From Invisibility to Visibility - a live RAMA Blueprints Podcast

RAMA Blueprints presents their Tres Generacíones/3 Voices live podcast series on Thursday, October 30th at 6:30pm at the Brava Women for the Arts' Cabaret in San Francisco's Mission District. This is the 4th community discussion of the Tres Generaciones/Three Voices live podcast series by the RAMA Blueprints podcast. This discussion delves into the history and recent rise of the Pacific Islander or VASA community in San Francisco, as told by 3 pivotal community leaders, Patsy Tito from Samoan Community Development Center (SCDC), Gaynor Siataga from SALT, and Anna Mahina from San Francisco Tongans Rise Up (SF TRU). The discussion highlights the importance of cultural responsibility, community engagement, and the ongoing fight for self-determination, extinguishing invisibility, decolonizing education, and emphasizing that success extends beyond academics to character, family, and community.

Be part of history and join the live podcast which includes a lively conversation between 3 local community leaders who have built a vision and future for the Pacific Islander community.

The Tres Generaciones/3 Voices live podcast series at Brava Cabaret features 3 guests from diverse communities and generations throughout San Francisco. The panelist consists of community leaders who have experience working towards building community through activism, art, community organizing and empowerment.

Always framed through the Principles of RAP, the discussion will seek solutions and future action steps that will hopefully build upon the findings of previous discussions to elevate the level of discussion and details for future action steps and conversations.

Founded in 2021, RAMA Blueprints is the 1st podcast documenting the history of the Real Alternatives Program (RAP) within the City and County of San Francisco between 1967 - 2003 along with its current impact on community empowerment in San Francisco and the country.

This FREE event is made possible from a generous grant from the California Arts Council's 2025 Impact Grant. Please join us for this exciting event that will celebrate SF's Pacific Islander community, and RAMA Blueprints Podcast. Doors at 6:30 / Live Podcast at 7pm.

Gaynor Siataga

Gaynor Siataga is a Samoan-American community leader in San Francisco, best known for her work in establishing a new Pacific Islander cultural district. A survivor of immense trauma, including a history of gang involvement, addiction, and violence, Siataga has transformed her experiences into advocacy, channeling them into her work for the community. She is the director of the Pacific Islander Community Hub and has worked since 2020 to create the district, which aims to provide a sense of belonging and resources for the Pacific Islander community. She is the primary driving force behind the creation of the Pacific Islander Cultural District in San Francisco, which was established to foster a sense of belonging, provide resources, and ensure equity for the community. She was an original member of the organization United Playaz, which started as a school club at Balboa High. Social worker Associate UCSF’s San Francisco Wraparound Project.

Anna Mahina 

Ann Mahina is a proud daughter of Tongan immigrants, a devoted mother and wife, and a passionate community advocate. With over 15 years of experience in human services and community leadership, she is committed to empowering Tongan and Pacific Islander youth, families, and communities through culturally grounded, inclusive programs.

As Founder and Director of San Francisco Tongans Rise Up (SF-TRU), Anna leads initiatives that provide resources and support to Tongan individuals and families in the Bay Area. Her work includes serving on the San Francisco Unified School District's Parent Advisory Council, where she collaborates with educators and families to address the unique challenges faced by Pacific Islander students, which consequentially leads to the founding of the Pacific Islander parents advocacy group MATUA and its oversight of the Fa’aSamoan Initiative (FASI)

In addition to her role at SF-TRU, Ann is a co-founder of both the Pacific Islander Cultural District and the SALT Pacific Islander Association, organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting Pacific Islander culture and heritage in San Francisco.

Drawing from her own experiences navigating educational systems as a child of immigrants, Ann is deeply committed to ensuring that the next generation of Pacific Islander students have the support and resources they need to succeed. Her advocacy is rooted in her personal journey and her belief in the power of community and education to create lasting change.

Tino Felise

Aukusitino “Tino” Felise is the Director of Programs at the Samoan Community Development Center (SCDC) in San Francisco. For over 18 years, he has dedicated his work to serving the Pasifika community through a wide range of programs and services that support individuals and families from early childhood through adulthood.

Tino has coordinated and managed many of SCDC’s cornerstone programs, including the Strengthening Families Program, which helps families and youth build stronger relationships, and initiatives that empower at-risk youth to create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Deeply rooted in his Samoan heritage, Tino is committed to uplifting and advancing Pasifika culture, especially Samoan identity, in every space he occupies. His mission is to model perseverance and empowerment for the community showing that they can rise above stereotypes and continue to be the balance and support that keeps the community strong.