Miss Samoa USA Returns in 2024

It’s been almost 15 years since the Miss Samoa USA pageant last took place. However, in 2024, this esteemed event made a grand return after a long hiatus. The Miss Samoa USA pageant was held on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the Ahern Boutique Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The revival of this prestigious event was spearheaded by Seiuli Malia Efferding and Tofuola Alofipo, both accomplished entrepreneurs and proud Samoan women. They envisioned the pageant as a transformative platform to highlight and uplift Samoan women in the USA. As co-founder Tofuola Alofipo shared, “Bringing this back to life and getting it up and running again is our way of creating opportunities for this generation and paying it forward.”

The Mission

The mission of the Miss Samoa USA pageant is to empower young Samoan women across the United States by offering a platform to showcase their talents, beauty, and cultural heritage. The pageant celebrates the rich traditions of Samoa while promoting personal growth, leadership skills, and self-confidence among the contestants. Through collaboration and inclusivity, it aims to foster cultural diversity and build a supportive community that uplifts and inspires young Samoan women. The goal is not only to crown a deserving ambassador but also to raise awareness of Samoan culture and traditions, promoting unity and respect among various cultures.

We were honored to attend the event and witness the celebration of Samoan culture and talent. The banquet hall was filled with warmth and support as people came together to cheer on the contestants. Each of the five contestants was surrounded by their support networks, and the atmosphere was electric from the opening number to the final crowning moment and the post-crowning taualuga. It was truly inspiring to see the Miss Samoa USA board and the contestants receive such support.

The Contestants

Elepe Lafaele — At 20, the eldest of five, Elepe was born in American Samoa, raised in Hawaii, and graduated from West High School in Anchorage, Alaska, in 2022. Despite losing her father two months before graduation, she chose to stay and support her family instead of enlisting in the Navy. Passionate about exploring her Samoan heritage, Elepe sees the Miss Samoa USA pageant as a way to deepen her cultural knowledge and inspire young Samoans.
Desireé Washington — Desireé, a proud multiracial Samoan American with roots in Fatumafuti and beyond, was born in Georgia and raised in a military family. She holds a Bachelor's in Communications from UC San Diego. Despite progressive hearing loss and overcoming breast cancer at 25, she advocates for deaf awareness and holistic well-being. An arts enthusiast, she's worked in creative direction, illustrated for Deaf Night American Samoa, and is finalizing her debut children's book. Currently a proofreader for 93KHJ Radio, Desireé is passionate about inclusivity and uplifting others through storytelling.
Josephina Lealaitafea — At 23 and from West Jordan, Utah, she proudly honors her father’s roots in Sala'lua and Salani, and her mother’s heritage from Malie and Auto. Deeply committed to serving the Pacific Islander community, she is passionate about inspiring young Pacific Islanders by emphasizing the importance of education, cultural pride, and community service. She aspires to be a role model for underrepresented individuals, demonstrating that with determination, challenges can be overcome, and success is within reach.
Mariel Macdonald — At 20, Mariel was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in San Diego, California. With Samoan, Tongan, and German roots, she enjoys volleyball, music, and fashion modeling. Competing in the Miss Samoa USA pageant, Mariel aims to showcase her love for fashion while reconnecting with her Samoan heritage. She hopes to inspire young tama'ita'i Samoa by embracing her cultural roots and serving as a role model.
Christina Lilo-Laulu Falaniko Auva'a — At 23, Christina is the daughter of the late Epifania Savelio Falaniko from Vaimoso and Lui Lilo Falaniko Auva'a from Falealupo. Sponsored by Arts of Love, she works as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Tacoma, WA, while studying Pre-Nursing. Christina enjoys teaching Samoan dances, playing basketball, and spending time with family. As a Miss Samoa USA contestant representing Washington State, she aims to empower young Samoans and serve organizations that preserve Polynesian heritage.

What Is Your Favorite Part About Being a Tama’ita’i Samoa?

Elepe Lafaele: “Being a tamaitai Samoa is a blessing and that's all you can thank the man above for.”
Desireé Washington: “To be a young woman who loves to serve and to be of service not just to the Samoan communities but all communities.”
Josephina Lealaitafea: “To be a daughter of such a rich culture— coming from a strong history of ancestors who have persevered, explored and were innovators.”
Mariel Macdonald: “I’m proud to be a Samoan woman— no one looks like us and we’re just unique in so many ways.”
Christina Lilo-Laulu Falaniko Auva'a: “The way that I carry myself and I want to inspire other young tama’ita’i Samoa by the way we walk, we stand, we talk.”

Congratulations, Joey

Above, we’re thrilled to introduce the five incredible contestants from this year’s pageant! We had the honor of speaking with these outstanding women to discover their favorite aspects of being a Samoan woman or tama'ita'i Samoa. For more highlights from each category and to see the contestants' performances, visit our Instagram (@polynesianmusic) and explore the category updates. You can also rewatch the livestream on our Island City Media Facebook page.

Congratulations to Joey Lealaitafea for winning the title of Miss Samoa USA 2024! We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the contestants for their bravery and outstanding performances.

A special thanks to everyone who played a role in making this event possible: Anthea Aiono, pageant director; Jennifer Saena, co-director; Lina Solovi-Tapusoa, media director; Rolen Peterson-Tafi, judges' director; and the fantastic hosts, Big Budah and Upumoni. Thanks to all the judges and the many helping hands involved. Congratulations to everyone, especially to Joey Lealaitafea, and best wishes for her reign!

Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, September 2024 (Vol. 1 No. 5).

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