Our Staff and Volunteers
Board of Directors
Selu Alofipo - Founder & Chair
Selu was born in the village of Vaitoloa, Samoa, and lived there until the age of seven, when his family immigrated to the United States in 1983 and settled in Salt Lake City, Utah. Adjusting to a new culture and environment, Selu thrived—earning a full-ride football scholarship to Dixie Junior College in St. George, Utah. During his time there, he excelled on the field, leading to an opportunity to continue both his academic and athletic career at Louisiana Tech University, where he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 1999.
After college, Selu married his sweetheart, Tofu Alofipo, and together they began raising a family of six. He started his professional journey as a counselor and case manager for the State of Utah, working in the juvenile justice system. After five years of service, he transitioned into the commercial roofing industry—his first foray into sales—where he played a key role in the growth of a small company over an eight-year tenure. He was later recruited by a tech firm as a senior business developer, selling digital marketing services and finding continued success in the field.
His achievements in sales eventually afforded him the flexibility to pursue his passion as a self-taught professional artist. As an artist, Selu received several prestigious awards, most notably being honored at the White House as a “Champion of Change” during the Obama Administration. In 2016, he was recognized by the Carnegie Corporation of New York as one of their “Great Immigrants: The Pride of America,” joining a distinguished class of honorees that included Nobel Laureate Aziz Sancar, entrepreneur/philanthropist Noubar Afeyan, and public figures such as Samantha Bee and Jim Carrey.
In addition to his work as an artist, Selu founded a construction company specializing in luxury outdoor design-build services in Las Vegas, Nevada. Driven by a deep concern for his community—especially issues affecting human well-being—he launched a podcast in 2019 that reached listeners in 28 countries, sparking meaningful conversations around culture, growth, and identity.
Today, Selu and his wife Tofu dedicate their time to serving the Pacific Islander community, with a special focus on uplifting underserved Polynesian youth. Through Competitive Youth of Polynesia, Selu is committed to preserving the richness of Polynesian culture while also confronting and transforming the narratives that hold young people back. His vision is one of respect, progress, and leadership development—helping to prepare young Pacific Islanders to thrive in a modern world while staying rooted in who they are.
In his personal time, Selu enjoys golfing, mountain biking, reading, vacationing with his family, and engaging in stimulating conversations that challenge the mind and inspire growth.
Tofu Alofipo - Cofounder & Executive Director
Tofu Alofipo was born on the island of Savai‘i in Western Samoa and relocated to Hawai‘i as an infant, where she was raised in a vibrant Polynesian community steeped in faith, family, and cultural tradition. A distinguished student-athlete, she excelled in volleyball throughout high school and college, experiences that cultivated in her a strong sense of discipline, resilience, and pride in her heritage.
Tofu is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background in various industries. She holds a BS degree in Business Administration from Ashford University, is currently working on her MSRE, and began her early career at the Utah Attorney General's Office, where she gained valuable experience in secretarial support, legal research, and drafting legal documents. Her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to her work laid the foundation for her success in the real estate industry.
With over a decade of experience as a Realtor for Utah and Nevada with Berkshire Hathaway Luxury Collections, Tofu has established herself as a trusted expert in her local area. She has received numerous awards for her exceptional sales and service and has even been featured on the television reality show "The American Dream," showcasing her insights on real estate lifestyle and trends. Tofu's reputation as an expert in the market has made her a go-to resource for buyers, builders, and sellers. Beyond her real estate career, Tofu also actively participates in the real estate investment and development industry, successfully leading high-profile projects and identifying lucrative investment opportunities.
Tofu's rich history in the entertainment industry, particularly in Polynesian dancing, displays her talent, dedication, and love for her culture. From her early years performing at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii to her family's successful Polynesian show business in Utah, Tofu's commitment to preserving and sharing her culture through dance is evident.
Together with her husband, Selu, Tofu continues to be a powerful voice for representation and excellence in the Polynesian community. Their shared mission is to help the next generation of Polynesians thrive, anchored in their roots, but prepared to lead in a modern world. In her personal time, Tofu enjoys mentoring young women, traveling with her family, choreographing cultural performances, and creating platforms that merge hope, entrepreneurship, and cultural legacy.
Jay Atuaia - Treasurer
Jason Atuaia serves as Associate Vice President for Budget & Finance in Academic Affairs at the University of Utah. In this role, he oversees budgeting, financial strategy, and capital planning to ensure institutional resources align with strategic priorities. His leadership supports transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability across Utah’s flagship public university. He collaborates closely with university and state leaders to navigate fiscal challenges, such as changes in public funding, and regularly develops multi-scenario models to guide planning for essential academic and student support services.
Jason earned both his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and his Master of Business Administration from the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah, completing his degrees while working full-time. As the son of parents who immigrated from Samoa, he understands firsthand the complexities of navigating education and career systems as a first-generation student. That experience continues to inform his leadership and advocacy.
A proud member of the Polynesian community, Jason draws strength and perspective from his Samoan heritage. The values of service, humility, and collective responsibility are foundational to his work – whether in higher education or community service. He is particularly passionate about creating pathways to leadership and opportunity for underrepresented students, including Pacific Islanders.
Outside of work, Jason is dedicated to his family. He is raising his children with a strong appreciation for culture, curiosity, and shared values. Together, they enjoy exploring the outdoors, attending events and festivals, and traveling. Whether he's building a financial model or mentoring future leaders, Jason approaches each opportunity with thoughtfulness, purpose, and a commitment to service.
James Averett DPM - Development Chair & Fundraising
Dr Averett , a board certified specialist by the American Board of Podiatric medicine, has been practicing in Las Vegas for 10 years now. Raised in southern Utah, Cedar city and St. George Utah, attended Medical school at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. Dr. Averett is a bilingual English and Samoan speaking specialist in Foot And Ankle surgery. He completed his Foot And Ankle residency at the Veterans Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. He has specialized expertise in treating all aspects of the Foot And Ankle for athletes, children and our local gracefully aging population. Soifua
Lacresha McManus - Secretary & Outreach
Lacresha is the consummate team player who will one day move mountains with her shining example of service.