From Samoa with love, and hope

People

COLLEGE student Epifania Petelo, 20, believes that behind every girl is a journey and a story – something she is bringing to the Miss Pacific Islands pageant in Port Moresby next week.
“We are not just here to put on a show. But behind the scenes, we are also learning about different cultures which broaden our view of the Pacific. We are given a platform (Miss Pacific pageant) to share our experiences. And I believe that is an amazing thing.”
Miss American Samoa believes her culture “continues to instil in me confidence, faith, endurance and humility”. Coming from all over the Pacific with our own stories to share and with our own purposes, will be empowering.”
She is a student at the American Samoa Community College majoring in Business Management. As Miss American Samoa, she is a tourism ambassador for her country employed by the government’s Visitors Bureau. She is concerned about the lack of women representation in the public and private sectors.
“It’s such a big issue that we have to enter a pageant such as Miss Pacific Islands for our voices to matter and be heard. I believe that having gender equality benefits the country, because the more diverse the pool, the more talented our leaders will be.” She hopes to “embrace as much as I can” at the week-long Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Port Moresby.
“I plan to absorb all the knowledge through networking with a myriad of people this pageant has to offer. As we share the struggles our islands and the world are facing, I hope to walk away with friendships with my other sisters and with the best experiences. I hope our young women of the Pacific will not be afraid to take the challenge, to stand on stage and represent their homes well.”