By Michelle Curran
Strategic Communications, Pasifika TV
A snapshot of what future Pacific leadership could look like and how the United States can support the next generation of leaders will be showcased during a Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Alumni Roadshow in the US, from September 13-30, 2025.
As the United States Government’s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking in the Pacific, YPL has partnered with Cultural Vistas, to host 12 participants at pivotal locations in the US, including New York City, Washington DC, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles.
The YPL cohort is currently undertaking a two-month virtual leadership development program, looking at collaboration, advocacy, and raising awareness of YPL and the young professionals leading the way in the region to help prepare for the Roadshow.
Through programs and engagements such as the upcoming Roadshow, the YPL initiative seeks to build the capabilities of future leaders in the region and strengthen ties between the US and the Pacific, while focusing on relevant topics, such as education, environment and resource management, civic leadership, economic and social development.
Among the 12-strong YPL alumni are the likes of Guam’s Lawrence Jay Alcairo, the Assistant Chief Public Health Officer at the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services.
Also taking part is Eugene Amor from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), an Advisor to the Executive Director for East Asia and Pacific at the World Bank.
Eugene has served in the same capacity at the International Monetary Fund, and made history as the youngest Cabinet member in the National Government of FSM, serving as Secretary/Minister of Finance from 2019-2023.
Throughout the Roadshow, Consultant and Executive Director of the American Samoa Resilience Office, Dr Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka will ensure her country has a voice at the table when it comes to issues around disaster resilience.
Sabrina is also the first Chairperson of the YPL Alumni Network, and will support this alumni cohort as they meet with congress members, business owners, environmental groups, the Pacific diaspora, and other stakeholders in September.
United States-Pacific Regional Engagement Specialist at the US Consulate General in Auckland, Mara Hosoda-Su’a, says the YPL Alumni Roadshow is a huge opportunity for both the young leaders and stakeholders.
“This cohort was selected as they all represent different countries and areas of interest which impact the Pacific,” Mara says.
“It is a chance for the YPL to showcase their culture, country and area of interest and what they stand for in the Pacific, while the various existing and potential stakeholders can learn about the YPL initiative, what individual leaders are currently doing, and how collaborating with YPL can support the Pacific and its communities.
“I cannot wait for the YPL to demonstrate their extraordinary Pacific leadership to stakeholders in the United States, a partner with genuine concern for other Pacific nations.”
The YPL Alumni Roadshow brings together 12 alumni from the Pacific for a two-month virtual leadership development program (July/August) and a professional exchange to the US – New York City, Washington DC, Salt Lake City and Los Angeles – from September 13-30, 2025.
YPL Alumni Roadshow 2025 cohort:
- Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka (American Samoa)
- Rooti Kanee (Kiribati)
- Lawrence Jay Miclat Alcairo (Guam)
- Eugene Amor (FSM)
- Manuia Leslyn Maiti (French Polynesia)
- Simata Palu-Mapakaitolo (Tonga)
- Dylan Kava (Fiji)
- Milicent Barty (Solomon Islands)
- Willy Missack (Vanuatu)
- Stéphanie Coulon (New Caledonia)
- Mori-M Mori (FSM)
- Nathan Fraser (Niue)
Visit the Young Pacific Leaders website for more information on the US Department of State initiative.
