First Samoan/Pacific Islander in the Asian American/Pacific Islanders Commission

By Lagi Keresoma/

“For so long, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been left behind in policy decisions and resource allocations. The work we do today will make sure that all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are supported and that their voices are heard at all levels in our Commonwealth,” Moana Bentin.

Apia, Samoa – 18 February 2024: Moana Bentin is the first Samoan and Pacific Islander to be appointed as Commissioner of the Asian American & Pacific Islanders Commission based in Massachusetts USA.

Her appointment was recommended by Massachusetts Governor Healey and last week she delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Governor at the swearing in ceremony for new Commissioner’s in the Nurses Hall in Massachusetts.

“I have seen a glimpse of the incredible work the Commission has done and planning to do in the near future to improve our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the Commonwealth,” she said.

She highlighted the Commission approving an intentional and specific three-year strategic plan that involved countless hours of conversations and community input.

“This plan will allow our work to focus on many aspects affecting the AAPI community, mainly using data analysis and insights to evaluate the impact of current policies and inform the development and implementation of new ones,” she said.

The first Samoan to be appointed Commissioner for Asian American Pacific Islanders Commission Moana Bentin delivering the keynote address at the welcoming of new Commissioners to the Nurses Hall in Massachusetts.

In determining two to three Key Priority Areas of focus, the Commission is looking forward to working with many of the vast and diverse AAPI communities to receive their input on what is important to them to be effective citizens allowing them to thrive in their homes in the Commonwealth.

Bentin said not all parts of the AAPI community receive the same amount of focus and support, and the Commission is proud to partner with and prioritize communities that can sometimes be underserved.

The AAPIC’s focus is on strengthening connections from Western Massachusetts, Williamstown to Springfield, and with Pacific Islander communities from Framingham to Cape Cod, and the Youth Council.

“Next month, we will be holding open listening sessions with the Afghani community and Bhutanese community. We encourage everyone to attend these listening sessions in Lowell or read our recaps to learn more about some of the issues important to these communities,” she said.

Moana is a Senior Associate Director of Identity Based Alumni Communities in Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

As a proud Samoan woman, she advocates for underserved and under-represented communities and has opened her door as a base for study for Pacific Island students studying in Greater Boston.

Moana’s journey started from Magiagi through the University South Pacific in Fiji and later settled in Cambridge Massachusetts USA.

She is currently the Chair of the Board of Directors  of the Cambridge Economic  Opportunity Committee and Moderator  of the Executive Council for the First Church in Cambridge.

She is a descendant of the Seuamuli family of Fagamalo and the Sa Aiono family of Fasito’o.