Don Maifala is a passionate storyteller, who uses narrative as a leadership tool.
American Samoa’s emerging leader Dona (Don) Maifala sees narrative as a powerful tool in his leadership journey.
The Pago Pago born and raised Don returned to American Samoa in 2024 after studying at BYU-Hawai’i where he graduated with an English degree, before moving to Utah.
“My wife and I wanted to return to American Samoa as we were inspired to serve our community,” Don says.
All throughout his studies, previous work and now in his most recent role at the Office of the Governor, Don says he values the power of narrative as a tool for connection, understanding, and critical thought.
“At the Office of the Governor, I contribute to initiatives that uplift and strengthen our territory in which storytelling plays a big part,” he explains.
“I am deeply passionate about storytelling…I take pride in sharing vivid details, emphasizing key moments, and bringing stories to life in ways that feel accessible and meaningful.
“I am especially drawn to formulating thoughtful questions and ideas around a text, encouraging dialogue that allows others to reflect, interpret, and engage more deeply.
“Ultimately, my approach to storytelling is interactive and intentional – my aim is not just to tell stories, but to create space for discussion, curiosity, and shared insight.”
This month, Don will have the opportunity to hone his storytelling skills at the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Navigating the digital landscape workshop with a focus on truth, transparency and technology.
Don was selected as one of 30 YPL, from 20 Pacific nations, to attend the workshop from March 10-13, 2026, in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, hosted by United States Department of State and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL).
Navigating the digital landscape can be challenging at times, he says.
“Media can often spin narratives to fit a particular mold or agenda, which can take away from the authenticity of a story.
“Although this may pose a challenge, I also see it as a blessing, as it requires us as storytellers to be more responsible and intentional.
“It pushes us to ensure our sources are credible, to seek out context, and to fully understand the complete story before forming and sharing our own interpretations or opinions.
“While the digital landscape can sometimes oversimplify or distort narratives, it also offers powerful tools to amplify voices, preserve stories, and foster meaningful connections when used thoughtfully.”
Through meaningful learning and talanoa, Don hopes to gain new knowledge while engaging with ideas that challenge and expand his perspective at the upcoming workshop.
“Being surrounded by representatives from across the Pacific region will allow me to explore digital storytelling through the lenses of other islanders whose experiences and challenges may differ greatly from my own,” he says.
“I believe what I learn from this workshop will shape how I view and use digital tools and technology, and ultimately influence the way I approach storytelling with greater awareness, intention, and cultural understanding.”
Storytelling can take many forms, and the high calibre of successful applicants selected from over 200 candidates for the workshop, have a variety of backgrounds, from media and communications specialists to educators, researchers, health practitioners, digital entrepreneurs and visual artists.
Cohort to attend the March workshop:
- Wallace Aroita (Cook Islands)
- Julie Cooper (Niue)
- Asia Camacho Hilario (CNMI)
- Camo Diaz Egurrola (Guåhan)
- Absalom Edwards (Marshall Islands)
- Clarriann Futai (Solomon Islands)
- Gina Ishmael (Vanuatu)
- Kreetika Kumar (Fiji)
- Gabby Langkilde (American Samoa)
- Jasmine Leota (Aotearoa New Zealand)
- Tony Leota (Samoa)
- Pita Loloma (Fiji)
- Magic Lus (Australia)
- Don Maifala (American Samoa)
- Lincy Marino (Palau)
- Michaela Montoya Gatdula (CNMI)
- Ondine Moyatea-Ferdnandez (New Caledonia)
- Dr Lavau Nalu (PNG)
- Jay Nasilasila (Fiji)
- Chelsea Pedro (Palau)
- Rain Sancher (FSM)
- Antonnia Singut (PNG)
- Penina Sua-loa (Samoa)
- Maria Tanner (Cook Islands)
- Tahnee Tchen (French Polynesia
- Esther Tetava (Cook Islands
- Pohaikealoha Worley (Hawai’i)
- Gitty Yee (Tuvalu)
- Kanoelani Toshida (Hawai’i)
Visit the Young Pacific Leaders website for more information about the US Department of State program.