Miss Tausala America, Anastasia Pagostar Maiai's story is a beacon of hope and cultural pride. 

Crowned as the first-ever Miss Tausala America in July, Ms. Maiai, a 25-year-old originally from Samoa, has dedicated herself to fostering a strong sense of identity among Samoan youth in America. 

Her journey began in 2016 when she moved to the U.S. to support her family. It was there that Ms. Maiai recognised the pressing need to preserve Samoan culture and language among the younger generation.

Driven by her passion, Ms. Maiai embarked on a mission to teach Samoan youth to embrace their heritage with confidence. 

She is committed to helping them discover their unique strengths and talents, encouraging them to take pride in their culture and language.

"I want to be the bridge that connects our youth so they can confidently embrace their culture and find their strengths and sharpen their talents," Ms. Maiai shared with the Samoa Observer.

Understanding the diverse talents within her community, Ms. Maiai emphasises the importance of supporting those who might not excel academically but possess extraordinary skills in other areas. 

"Education is important, but we also need to support those who have different talents and encourage them to pursue their passions," she said.

Ms. Maiai plans to leverage her platform and connections to engage influential Samoans in America, providing mentorship and inspiration to young people. Her goal is to offer guidance and support, helping them pursue their dreams while preserving their cultural roots. 

"Keeping our culture alive means teaching the next generation so they can carry it on," she explained.

Having lived in Samoa before moving to America, Ms. Maiai understands the common challenges faced by Samoan youth on both sides of the Pacific. She believes that offering support and encouragement can empower them to overcome these obstacles and achieve their goals.

In addition to her advocacy work, Ms. Maiai is also eager to further her education in public speaking, communication, and Pacific culture. 

She views her participation in the Miss Samoa pageant as an invaluable opportunity to learn from her fellow contestants and the community. "The friendship and sisterhood among the contestants have been incredible. It doesn’t even feel like a competition; it’s been a great fellowship," she said.

For Ms. Maiai, the Miss Samoa platform represents more than just a title—it’s a chance to serve her people and contribute to her community. 

"Service is a crucial part of our culture. We are here to represent our families, our values, and our talents, and to serve the communities we represent," she remarked.

With her roots in the villages of Moamoa, Alamagoto, Fasito'o, Leulumoega, Salelologa, Laulii, Vaitele, Saipipi, and Moata'a, and with her parents Va'afusuaga Maletino Maiai and Josephine Schuster Maiai supporting her every step of the way, Ms. Maiai’s journey is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Samoan spirit.