Three Samoan Chiefs Speak at San Mateo County Summit
At the 2024 San Mateo County Partners in Education Summit last Thursday, the distinguished presence of three Samoan High Chiefs added a unique and insightful perspective to the discourse. The summit featured Papali'i Manufou Liaiga-Anoa'i, Tiffany Uhilamoelangi-Hautau, and Papali'i Violet Wulf-Saena, who addressed the audience in their capacities as Executive Directors overseeing three community-based organizations dedicated to serving the region.
The summit, orchestrated by the collaborative efforts of San Mateo County Office of Education, Thrive Alliance for Nonprofits, Stanford HAAS Center for Public Service, and Silicon Valley Community Foundation, comprised various engaging breakout sessions. Attendees were immersed in discussions that spanned crucial topics, including the imperative task of dismantling the preschool-to-prison pipeline, fostering collaborative efforts in constructing ethnic studies, addressing youth climate collective and resilience, and unlocking the potential inherent in debate-centered instruction.
The diverse crowd in attendance was composed of partners, allies, and individuals deeply committed to serving the interests of San Mateo County. The atmosphere was one of shared dedication and enthusiasm for advancing education and community welfare. The summit served as a platform for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of innovative ideas aimed at elevating educational practices and outcomes in the region.
As the three High Chiefs shared their insights, their Western professional perspectives as Executive Directors added a valuable layer to the discussions. Their presence underscored the importance of diverse voices and experiences in shaping educational policies and practices. The 2024 Partners in Education Summit not only fostered dialogue but also ignited a collective commitment to the betterment of education in San Mateo County, symbolizing the power of collaboration and shared vision in the pursuit of educational excellence.