WHO WE ARE

UPIHC was founded in 2011 by representatives of the National Tongan American Society, The Queen Center, Hui Hawai’i o Utah Hawaiian Civic Club, Utah Department of Health, Association for Utah Community Health, and Granite School District.

Our Mission

The mission of the Utah Pacific Islander Health Coalition is to improve the quality of life for Utah Pacific Islanders and the communities they live in.

Our Vision

Healthier Pacific Islander communities through effective outreach, innovative intervention, and sustainable partnerships with health organizations, providers, advocates, and policymakers.

Meet Our Coalition

Executive Team

Ofa Matagi

Executive Director

ofa@upihc.org

Jacob Fitisemanu

Past Director

Tima Clawson

Program Manager

Vaccinations, Maternal & Infant Health

tima@upihc.org

Tausoa Mulitalo

Program Manager

Behavioral Health

soa@upihc.org

Advisory Board

Nia Aitaoto, PhD

University of Utah Health

Joyce & Sale Ah You

The Queen Center

Susi Feltch-Malohifo'ou

Pacific Islander Knowledge 2 Action Resources

Charlene Lui

Kipuka Ola Native Hawaiian Resources

Karen Mulitalo, MPAS, PA-C

Utah Valley University

Fahina Pasi

National Tongan American Society

Kalani Raphael, MD

University of Utah Health

Tufui Taukei'aho

Mālohi Impact

Coalition Chapters

Tima Clawson

Northern Utah Chapter (Director)

Susi Lafaele

Southern Utah Pacific Islander Coalition (Director)

Oreta Tupola

Utah County Pacific Islander Health Coalition (Director)

Lisia Satini

Salt Lake County Chapter Director

In Loving Memory of Margarita Satini

In October 2020 we lost one of our founding members of the coalition, Margarita Satini. Rita was a fierce unapologetic woman of color who worked tirelessly to advocate for our Pacific Islander community. Leading up to her passing she helped organize critical covid-testing clinics along with connecting community members with critical resources that were much needed as a result of financial difficulties from the pandemic.

We will continue to honor Rita's legacy as we continue to advocate and help our fellow Pacific Islanders in Utah. Rest in love Rita, until we meet again!