Welcome to Miss Samoa USA, the prestigious pageant headquartered in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada, also known as the state of entertainment. We are delighted to be situated in the dynamic and culturally diverse hub, where creativity, talent, and excitement thrive.
At Miss Samoa USA, we are dedicated to celebrating the beauty, intelligence, and cultural heritage of Samoan women in the United States. Our pageant serves as a platform for personal growth, empowerment, and leadership development, providing an opportunity for contestants to showcase their unique talents and embrace their Samoan identity.
Located in Las Vegas, a city renowned for its world-class entertainment, we draw inspiration from the energy and spirit that surrounds us. We believe in infusing the glamour and excitement of Las Vegas into our pageant creating an unforgettable experience for contestants and audience members alike.
Our headquarters in Las Vegas allows us to tap into the diverse talent pool and resources available in the city. We collaborate with industry professionals, community leaders, and cultural organizations to ensure that our pageant reflects the highest standards of excellence and authenticity.
Join us as we embark on this extraordinary journey in the state of entertainment. Together let's celebrate the beauty, talent, and cultural pride of Samoan women, and create a legacy that inspires and empowers generations to come.
The mission of the Miss Samoa USA pageant is to empower young Samoan women in the United States by providing a platform to showcase their talents, beauty, and cultural heritage. We aim to celebrate the rich traditions of Samoa while promoting personal growth, leadership skills, and self confidence among our contestants. Through collaboration and inclusivity, we strive to foster cultural diversity and create a supportive community that uplifts and inspires young Samoan women. Our mission is not only crown a deserving ambassador but also to raise awareness about Samoan culture and traditions, promoting unity and respect among different cultures.
Born in Savai‘i and raised in American Samoa, Malia Efferding embodies resilience, ambition, and cultural pride. At the age of 25, she moved to the United States in pursuit of the American dream, where she built a diverse and successful career across multiple industries.
A serial entrepreneur, Malia co-founded VCI Company, a successful telecommunications business, with her husband, Stan Efferding. Her journey also took her to the skies, where she became a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines, embracing her love for travel and service.
Her passion for fashion was ignited in the 1990s while working at a boutique in American Samoa, where she learned the art of styling and basic sewing. Inspired by her fashion-forward grandmother, Aloaloolela, Malia went on to establish her own brand, By Kylani Boutique, blending Polynesian heritage with modern elegance.
As the co-founder of Miss Samoa USA Pageant LLC, Malia is dedicated to empowering young Samoan women by providing a platform that promotes leadership, confidence, and cultural identity. She believes in nurturing future Polynesian ambassadors who will inspire and uplift their communities.
Malia currently resides in American Samoa, where she plans to expand the By Kylani brand.
Above all, Malia is a proud wife and mother of three beautiful children. She continues to build her legacy by creating opportunities for others and staying true to her Polynesian roots.
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. Specializing in the Sports & Entertainment division, she is renowned for her strong presence, confidence, and sophisticated marketing strategies. Tofu's financial background proves to be a valuable asset in saving clients time and money during the buying or selling process. 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. After a hiatus, she returned to the industry to empower her community through beauty pageants, forming a powerful alliance with like-minded individuals. Her diverse background in real estate and entrepreneurship, coupled with her passion for Polynesian dancing, make Tofu a valuable asset in the entertainment industry, enabling her to connect with people, lead with excellence, and inspire positive change.
Born and raised in Laie, Hawaii, with roots in Falefa, Upolu, and Saipipi & Avao, Savaii, Tusi is a Samoan-American entrepreneur who serves on the Miss Samoa USA Pageant Board, offering expertise in marketing, design, and event coordination, and on the Nu’u o Samoa Las Vegas board, where she helps foster cultural pride and connection to heritage. A wife, mother, realtor, and first counselor in her church's youth organization, Tusi’s background in entertainment production, event planning, and Polynesian dance makes her a dynamic force in both business and community advocacy and service. She is passionate about empowering tama’ita’i to represent themselves, their families, and their community with pride and excellence.
