DON AND SHIRLEY WIRTH YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD
Milikaleakona “Tonga” Hopoi, ’12
Milikaleakona “Tonga” Hopoi, ’12
Milikaleakona Hopoi, known as “Tonga,” is committed to empowering women of color, and she sets an example as a leader who remains true to her cultural upbringings. Chief of Staff for the Senate Majority Caucus Leader in the
Hawai’i State Legislature, she has shared her positive outlook and organization skills in many roles. She became the first Tongan to work in the White House as a policy intern for First Lady Michelle Obama in 2014, was appointed
as special advisor to the Under Secretary of Science and Energy within the Department of Energy and served on the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans. The only Pacific Islander elected president of
the Associated Students of Oregon State University, Hopoi’s administration was essential in passing the bonds needed to fund construction of the Student Experience Center at OSU.
View Tonga Hopoi's memory book - signed by friends and family to recognize her achievements.
Donate to the Asian and Pacific Cultural Center in Tonga's honor.
Watch on YouTube.

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