Leina was born in Yakuska, Japan, to a military father, Taeleifi Mayne Siaumau whose family is from Leone, Samoa.  She grew up in San Diego and treasures her summers spent with her Samoan side of the family in Carson, California. She re-connected to her Samoan roots in 2004 through her kids’ dancing for the Samoan Community Council of San Diego (SCCSD).  Kiki Solia, President, and the SCCSD embraced her family providing them with much knowledge and wisdom of our people and culture. Her most meaningful and greatest experience was going to her father’s homeland, Samoa, last summer.  This treasure will remain with her and her family for the rest of their lives.  Leina sat at her first SCCSD meeting February, 2006 in her community at Market Creek Plaza and soon after was hired by the Jacobs Foundation to help administer contracts to community contractors for the new construction of the Joe and Vi Jacobs Community Center. Her work there was very rewarding as she watched her community thrive.  She was drawn to the passion and dedication of the Samoan Council and its mission ever since that first meeting.  As she works beside her fellow board members to attain the goals set forth annually, she cherishes her role and hopes to connect with those in the community that grew up here on the mainland and yearns to know their Samoan heritage. 

Estelle was born here in San Diego , CA . She is the daughter of  Tariu Tiligo Taumua and Aigaoao Sotoa Payne. She has grown up in different places such as Guam , Hawaii , and American Samoa , where she attended most of her schooling and graduated from Leone High School .  She has lived in San Diego for the past 4 years and has made San Diego her permanent home.  She graduated from UEI as a Dental Assistant and is currently pursuing  her career in Dentistry that she loves.  She sings in the Samoan church choir and on her spare time dances for Taupou Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe.  Estelle has been a member of SCCSD for the past 3 years and is now serving her second term as the Secretary of the Council.  Estelle enjoys helping out her community anyway she can.  She embraces her culture and is proud of her Samoan heritage.

Born and raised in San Diego, California, Cathy grew up dancing in the Polynesian community over the past 25 years. Cathy danced Hula for Aunty Jean (Jean Kalani Dancers) for many years, her love and passion for Hula has spread into the Samoan culture.  An active member of the community, Cathy has participated in the Samoan Community Council of San Diego either as a community dancer or as dance assistant since 1996.  She loves God, family, culture, and Polynesian dance. Cathy’s other passion is working with young children where she hopes to inspire and help them reach their goals and dreams.  She has a high regard for culture and protocol and dedicates a lot of her selfless time into volunteer work.  Stepping into a leadership role for the SCCSD in 2008, her hopes are that the efforts and support she contributes through the Samoan Council will help make a make a difference in the community.

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