Advisors
Advisors
Leiana Talo Lepule
COMMUNITY ADVISOR
"Talofa lava! I was born and raised in San Diego and live in Chula Vista. I graduated from SDSU with a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject Credential for Elementary Education. It is a privilege to continue serving as PISA’s Community Advisor this year. A fun fact about me is that I have 12 kids … as my 3rd grade students for my second year as a school teacher."
IG: @leilepule
Haley Okamoto
FACULTY ADVISOR
"Haley Okamoto (she/her) was born and raised in her ancestral homeland on the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaiʻi and identifies as a decolonial Kānaka Maoli scholar. She earned her BA in Communication Studies from Portland State University then went on to get her EdM in College Student Services Administration from Oregon State University. While in graduate school, her area of specialization was Native Hawaiian and Pasifika Student Success. Haley’s career goal is to provide authentic support for Pacific Islander students as they navigate systems of higher education."
CLAUDIA MARTINEZ
FACULTY ADVISOR
"Claudia is the Director for Career Pathways and Social capital for the SDSU Center for Equity and Postsecondary Attainment. She leads career programming for high school and college students. She has been at SDSU for seven years, previously having worked in Career Services. the Center for Intercultural Relations and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. She values the impact that life experience has in individuals’ career journeys and lifelong learning. She is a proud first-generation college graduate and a proud mother."
Aiyiana Tiger-Mantanona
STUDENT ADVISOR
"Hafa Adai! My name is Aiyiana (She/Her), I am an Indigenous woman of Chamorro and Native American (Choctaw, Seminole, Creek) heritage. I was born and raised in NorCal and I am currently studying Multicultural Counseling with CBB at SDSU! My passion lies in helping uplift our Pasifika and Native communities, and I am so grateful to be working with PISA as a graduate advisor!"
Miguel Degracia
COMMUNITY ADVISOR
"Håfa Adai, my name is Miguel Degracia and I am currently serving as the community advisor for PISA. I graduated from SDSU in 2022 with my B.A. in Journalism w/ Media Studies emphasis. I have been involved with PISA since 2021 when I was just a GBMer and also as their DJ! Fun Fact about me is I have DJ’d for a few celebrities and in a festival with my favorite one being the time I opened up for Snoop Dogg."
Hana Fernandez
COMMUNITY ADVISOR
"Håfa Adai! My name is Hana which rhymes with Ghana or sauna. I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Guam, then I came to SDSU to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Previously, I have served PISA in being the social chair, treasurer, and vice president. My fun fact is that I have been with Guma’ Imåhen Taotao Tåno’ for over a year and have performed at PIFA & CCF. Ask me anything about the Marianas!!"