Taumasina Porotesano

Board Member

Born and raised in American Samoa, Tomasina Tavai-Porotesano left the island to pursue a higher education and landed in the Pacific Northwest where she’s made her home for almost 30 years.  She earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Portland State University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Northwest Missouri University. She has had a career in community justice for over 20 years. 

Tomasina helped pioneer SPDC and served as a board member at its infancy. Following a hiatus, she resumed involvement due to her passion for service and her beloved Pacific Island community. She believes in the proverb, “E le sua se lolo i se popo e tasi.” You cannot get coconut oil from one coconut. Coconut oil is made from copra though drying coconut meat (in their shells) in the sun. However, it takes many coconuts to produce enough copra to make even a small bit of oil. Tomasina believes that collaboration and growth are the cornerstones of a thriving community. She desires to use her experience for advocacy and empowering individuals to become the best versions of themselves. "When we build strong people, we create a successful community!"