Edwina Fui (she/her) is the daughter of Fia’ali’i and Fualaau Fui from the villages of Savaia, Upolu and Tula, Tutuila Samoa. She is a proud first-gen student and alumnus of Rainier Beach High School, UW-Bothell (Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies, Minor in Education & Society) and Seattle University (Master of Education in Student Development Administration). As a student leader, Edwina planned the first Pacific Islanders Pursuing Education event at the UW-Bothell and found her spark for community organizing and event planning. She has worked in higher education (student life and multicultural programs) for the past 11 years and finds joy in supporting student voice while advocating for historically excluded communities in academia. In her spare time, she enjoys editing reels for everyday journaling, emceeing and providing keynote talks. She currently works as the Director for the Center for Cultural & Inclusive Excellence.

Fun fact: She can do a cartwheel

Languages Spoken: English (fluent)

As the daughter of immigrant parents and a first-generation graduate, Cindy (she/her) views education and community as powerful tools for transformation. She is a proud alumna of both Highline College and the University of Washington. Cindy holds an Associate degree and a Bachelor’s degree in History with a focus in PNW history and a minor in Diversity, as well as a Masters of Community Planning. 

With over five years of experience in community and education, Cindy’s career spans from nonprofit work to working for the City of Kent Parks. For the past three years, she has served as the Inter-Cultural Center Leadership Advisor, where she has the joy of working with the Inter- Cultural Center Peer Facilitators to create programs. 

Cindy believes in living life to the fullest through constant “side quests.” Some side quests are photography, running, dancing, learning French, going to concerts, and drinking overpriced coffee with friends. She finds most joy when she spends time with her community and her two cats, Elvis and Obi-Juan Kenobi. 

Fun Fact: Her favorite cereal is raisin bran, but she hates raisins!
Languages Spoken: English (fluent), Spanish (fluent), and French (Intermediate)

Fuifui Ah Kuoi is a Highline College alumni who was involved in the Pacific Islanders Club and served as a Student Ambassador with the AANAPISI program before returning as staff with The Hub: Federal Way Higher Education. She earned her Associate of Arts in Diversity and Globalism in 2019 and her Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic, Gender and Labor Studies from the University of Washington Tacoma in 2021.

As a first-generation college student, Fui values the role of community, belonging, and peer support in student success. Her Samoan culture and the values of family and faith inspire her work in mentorship and service engagement. She supports Highline’s Peer Mentorship Program alongside SAME-C and collaborates with other campus departments and supports Hearts in Action, HC Expo, CCIE Series, and SOCC workshop

Outside of work, Fui enjoys serving in her Samoan church community, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends.

Fun Fact: Fui once participated in a talent show where Macklemore was one of the judges!

Languages Spoken: English (fluent), Samoan (fluent)

Beginning his journey as a Highline College student, Chino studied fine arts and immersed himself in theatre (acted in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and directed a Twilight Zone episode). In 2015, Chino became a teaching assistant in the High School Engagement and Academic Success (HSEAS) program assisting Theater classes and curating performances through Club Space Jam. With care for our community, he began volunteering for Q Center work alongside Amy Rider King in 2019, offering educational workshops, social programming and field trips. In 2023 Chino became an instructor for the HSEAS program, assisting ESL and History courses while teaching College Success and Future Planning. With administrative and community support a physical Q Center space was opened in 2024 offering a student leader position. In 2025 Chino became Highline’s first Q Center Leadership Advisor under the Center for Cultural & Inclusive Excellence and is currently still in that role. Chino is also studying to receive his BA in the Human Services program. 

Aside from being an educator, Chino is an artist, musician, writer, graphic designer, stage performance director, producer, and arts consultant. Chino is also the creator and game show host of Play Time: an Arts Game Show rocking stages,festivals, schools, and restaurants around King County. Singing, dancing, and having deep and philosophical conversations are Chino’s favorite things to do.

Fun Fact: Chino loves to spend his down time making music.
Languages Spoken: English

Maria Gonzalez (ella/she/her) is a proud daughter of immigrants and First- Generation college graduate, who was raised in Des Moines, WA. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Western Washington University in Human Services (and a minor in Cultural Anthropology), and her Masters of Education in Student Development Administration from Seattle University. Maria has roughly 4 years of experience in Student Affairs, with an array of experience within Housing & Residence Life, cultural programming, food security initiatives, orientation sessions, and has remained mostly involved in Student Life.

Maria was a running start student at Highline College in 2017 and has recently returned as a staff member in The Center for Cultural and Inclusive Excellence (go Thunderbirds!). Maria is a student affairs professional that leads with servant leadership, remains student- centered, and is committed to creating spaces where students feel heard, seen, and uplifted.

Outside of work, you can find Maria reading any romance, fiction, or murder mystery! Maria also enjoys getting outdoors (e.g., hiking, backpacking, and frolicking), being surrounded by loved ones, trying new foods and spending time with her dogs!

Fun Fact: Maria grew up caring for chickens, turkeys, quails, and ducks (and her father still cares for them to this day).

Languages spoken: Spanish (fluent) & English (fluent)