About Le Vasa Pathways

Le Vasa Pathways is a non-profit organization in American Samoa that aims to foster a deeper understanding of the territory's fisheries and ocean resources. The organization strives to develop a skilled workforce and foster community stewardship to ensure a sustainable future for American Samoa's marine resources and economy. To achieve this, Le Vasa Pathways provides educational programs and initiatives, including hands-on fishing experiences, training and mentorship programs for youth and the community. Le Vasa Pathways works to inform the community about the cultural, economic, and social importance of fisheries, and collaborates with fisheries and ocean stakeholders as well as educational institutions to offer learning opportunities for American Samoa.

Making Ocean Stewards for American Samoa's Future

Our Mission

To cultivate a new generation of ocean stewards in American Samoa by inspiring youth, empowering communities, and promoting responsible fisheries and ocean resource management.

Our Vision

A thriving American Samoa with a skilled workforce and an informed community dedicated to the sustainable management and the long-term success of its ocean resources.

Meet Our Team

Board of Directors and Project Management Team

Meet the dedicated individuals who lead Le Vasa Pathways. We are proud to introduce our three Board Members and our three Project Management Team, who bring their expertise and passion to our mission.

H. Gingerlei Porter, PhD

Board of Directors

Dr. Porter has over 20 years of experience in program design, development and implementation in the areas of information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D), disaster management, health and education. She is the Director of the Pacific International Training Desk (Pacific Desk) at the University of Hawaii that provides training on operational weather forecasting for WMO Region V Pacific Island countries. The Pacific Desk is a US initiative to promote the interests of the meteorological community for improving science, technology, and services worldwide. Dr. Porter oversees several US international programs for weather and disaster communication systems deployment, maintenance and support, and training in the Pacific. She has also worked on several strategic planning, rapid assessment and vulnerability study teams in the Pacific Region for country level planning and program developments. Dr. Porter is also a training with the National

Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC). Her research interests are on building resilience of small island communities through use of ICT and its sustainability through long-term education and training. Dr. Porter continues to coordinate regional projects for emergency management, humanitarian assistance, information and communication technology, telehealth, distance learning projects in the Pacific.

Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola

Board of Directors

State Director of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, American Samoa Community College
Former Senate President of the Tulane University Faculty Senate

Taotasi Archie Soliai

Board of Directors

Former Chairman of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council
Former Director of the American Samoa Department of Marine & Wildlife Resources
Former Human Resources & Government Relations Manager at StarKist Samoa

Nate Ilaoa

Administrative Officer

Nate Ilaoa is the Co-Founder and Director at Le Vasa Pathways. He brings extensive experience in resource management and fisheries, having previously worked with the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council and the American Samoa Government, as well as operating a business in the territory. Nate is deeply dedicated to fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of ocean resources and is passionate about cultivating a new generation of ocean stewards in American Samoa. With his partner staff, he is responsible for the overall management and implementation of the project.

Felix Penalosa

Project Officer

Felix Penalosa is the Co-Founder and Outreach Coordinator at Le Vasa Pathways. He is a hardworking and reliable professional with extensive experience in grant management, financial analysis, and fisheries management. Felix previously served as the Island Coordinator for the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, where he managed grants and conducted outreach on fisheries issues. His skills in grant writing and management, financial reconciliation, and strong communication are invaluable to Le Vasa Pathways. Felix is committed to collaborating with government agencies and community stakeholders to advance ocean stewardship in American Samoa.

Sean Felise

Development Officer

Sean is a highly experienced fisherman and ocean resource manager with deep knowledge of American Samoan fisheries. His expertise and passion for ocean resource management is an asset to the organization.