Moemoana Safaʻatoʻa Schwenke

Moemoana Safaʻatoʻa Schwenke is a Samoan cultural leader, youth advocate and environmental campaigner. She works to promote Pacific heritage, youth empowerment and climate action. She is a former Miss Samoa and Pacific Islands 2023-2024, and current UNICEF Pacific Regional Ambassador.

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Early life and education

Moemoana was born in Samoa and raised across Samoa, New Zealand, and Australia. She reconnected with her Samoan heritage through community programs in Western Sydney.

Career and advocacy

She is the founder and director of the Tā Fesilafa’i Initiative, which engages young people in Samoa through arts-based programs addressing climate change, gender equity, and leadership. She has served as a cultural consultant for the Samoan Ministry of Women, Community & Social Development, leading projects such as the Samoan Women Warriors documentary.
Moemoana has represented Pacific communities at international events including COP26 and COP28 and participated in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Samoa Youth, Women, and Peoples Forums. She currently serves as UNICEF Pacific Regional Ambassador, supporting early childhood development initiatives and amplifying youth voices across the Pacific.

Pageantry

She has held the titles of Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands, providing platforms for advocacy on cultural preservation, environmental awareness, and youth empowerment.

Cultural work and arts

Moemoana has worked with Matavai Pacific Cultural Arts as a mentor and performer, facilitating cultural exchange and leadership workshops. She co-wrote and directed Motu of Western Sydney, a theatre production involving over 120 performers, and is directing the Samoan short film Fetuilelagi, which explores culture, identity, and environmental awareness.

Recognition

She has collaborated with international organisations including UNICEF Pacific, UN Women, UNDP, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the Pacific Community, and the South Pacific Tourism Organization.