COMMUNITY.
CULTURE.
CELEBRATE.
"Our ancestors who sacrificed before us paved the way so that we can honor them in the way we live today" - Ailani Cepeda
Our Mission
Our mission is to create visibility for Pasifika Islander students in the educational settings through Community, Culture and Celebration.
Our vision is to keep our Pacific Islander students thriving in their passion and purpose.
Our Journey
It takes a village to pave the way for the next generation to have a better future.
🌱
2018
The Beginning
Founded by Francine, Founder and Executive Director, Island Grad was established to advance equity, visibility, and cultural affirmation for Pasifika students by addressing systemic barriers to access and representation.
Vision!
Imua-Forward!
📜
2021
Official Non-Profit
Island Grad became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, expanding its capacity to serve students and deepen community impact. Guided by principles of patience and reciprocity, the organization implements culturally responsive strategies that strengthen student belonging, persistence, and academic completion while celebrating both major milestones and incremental achievements as indicators of success.
👥
2021
Growing Team
The organization expanded from a founder-led initiative to a team of two dedicated staff members, strengthening internal infrastructure and program delivery.
Growth and Infrastructure!
Paving the way!
🎓
2026
Thriving Today
Island Grad is now a five-member team hosting the
only Pacific Islander graduate recognition ceremony in Southern California, continuing to pave the way for culturally grounded student success and community celebration.
Our Three Pillars
The foundation of everything we do for Pasifika students and the community.
community
Outreach
School districts, college districts, local churches, youth sports, community events.
Workshops
Mental Health, Wellness, Academics, College and Career, Creative media, Weaving, Cultural healing.
Holiday Giveaways
COLLABORATION PARTICIPATION: SBCUSD K-12 BACK TO SCHOOL EXTRAVAGANZA
T.Y.S., F.O.U. MOVEMENT, ISLAND GRAD THANKSGIVING BASKET GIVEAWAY
PASIFIKA IsLAND EMPIRE COALITION FOR EMPOWERMENT P.I.E.C.E.
ISLAND GRAD, MALO, and THE YOUNG SAMOA
Together, they form a collective effort that helps keep Pasifika communities thriving, connected, and proud of their heritage through education, cultural celebration, and community support.
IMPORTANT PARTNERSHIPS
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NATIONAL BLACK GRAD MALO
THE YOUNG SAMOA FOU MOVEMENT SOCAL PICRT EPIC
SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF RIVERSIDE
CULTURE
Pasifika/Oceania
Polynesian, Micronesian, Melanesian
Cultural Practices
By combining cultural storytelling, workshops, and leadership rooted in Indigenous wisdom, we foster personal growth, strong communities, and social change. This holistic approach builds deep connection, resilience, and the next generation of values-driven leaders.
Alignment of Cultural Values Across the Isles
Across the Pasifika isles, shared cultural values guide how we live, connect, and care for one another. These values are rooted in faith, family, respect for the land and ocean, honoring our elders and ancestors, and the practice of reciprocity (Tautua)—the exchange of kindness, service, and support that maintains balance within our communities.
Key Cultural Elements
- Family
- Respect for Elders & Ancestors
- Reciprocity (Tautua)
- Arts & Storytelling
- Connection to Land & Ocean
- Subsistence Living
CELEBRATION
ANNUAL ISLAND GRAD RECOGNITION CEREMONY
The only Pacific Islander graduate recognition ceremony in Southern California.
Honoring all graduates of Pacific Islander heritage
High school. COMMUNITY COLLEGE. COLLEGE. Grad School. TechNOLOGY. Military. COSMETOLOGY. First Responders. Certification. etc.
Support & Advocacy
College, career, scholarships, and advocacy for all educational institutions.
Authenticity is important at Island Grad
Our ceremony celebrates each graduate’s culture and journey, inviting authentic dress and unique self-expression. This creates a vibrant display of Pasifika cultures united in pride, respect, and unity.
What cultural attire represents:
- Pride in island heritage and identity
- A visual expression of each graduate’s personal journey
- Respect for cultural traditions and ancestors
- A collective celebration of Pasifika diversity and unity

"Island Grad Village is rooted in faith, family, and Kuleana—our shared responsibility to uplift the next generation."
Our Impact in Numbers
Making a difference in the Pasifika community since 2018.
Years of Island Grad
Live ceremony
1st Annual 2018
2nd Annual 2019
3rd Annual 2022
4th Annual 2023
5th Annual 2024
6th Annual 2025
Upcoming 7th Annual 2026
No. of Island Grad Graduates
Pacific Islander Graduates
2018 - 62
2019 - 79
2020 - (Virtual Honor Pasifika Grad)
200
2021 - COVID-19
2022 - 147
2023 - 100+
2024 - 200+
2025 - 200+
No. of Areas Participated
Over 15 cities
New Zealand
San Diego County
San Bernardino County
Long Beach Area
Carson Area
Victorville Area
Barstow Area
Riverside County
No. of Students Scholarships awarded
In 2023, we introduced our Scholarship program
IECF FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP 2024
- 80K awarded to scholarship recipients
Support comes in different forms
Community is the heart of our organization and it's purpose.
We uplift the Islander community through struggle and success, leading by example to build a thriving future for the next generation.
Youth, Culture, and Pasifika Islander Identity
We encourage cultural learning and support young Islanders in strengthening their connection to culture and heritage.
Built on Celebration
We celebrate each milestone by honoring the dedication behind every success.
We welcome support from our community,
friends, and new allies.
Whether through donations, sponsorships, participation in celebratory events, or involvement in community-building opportunities, your connection helps us uplift and celebrate our graduates while strengthening Pasifika culture and community ties.
Our Village Partners
