In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

American Samoa Community College
Multipurpose Centre (MPC)
Pago Pago, American Samoa, 96799
American Samoa

Doris Tulifau

Doris Tulifau is a survivor, educator, activist and organizer ensuring that there are safe spaces for our future generations to talk about trauma before they deal with it as adults. She founded the Brown Girl Woke feminist group that promotes young women and men to empower them on taboo issues happening in the Samoan community especially on domestic violence and sexual abuse. While in college, she was invited to speak about the Pacific Island culture at a women’s shelter in California. The organization had a high number of Pacific Islander women needing help in developing culture appropriate responses to domestic violence. As a survivor, she took it upon herself to research the issue specifically among Pacific Islander women to no avail. This led her to sharing her experience for the first time ever and embarking on a journey to finding the answer. She enjoys reading books on black history in America, podcasts on hip-hop, culture and politics.

Kelley Anderson-Tagarino

Kelley was born and raised in Florida and never thought she would leave. She came to American Samoa in 2009 to study coral bleaching and she was smitten. The fabulous coral reefs so very nearshore, the healthy forests, stunning beaches, gorgeous mountains, and friendly people convinced her to stay. She feels very lucky that as an extension agent for Hawaii Sea Grant and ASCC Land Grant, her role is to serve the community. Her passion is educating students and community members by getting them out into the water, learning, and connecting with their environment and each other. Witnessing that spark in people’s eyes when they see their first clown fish, sea turtle, or shark is pure magic. She firmly believes that our connection to nature – and each other – should be maintained. Getting to help facilitate this is an honor, and she is delighted that it is also her job. She enjoys spending time with her family outdoors, hiking, SCUBA diving or snorkeling, paddling, and listening to live music.

Neal Palafox

Neal was born and raised in Hawaii. From his childhood to early adulthood he engaged in many water sports including spearfishing, diving, surfing, and windsurfing. His interest in culture and the ocean culminated in being invited to sail on the closing leg of the 3-year Mālama Honua world-wide journey, voyaging 24 days of open ocean between Tautira, Tahiti to Big Island, Hawai’i, with the traditional sailing canoes Hokulea and Hikianalia. Currently he is a Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), and Professor of Population Science in the Pacific at the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center. He holds the B.H. & Alice C. Beams Endowed Professorship at the JABSOM, where he obtained his medical degree from. He completed his medical residency at the University of California, Los Angeles Health Center for Clinical Sciences and obtained his Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.

Robert Toelupe

Robert Toelupe was born and raised in Hawaii but has strong ties as his father is from the village of Leone and his mother from Ta’u, Manu’a. He attended college and graduated with his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He met his wife at school, and she is from the village of Aua. They married in 2002 and after their first 2 children they decided to move to American Samoa. 7 children later and here he is, a survivor. He is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Department of Veterans Affairs. As Director of the Vet Center program, they provide Readjustment Counseling services to veterans who have experienced trauma while in the military, either through combat related experiences or sexual trauma.

Robin Faumuina-Vasai

Dr. Robin Beverly Faumuina is the daughter of High Chief Faumuina Taufete’e John Faumuina and Akenese Faumuina of Leloaloa, Nu’uuli, and Pava’ia’i. She received her Doctor of Medicine Degree from Ross University School of Medicine and is a practicing physician with the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Tafuna. She is an Assistant Clinical Faculty Member with the John A. Burns School of Medicine at UH-Manoa, Chairwoman for the Board of the American Samoa Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka

After graduating from the American Samoa Community College, she first began teaching at Fa’asao Marist High School and it is there that she began her journey as a professional in the education field. In 2015, she moved to Samoana High School where she has worked ever since. She graduated with her Bachelor’s of Education in Elementary Education in 2014 and her Master’s of Education in Curriculum Studies in 2016. She is currently a doctorate student pursuing her PhD in Learning Design and Technology. She also serves as an instructor and advisor for the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Pacific Master of Education degree in Curriculum Studies for educators based in American Samoa and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. She is an avid reader and after a stressful day of teaching, reading soothes her soul and recharges her batteries so that she can perform (teach) at an optimal level for the next day.

William Spitzenberg

William Spitzenberg was born from humble beginnings in the villages of Auto & Laulii. His parents instilled in him the importance of getting a good education. With their guidance and inspiration, he went on to complete a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering from BYU-Provo and a Master’s of Engineering in Environmental Engineering from Tennessee State University. With over 20 years of engineering experience, he now serves as the Chief Engineer and Manager of the American Samoa Power Authority’s Environmental Services Division (ESD) overseeing both Water & Wastewater operations and infrastructures. He enjoys spending time with his children and wife, reading self-improvement books, and listening to inspirational talks by successful people. As a side hobby, he also helps coach people on health and nutrition to help reverse obesity among our community.