For Painu’ulasi Bartsch Le’aupepe, entering the Miss Samoa pageant was not about the glitz and glamour. The 24-year-old believes it to be one of the best ambassadorial platforms to get messages to the people.

The Miss Samoa 2025 contestant, representing the Oriana Siva Academy, is determined to inspire the nation’s youth to recognise that opportunities exist locally and that they can achieve greatness without going abroad.

Born in Sydney and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Painu’ulasi represents Tufulele and Salimu Fagaloa, with Tufulele being the village of her grandparents. Both her parents were born in Samoa and later moved to New Zealand, sacrificing much to provide their children with more opportunities. 

Reflecting on their sacrifices, she said, “I don’t believe that living outside of Samoa means that you’re better. We’re all the same, and there are definitely plenty of opportunities here as well… You can be successful right here, and that’s really important.”

Sponsored by the Oriana Siva Academy, a Melbourne-based non-profit dance organisation, Painu’ulasi works to preserve Samoan culture and teach young people the importance of their fa’asinomaga, or identity. Outside of pageantry, she is a secondary school teacher in Melbourne and actively contributes to community projects through the academy.

A graduate of Deakin University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Politics, Painu’ulasi is completing her second degree in International Studies. She hopes to one day pursue a career in global politics and diplomacy.

When asked why she joined the Miss Samoa Pageant, she said, “It’s always been a dream of mine since I was young… but I wanted to make sure I was mentally ready. It’s a big role to take. I felt that this was my time to serve my community. I didn’t join for the glitz and glam, but for the ambassador role. I want to help the sustainability and development of Samoa as much as I can.”

Family remains her greatest inspiration. “They’re my biggest inspirations for everything that I do… I always remember that there will never be enough, and I’ll always be in debt to them, but I will try my best,” she said. Grounded in her faith as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Painu’ulasi believes that Samoan identity is built on three pillars: faith, family, and culture. “When you are grounded in those three, you will be immovable,” she said.

If crowned Miss Samoa, Painu’ulasi plans to focus on youth empowerment through leadership development, disability inclusiveness, and mental health advocacy. She aims to create a Young Leaders Initiative, helping Samoan youth engage in civics, politics, and international relations. 

“Our youth are not just the future leaders—they’re the fierce present too,” she said. She also plans to use social media to connect with young people and ensure they are aware of opportunities and pathways to leadership.

Her ultimate dream is to work in global affairs and diplomacy, but for now, she is committed to serving her community in Samoa. “Advocate locally but think globally. Opportunities are out there—you just have to see them,” she said.