Professional Workshop on Human Trafficking

Building Awareness. Strengthening Response.

On Thursday, October 9, to Friday, October 10, over 100 participants joined the Professional Workshop on Human Trafficking, hosted by the American Samoa Community College - Pacific Center in Human Security at the ASCC Multi-Purpose Center.

Led by Benjamin Greer, a specialized California Deputy Attorney General and nationally recognized expert on human trafficking, brings deep insight into anti-trafficking policy, prosecution, and victim advocacy. Greer shared powerful insights on how vulnerable populations, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, are often targeted by traffickers. The training brought together students, local government departments, and agencies to strengthen our community’s ability to recognize, prevent, and respond to human trafficking.

It was especially important for students—the next generation of leaders—and government professionals—those shaping policy and frontline response—to learn side by side about this critical issue.

All attendees who committed 16 hours earned Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for their commitment to professional development and community safety.

Click here to see more photos of the event.

As part of our Human Trafficking Professional Workshop, the ASCC Pacific Center in Human Security held a raffle to show appreciation for participants’ dedication and engagement. The raffle was not only an incentive to encourage full participation but also a way to thank everyone who committed to completing the training, with the grand prize reserved for participants who fully completed all 16 contact hours.

Apple Watch, Grand Prize Winner: Hyrum Faiupu, ASCC Security Guard

Other Winners:



• Henrietta Tupuna, ASCC Student — Nokia Headphones
• Melanie P., ASCC Student — $25 Gift Certificate (ASCC Le Bookstore)
• Kristie Thaxton, Public Defender’s Office — $25 Gift Certificate
• David McMoore, Treasury Department, Customs Division — $25 Gift Certificate
• Temukisa Eapeisi, Samoa General Consulate Office — $25 Gift Certificate

We’re proud of every participant who invested time and effort in this vital learning experience. Together, we’re strengthening awareness and action against human trafficking in our community.

Fall 2025 Order of the Sword and Shield Induction Ceremony

On Tuesday, September 30, we proudly witnessed the induction of six Criminal Justice and inclusive-Emergency Management students, together with four professionals from the American Samoa Department of Agriculture, into the prestigious Order of the Sword and Shield Honor Society. The ceremony took place at the Multi-Purpose Center, ASCC, with the presence of family, friends, and supporters.

Special appreciation goes to our keynote speaker, Asomalu Leighton Lavasii, whose insights inspired our inductees to aim higher in both academic and professional pursuits. We also extend our gratitude to ACCJC Vice President Melanie Schiel for assisting our ASCC President, Dr. Rosevonne Pato, during the certificate presentation.

Why this milestone matters

This achievement is more than an academic honor—it reflects a commitment to building a stronger and safer American Samoa. Through the security studies field, represented by the inductees from the Department of Agriculture, and academic majors, criminal justice and inclusive-emergency management, our students and professionals are preparing to address local needs in public safety, security, and resilience. The honor society recognizes the inductees' dedication and helps bridge academic knowledge with real-world service, shaping leaders who will make a lasting impact.

OSS x iEM

The Order’s values align closely with the mission of the inclusive-Emergency Management Program, which emphasizes the importance of serving individuals with disabilities and ensuring that emergency response and security systems are accessible, equitable, and inclusive for all members of the community.

Click here to see more photos of the induction ceremony.

Follow our Facebook page to stay updated on application deadlines.

iEM at the AS Department of Health, Full Scale Exercise

Exercise. Exercise. Exercise.

On Thursday, September 25, our inclusive-Emergency Management students proudly volunteered during the American Samoa Department of Health's full-scale exercise.

The exercise tested the readiness and protocols of our local hospital, departments, and ports of entry in responding to health-related emergencies. Scenarios included emergency transportation and managing overflow when large numbers of sick individuals arrive at once. Our students acted as community members with simulated health issues, providing realistic scenarios for responders to identify, assess, and assist.

For our students, this was a chance to put classroom learning into practice — seeing firsthand how emergency management systems function and why inclusivity matters in crisis response. For the community, their involvement helped strengthen preparedness and ensure that systems are ready to protect everyone, especially those with unique needs.

This experience not only deepened our students’ passion for emergency management but also highlighted the importance of collaboration in building a safer, stronger, and more resilient American Samoa.

We’re proud of our students’ dedication. We are also grateful to the AS Department of Health for partnering with us in this meaningful work. Thank you for having us during the Tabletop Exercise on Wednesday, September 24, as well as the Hot Wash on Friday, September 26.

See more photos of the event here.

Our iEM students became SKYWARN® Spotters with our local US National Weather Service in support of their course, iEM 260 - Emergency Communications and Social Media.

Becoming a SKYWARN® Spotter directly supports our students' communications and social media work in class, helping them understand how to translate technical observations into clear, actionable, and accessible messages for the public.

See our full post here, and more info about the program here.

A photo of our iEM 150 - Introduction to Emergency Management students with Pacific Center in Human Security Communications Manager, Katrina Helsham, and Department Chairperson, Rosalee Shoulders, at the Office of Disaster Assistance and Petroleum Management (ODAPM) Resilience Summit.

The introductory class attended the ODAPM Resilience Summit to learn firsthand how local and regional leaders collaborate to strengthen partnerships, policies, and procedures for disaster preparedness and response, while also gaining insight into the current issues being discussed from both leadership and community perspectives. This year’s theme, 'Resilience by Design,' resonates with our students, who may become future emergency management leaders and play a role in shaping resilient communities, particularly for vulnerable populations.

See more photos here.

Our iEM 280 - Ethical Leadership and Decision Making for Emergency Management students were honored to have the Pacific Ocean Division Floodplain Management Services Program Manager, Evailaufaumalu Sala, of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), share her presentation on "Developing Inclusive and Accessible Emergency Action Plans."

As both an alumna of the institution and a professional deeply connected to the culture of our community, her perspective underscores that ethical leadership in emergency management is grounded not only in technical expertise, but also in the responsibility to honor cultural values, inclusivity, and equity when making decisions that affect vulnerable populations.

See more photos here.

Pacific Center in Human Security

pchs@amsamoa.edu | pchs.amsamoa.edu | (684) 699 - 2722 ext. 4202