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 and Seattle University. As a community organizer, Edwina planned the first Pacific Islanders Pursuing Education event at the UW-Bothell. She discovered her passion to build community while advocating for marginalized communities in academia. She has worked in higher education for the past 8 years and finds joy in supporting students through their educational journey. She currently works as the Director for the Center for Cultural & Inclusive Excellence at Highline College.

Fun Fact: She likes to sleep
Languages Spoken: English (fluent)

Before Cindy was a professional staff, she was a running student at Highline. At Highline College, she worked as a Community Leadership Consultant ( now known as a club consultant) at the Center for Leadership & Service, where she helped support student clubs and events. Upon completion from Highline, Cindy transferred to the University of Washington, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Diversity. Desiring to enhance her leadership abilities, she returned to the Center. This time she returned as a program assistant for the Center for Cultural and Inclusive Excellence. In June 2023, Cindy transitioned into the Inter-Cultural Center Leadership Advisor. As a lifelong learner, she is committed to advancing her skills and practice by returning to school this fall to pursue her Master in Community degree at the University of Washington Tacoma. 

In her free time, Cindy enjoys photography, learning French, and hanging out with her chickens & cats.

Fun Fact: She can hula hoop for an hour!
Languages Spoken: English (fluent), Spanish (fluent), and French (Intermediate)

Fuifui Ah Kuoi is no stranger to our community, as an alumni of Highline College, she was actively involved as a member of the Pacific Islanders club, provided peer support as a Student Ambassador with the AANAPISI program and returned as staff with The Hub: Federal Way Higher-Education as Program Coordinator. In 2019, she completed her Associate of Arts in Diversity and Globalism and transferred to the University of Washington Tacoma where she pursued her Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic, Gender and Labor Studies and graduated June 2021. 

During her time at both institutions, Fuifui saw the importance of community support, involvement and peer mentorship as a result of student success. Her passion to work in higher education is fueled from her experience as a first-generation, low-income student who navigated barriers in the educational system. She is excited to take on this new role to expand peer mentorship opportunities and looks forward to collaborating throughout the year! 

Fui enjoys spending time with her family, eating out with friends and watching any good action movie. 
Fun Fact:  She once participated in a talent show where Macklemore was one of the judges.
Languages Spoken: Samoan (fluent), English (fluent)

Yara was born in Los Angeles, California but has lived most of her life in Washington. She started her higher education at a community college. She worked as a student employee for Conference Services and for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) at Green River College, where she also received her AA. While working at ODEI, her supervisor was a program coordinator, so taking on this position is a full-circle moment for her. She received her BA in Communications from Western Washington University and is a first-gen grad. She finds joy in helping others through their higher-ed journeys. After graduating, the job search led her to work full-time in higher education. She is no stranger to Highline; she worked here for 2 years before starting this position. She currently serves as the program coordinator for CCIE.

In her free time, she likes to watch TV series, hang out with friends/family, and eat at new places.

Fun Fact: She’s a Pisces and an Enneagram 2
Languages Spoken: English (Fluent), Spanish (Fluent)

Chino is no stranger to Highline, beginning his journey as a student, he studied fine arts and immersed himself in theatre (acted in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and directed a Twilight Zone episode). In 2019, he began volunteering for Q Center work alongside Amy Rider King (check out the timeline of Q Center events attached and belo). With care for our community, Chino became a teaching assistant in the High School Engagement and Academic Success program, where he taught college success and future planning. Aside from being an educator, Chino is a performer, music producer, game show host, and stage director. He loves to sing, dance, visit places near the water, nap, and engage in deep philosophical conversations.

Fun Fact: Chino makes music and loves stage directing
Languages Spoken: English