When Miss American Samoa 2024–2025, Pauliana Angelfromheaven Felise Vitale, steps onto the stage in Port Moresby, she'll be walking more than a runway, she will be walking a bridge. Vitale is set to participate in the prestigious Pacific Fashion Summit and Genesis Showcase hosted by PNG Fashion Week. Two landmark events celebrating the rich cultural heritage and creativity of the Pacific Islands. For Vitale, a vibrant leader and accomplished scholar, this opportunity is a chance to elevate the Pacific voice on a global stage. “Pacific fashion is storytelling. It is how we wear our history, our pride, and our vision for the future.” “The Pacific Fashion Summit and Genesis are proof that our traditions can inspire the world, and that the Pacific voice belongs at the global table.” Born and raised in American Samoa, Vitale's life is a testament to the values of family and community. “I was raised by two sets of parents who have passed on. My family is my foundation. Everything I do, I carry them with me.” This deep-rooted connection to her heritage has fueled her academic and leadership pursuits. Vitale holds a Bachelor of Arts in Historical and Political Studies with a minor in English from Chaminade University of Honolulu. During her time there, she was a fierce advocate for her culture, serving as President of the Lumana'i O Samoa Cultural Club, Vice President of the English Honor Society, and Head of Internal Affairs for the Student Government. Her commitment to service extends beyond the university campus. As a volunteer program facilitator for a literacy initiative in Hawaii, she shared the stories and folklore of Samoa and the Pacific with inner-city children. “Our stories are more than history; they are our heartbeat.” Vitale's compassion for her community is also at the heart of her official platform as Miss American Samoa. She founded Faasoa Mai, an initiative dedicated to creating safe spaces for young people to discuss mental wellness. “Our young people need to know it’s okay to talk, to feel, and to ask for help. Conversations are the first step toward resilience.” Her poise and authenticity have already garnered regional acclaim. At the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, she was named second runner-up and received the Best Talent and Personality in Tourism awards. She cherishes the experience not just for the accolades, but for the chance to connect with fellow titleholders and celebrate the diversity of the Pacific. Meanwhile, the Pacific Fashion Summit and Genesis Showcase, made possible by official air carrier Air Niugini, will bring together cultural creatives from across the region. The events are designed to be a living declaration of Pacific identity, creativity, and unity. For Vitale, being a part of this event is more than a professional milestone; it is a powerful statement about the future. As she represents American Samoa on this international stage, she is connecting the rich heritage of the past with the limitless possibilities of the future. She embodies the vibrant spirit of the Pacific, proving that its traditions can indeed inspire the world.