The purpose of the Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA) is to create a sense of belonging, pride, and support at San Jose State University for the Pacific Islander students of Melanesian, Micronesian, and Polynesian descent (Pasifika Spartans) and an inclusive community in solidarity with anyone interested in joining us. Enriched by our pride in the diversity of our indigenous cultures, traditions, languages, and histories, we aim to organize activities that strengthen our bonds, advocate for resources to support our personal and collective success, and educate ourselves and the larger community about the Pasifika diasporic experience.

The club was first envisioned by Kaelynn Malani who was connected with Dr. Vid Raatior, but she graduated in 2022 before it was launched. Maria Takapu and Lute Finau took up the torch and presented the vision at the first Pacific Islander Gathering on February 16, 2023 organized by the Center for Asian Pacific Islander Student Empowerment Center (CAPISE). An interest list was generated and the club's first meeting was held on April 6, 2023 at the College of Professional & Global Education (CPGE) conference room where the first club leaders  were elected to make up the first Pasifika Leadership Council, aka Pasifika Leaders. The Pasifika Leaders approved the PISA Constitution & By-Laws on April 18, 2023 to officially register the club at SJSU's Student Involvement Office.

Coordinator, Study Abroad & Exchange Programs

 Dr. Vid, our club advisor, is a Chuukese international educator, social entrepreneur, and community organizer for the Micronesian diaspora in the U.S. He earned his doctoare from University of Hawaii at Manoa and currently coordinates study abroad & exchange programs in Asia and the Pacific at the College of Professional & Global Education at SJSU.

Contact: vid.raatior@sjsu.edu

Information Technology Consultant, University Library at San Jose State University

Originally from Hawai'i, Neil has over 20 years of library support staff experience working in Access Services, the Institutional Repository and IT Services and has coordinated the library’s Course Reserves and e-Reserves services. He received his MLIS degree from SJSU in Spring 2018.