ASCC-PCHS Celebrates First inclusive-Emergency Management Graduating Cohort

Congratulations to the our graduating cohort trainees of the inclusive-Emergency Management (iEM) Program at ASCC!

We proudly recognize our 15 graduates:

• Ferminaline Ameko
• Ninna Balauro
• Vailuluu Carter
• Meripa Chanel
• Tumanu Fesilafai
• Jazell Harmon
• Miracle Howard
• Nehemiah Lutu
• Levalefaiva Malala
• Filipina Petelo
• Etevise Savelio (not pictured)
• Merenita Setu (not pictured)
• Iutita Snow-Tuitasi
• Judenino Supapo
• Apineru Vaoga

Fa’amālō on your hard work, dedication, and commitment to building safer and stronger communities for American Samoa.

Click here to read the full press release.

Click here to watch the full graduation ceremony on KVZK TV.

Click here to see more photos and our individual students' accomplishments.

FEMA National Emergency Management Basic Academy Underway in American Samoa

We are honored to host the Basic Academy here in American Samoa for our recent graduates and current inclusive-Emergency Management trainees. This three-week academy provides foundational education and hands-on learning for individuals pursuing careers in emergency management and community preparedness.

Off-island instructors, Dave Heiden and Lenora Borchardt, are leading and sharing their expertise throughout this important training. We are grateful for their commitment to strengthening emergency management capacity and supporting the next generation of emergency managers in American Samoa.

We are also pleased to have staff from the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security participating alongside our trainees during the academy.

Fa’afetai FEMA and all our partners for investing in safer, stronger, and more resilient communities across American Samoa!

Cick here to read the full press release.

Click here and here to see more photos of the Basic Academy!

iEM Summer Classes

Take advantage of your summer and build skills that make a difference in your community and beyond. The Pacific Center in Human Security is offering three Emergency Management courses designed to prepare students for leadership, preparedness, communication, and disaster response.

Summer Courses Available:

✅ IEM 150 – Introduction to Emergency Management

✅ IEM 170 – Hazard Mitigation and Preparedness

✅ IEM 260 – Emergency Communication and Social Media

Registration: June 3–5

Late Registration: June 8–9

Add/Drop Period: June 4–9

Don't miss your opportunity to get ahead this summer while gaining practical, career-ready skills.

📞 For more information, contact:

Rosalee Shoulders

(684) 699-2722 ext. 4210

📧 pacific.atamai@amsamoa.edu

OSS Student Service Award Recipient

Congratulations to our inclusive-Emergency Management trainee and recent graduate, Ninna Mikaela Balauro, on receiving the 2026–27 Order of the Sword & Shield National Honor Society Student Service Award!



This prestigious recognition honors Ninna’s outstanding academic achievement, leadership, service, and dedication to the profession. Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, Ninna’s commitment to building more inclusive and resilient communities continues to inspire us all.

iEM x Pierce College Movie Day

Our inclusive-Emergency Management (iEM) trainees and recent graduates enjoyed a special Movie Day with Pierce College Adjunct Associate Professor Lenora Borchardt.

The group watched Shin Godzilla and participated in a fascinating presentation by current Pierce College student Robin Beckman, who is pursuing her Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Emergency Management. Robin shared her passion project, which involves watching every Godzilla movie and identifying the Emergency Management capabilities demonstrated throughout each film. Her unique approach highlights how emergency management concepts can be found in unexpected places and continues to inspire creative learning within the field.

We are proud of our ongoing partnership with Pierce College through our articulation agreement, which allows students to seamlessly transfer from ASCC's Inclusive Emergency Management (iEM) program into Pierce College's BAS in Emergency Management program.



Thank you to Lenora Borchardt for spending the day with our students and graduates, and to Robin Beckman for sharing her innovative and engaging research. Events like these showcase the exciting educational pathways and opportunities available to our future emergency management professionals!

HCBS Commission Meet & Greet

The Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Commission came together for their very first Meet & Greet, marking an important step forward for the future of HCBS in American Samoa.

Governor Pula’ali’i Nikolau Pula shared opening remarks at the event, encouraging collaboration and commitment as the commission begins this important work.

PCHS State Director Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola then provided an overview of the Money Follows the Person project and the anticipated demonstration, emphasizing the vital role the HCBS Commission will play in shaping services and supports for our community.

The event was facilitated by HCBS Commissioner Abigail Poyer, who spoke about the importance of the work ahead and the impact HCBS services can have on individuals, families, and communities throughout American Samoa.

Throughout the gathering, many commission members shared heartfelt stories about their lived experiences, caring for aging loved ones, or supporting family members with disabilities who could benefit from HCBS services. The conversations were emotional, powerful, and a reminder of why this work matters so deeply to our people.

See more photos of the event here.