DON AND SHIRLEY WIRTH YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD

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.