Community

Community is an extremely important aspect of my life. Here you can find community organizations that I've  been a part of, as well as information on other organizations that are making amazing contributions to San Diego and the Pacific Islander community.
The Pacific Islander Festival Association (PIFA) is an organization that is very near and dear to my heart. I've danced at their annual festival ever since I was a little girl. I've also been apart of their scholarship program since 2016 winning the High School Scholarship, and two years being their Miss Pacific Islander of San Diego First Princess.

PIFA hosts many events throughout the year and they are always looking for more volunteers.

Click the button below to learn more about PIFA, their events, scholarship opportunities, and more!
I'm also a member of the Hui O' Hawaii. Another amazing cultural organization that hosts many events, scholarship opportunities, and perpetuates the traditions and culture of Hawai'i.
Another cultural organization with events, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities whose mission is to perpetuate the Chamorro culture.

I've volunteered and attended many of the Guam Club's events and let me tell you, if you're looking to have a fun time, they don't disappoint.
I'm sure you get the idea now. There are many organizations that aim to preserve one or many of the cultures in Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia and they all offer wonderful events, scholarships, volunteering, and incredible experiences and entertainment. Heiva San Diego is another one of them that promotes the Tahitian culture.
If you haven't heard or seen the Rotary sign before, I guarantee you will start seeing it pop up everywhere. Rotary is an international organization that promotes service above self. It's HUGE on volunteering and there are literally hundreds of opportunities to take advantage of with a variety of all different activities.
​
I started volunteering with the San Diego Coastal Rotary Club in 2012 and highly recommend it for high school students looking to meet volunteer hour requirements. Additionally, I was sponsored by San Diego Coastal to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) for juniors in high school. This event changed my life! High schoolers- please take advantage of this organization! It will open your eyes to a world you've never seen before.
The ParBar Podcast isn't an organization that you can join, but it is a very cool resource and outlet to learn more about Pacific Islander topics from a funny and fresh perspective.
Break the Silence is an organization dedicated to providing support and resources for victims of domestic violence. They have created a safe space for people to share their experience and heal from their trauma. This organization not only supports the primary victims of domestic abuse, but also the friends and family of those victims who are just as much affected. ​
Rawmana Fitness is not just a gym and fitness center, but a way of life. No matter what your goal is Rawmana provides the tools necessary for the job. The equipment on the floor is as diverse as our clientele. In one corner you will find traditional dumbbells and Olympic weights. In the other corner you will see grappling ropes, kettle bells, medicine balls, etc. And that’s just what the inside portion of our facility consists of. Rawmana not only helps you achieve your physical goals, it also helps you build your mental and spiritual growth.
AHA KANE is an organization that aims to nurture a healthier Native Hawaiian male population by eliminating psychosocial, health, and educational disparities through activities founded on traditional cultural practices that build sustainability in the community. It's an amazing organization that fits into what Sincerely, Alana tries to encourage and promote. 
Alana is a CPAA Certified Pearl Specialist.
​Founded in 1957, the Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc. is a nonprofit group comprising the finest manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, dealers, and suppliers of cultured pearls in the United States. The CPAA’s goal is to boost the marketability of cultured pearls for retailers while inspiring demand among consumers. Through promotion, education, ethical business practices, and an unwavering commitment to this organic gem, the CPAA aims to drive an authentic passion for pearl across all varieties.
As far as the Youtube community goes, I like the channel Middle Ground because they take people from opposing sides of an issue and have them sit down and share their personal opinions about the topic. In order to prevent rambling or heated debate, they time the sessions and have them respond based on a set of statements that the director will say before giving the participants their time to answer. It's a very interesting take on the typical debate and it exposes you to both perspectives rather than just one.