Southern Utah University Students to Attend APIAVote’s Norman Y. Mineta University (NYMU) Regional Summit in California
Published: November 25, 2025 | Author: Southern Utah University | Read Time: 3 minutes
Students from Southern Utah University's (SUU) Southern Utah Pacific Islander Student Association (SUPISA) were selected to attend the prestigious Norman Y. Mineta University Regional Summit recently in California. Their selection is part of a national effort by APIAVote to empower young Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders and strengthen civic participation in their communities. The summit brought together student leaders from across the United States for an intensive weekend of civic leadership training and community engagement. All travel and program expenses for the selected students are fully funded by the APIAVote Ambassadors program.
The following SUPISA student leaders were selected to participate in the APIAVote NYMU Regional Summit and represented Southern Utah University (SUU) at the summit: Brenna Jane Fangupo, Danny Young, Gabriel Ron Mendoza, Imanueli Davetawalu, Muasita Suani, Napoloeone Sekeni, Shaena Delen, and Toagamua Tavila.
"We are incredibly proud of these student leaders for stepping up to represent not only SUU but also the Pacific Islander community in the national civic space," said Tevita Sekeni, SUPISA advisor and director for Pacific Region Operations with SUU International Affairs. "Their participation in APIAVote's NYMU Regional Summit will equip them with the tools, confidence, and perspective needed to advocate for their communities, build strong coalitions, and inspire others to engage in civic life. This is more than a leadership summit -- it's a movement, and our students are ready to be part of it."
The students shared their enthusiasm and perspectives on the importance of civic engagement, identity, and leadership:
"As new ambassadors of APIAVote, it was also a new learning opportunity and experience for me, especially as a Pacific Islander. I am grateful to have received knowledge about the importance of voting and to have learned more about my rights as an individual in this free country. APIAVote was a fun and valuable experience!" said Muasita Talafiti Suani, a junior from American Samoa and Current President of SUPISA.
"Our heritage is our strength, and our unity is our influence on others. Voting is how we honor both," said Ron Gabriel Mendoza, a junior from the Philippines and American Samoa.
"Nurturing unique opportunities for AAPI students is important, as it provides valuable experiences that foster identity, recognize the diverse achievements of our communities, and remind us that we can achieve even more," said Imanueli Davetawalu, a freshman from Fiji and American Samoa.
"As future leaders, we weave through cultural setbacks not as obstacles but as threads that strengthen our leadership. Disrupt the norm. Find comfort in the uncomfortableness--that's where growth lives," said Danny Young, a sophomore from Australia and American Samoa.
"APIAVote teaches the importance of having a voice and why choosing the spokesperson for it is crucial," said Toagamua Tavila, a junior from American Samoa.
"As a leader, I learned to plan like a gangsta and execute with humility, because there will always be people who are for you and those who are just in the way," said Brenna Jane Fangupo, a recent graduate student from Salt Lake City and SUPISA President Emeritus.
About Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University (SUU) is a dynamic teaching and learning community with a campus in Cedar City, Utah. Dedicated to providing personalized education, SUU offers an array of undergraduate and graduate programs focused on student success, engaged learning, and applied research.
Tags: CurStu International Affairs Community
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu