Stéphanie Coulon says Young Pacific Leaders makes reconnecting with the rest of the Pacific less challenging.
By Michelle Curran
Strategic Communications, Pasifika TV
Kanak radio host for Kanaky’s Radio Djiido Stéphanie Coulon says the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) initiative is a way to reconnect with the rest of the Pacific.
The YPL alum says hailing from the French speaking part of the Pacific can be isolating at times.
“With YPL we can easily reconnect with our Pacific family, and this is something that I’m very grateful for,” Stéphanie says.
Stéphanie, who is also an entrepreneur and a radio and podcast producer, first experienced the YPL initiative when she joined the Professional Fellowship Program, hosted by East West Center in Honolulu, in 2023.
That same year, she took part in the Regional Workshop on Inclusivity Equity and Equality in Samoa, and she is currently a Small Grant Program recipient, with her team, SEED.
“Our project is to create a series of workshops on professional and transcultural communication paired with a day of reforestation of endangered plant species,” Stéphanie says.
With insight into the positive impact YPL is making around the region, Stéphanie is excited about the upcoming YPL Alumni Roadshow, in the United States.
From September 13-30, 2025, Stéphanie will travel with 11 other YPL alumni, to New York City, Washington DC, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles, to engage on multilateral policy discussions and engagements.
The talanoa is aimed at bolstering connections and relationships between the US and other Pacific countries, contributing to a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Pacific region.
At each stop on the Roadshow, the YPL cohort will meet with existing and potential stakeholders, to expand its network, and create new opportunities for the US through YPL and Pacific stakeholders in the region.
The YPL cohort has been participating in a virtual leadership program ahead of the Roadshow, looking at collaboration, advocacy, and raising awareness of the Pacific.
Stéphanie is looking forward to discussing the role of media with stakeholders.
Visit the Young Pacific Leaders website for more details on the US Department of State initiative.
