cultural education, and community empowerment for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPI). Under her leadership, PCA is collecting accurate data, offering culturally responsive care, and bridging gaps in public health systems.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tafi saw firsthand how the NHPI community was disproportionately impacted and left out of data reports. “Our numbers were hidden in “AAPI and ‘other,’” she explained. “We needed to be visible to be supported.” Her advocacy helped initiate statewide attention to the issue and catalyzed new coalitions for change.
Inspired by Her Mother and Mentors
Tafi grounds her leadership in the Samoan proverb ‘O le ala i le pule o le tautua’—“The path to leadership is through service.” It’s a value her mother, Ropeta Toleafoa instilled in her early on and one she continues to carry forward. “My mom taught me that leadership isn’t about power. It’s about showing up and being of use to your people.”
She also credits much of her professional growth to Allison Kear, CEO of Covenant House Alaska. “Allison taught me that when someone says no, it just means no for now. That shifted how I view opportunity. It gave me permission to try again.”
Living Authentically
As a fa’afafine, Tafi has learned the importance of authenticity in leadership. “I knew I was different from a young age,” she shared. “While I was accepted in my islands, there were still limits, especially in the church. I came to Anchorage ready to continue to live out loud.”
Her advocacy, visibility, and voice have opened doors for others to embrace who they are. From her work with youth to her presence in policymaking spaces, Tafi leads with pride and purpose.
“Every challenge, every experience, every room I’ve walked into was all shaping me to be the kind of leader I am today.”
What’s Next
Outside of her professional work, Tafi is helping plan her cousin Jessebeth Ropeti’s wedding in Palmer as the maid of honor. She’s also preparing for all the celebrations and events for Pride and Juneteenth. There will be events throughout the month that will bring communities together. After all the of events demands of AAPI month in May, Tafi and her team at PCA focused on an initiative “Healing through our roots.” The initiative highlights ancestral healing practices like traditional kuka kuka (conversations) and Lomi Lomi.
“It’s not just about cultural events. It’s about reclaiming our ways of wellness and remembering the strength of where we come from.”
A Message to Young Women
“Why not you?” Tafi asks. “Why not be the one who changes things? Be brave enough to take up space. And if you don’t see your light reflected in the world, be it.”
She encourages young women to say yes to opportunities, even if they feel unsure. “You can always adjust and set boundaries later,” she says. “What matters is that you begin.”