Born and raised in American Samoa, Florence Poysky draws from her experiences living in the U.S. to stay connected with her community both locally and globally. Guided by the Samoan proverb, "o le ala i le pule o le tautua" (the path to leadership is through service), she proudly serves as a board member of Miss Samoa USA, creating opportunities for the diaspora, especially women, to celebrate and strengthen their cultural heritage. Inspired by the saying, "o tama'ita'i o malu o 'aiga" (women are the sacred guardians of family), Florence is honored to witness and uplift the contributions of Samoan women while preserving and honoring their cherished traditions.
Lina is a devoted wife, mother of eight, and grandmother of two, living with passion and purpose. She excels in healthcare and has a deep love for Polynesian storytelling through dance. She serves as a contestant coordinator for the Miss Samoa USA Pageant, guiding and supporting our tama'ita'i throughout their journey. Her culinary passion has grown into a thriving social media platform, uniting food lovers through shared recipes and restaurant experiences. Actively involved in her church and community, Lina contributes to event planning, nonprofit support, and volunteerism, guided by her favorite quote:
"If you’re always doing what you’ve always done, then you’re always going to be what you’ve always been."
Born in Orange County, California, and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Anthea graduated as salutatorian and earned a full-ride scholarship to the University of Utah, where she studied psychology and music therapy. A seasoned professional in Human Resources and recruitment, Anthea was crowned the first Miss Samoa USA in 2001 and placed 1st attendant in the Miss Samoa pageant, reflecting her dedication to her culture and community. She currently serves as the contestant coordinator for Miss Samoa USA, using her leadership, resilience, and passion for community empowerment to guide and support future contestants.
A California native raised in Utah, Jennifer has spent 18 years in the aviation industry as a flight attendant and recently earned her commercial pilot's license, with ambitions to become an airline pilot. A devoted wife and mother of four, Jen balances her personal and professional life with grace. Passionate about empowering young women, particularly within the Samoan community, she encourages them to embrace their uniqueness and pursue excellence. As the contestant coordinator for Miss Samoa USA, Jen’s dedication to perseverance and hard work shines through as she guides future contestants to reach their full potential.
Born and raised in Apia, Samoa, Roleni hails from several villages, including Talimatau, Falese’ela, Siumu, Lepa, Vailoa Aleipata, and Vaiusu. She graduated from Church College of Western Samoa (CCWS) and served a mission for the LDS Church in Samoa. After moving to the U.S. in 1978, Roleni spent 12 years mentoring high-risk students in the Granite School District and 14 years with Delta Airlines. She founded Miss Samoa Utah (2001-2006) and Miss Samoa USA Utah Chapter (2007-2009), leading eight contestants to compete in
Teuila Emmy Alofipo is a Legal Secretary at Chief Counsel Law Firm, serving Salt Lake City, Utah and Denver, Colorado. A proud Samoan-American and advocate for education and cultural empowerment, she was recognized on the Dean's List while earning her degree in Business. As the Digital Media and Outreach Coordinator, she empowers others to embrace their heritage and represent their cultural identity with pride. With a background in athletics and leadership, Teuila brings discipline and creativity to every role she serves. She believes education is the key to growth and is passionate about helping others succeed.
Born of Samoan and Tongan descent, Sweetie was immersed in Polynesian culture from an early age. A graduate of BYU–Idaho with a BS in Business Finance, she works as a Financial Planning & Analysis Analyst to the CFO at a Las Vegas-based charter jet company. As the Financial Resource Coordinator for the Miss Samoa USA Pageant, Sweetie plays a key role in maintaining the organization’s financial health. She develops high-value sponsorship packages, builds relationships with benefactors, and leads fundraising initiatives to support cultural and educational programs. Sweetie hopes to inspire young Polynesian women to embrace their culture with pride and step into their identity with strength and authenticity.
Leata is a wife, mother, and successful entrepreneur with over a decade of experience running her Arizona-based business, Lalelei Lash and Beauty Bar. As the Digital Media & Social Engagement Coordinator for the Miss Samoa USA Pageant, she oversees the creation of high-quality multimedia content, manages engagement strategies, and coordinates with media outlets for press coverage. With a passion for creativity and community, Leata is dedicated to celebrating Samoan culture and empowering the next generation of tama’ita’i to embrace their heritage with pride.
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