Diversity Committee Meeting

This month, we honor and celebrate Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to recognize the rich cultures, deep-rooted traditions, and powerful contributions of Pacific Islander communities both here in Alaska and across the globe. From the strength of family and community to the beauty of storytelling, dance, and language, Pacific Islander cultures remind us of the importance of connection, resilience, and honoring where we come from.

At our upcoming Diversity Committee meeting, we will:

Celebrate the heritage, voices, and impact of Pacific Islander communities
Learn about cultural values that center community, respect, and legacy
Highlight local organizations and leaders making a difference right here in Alaska
Create space for meaningful conversation, connection, and cultural appreciation

This is more than a meeting: it’s an opportunity to listen, learn, and celebrate together.

Let’s come together to uplift culture, embrace diversity, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Pacific Islander heritage. 🌺

About our Presenter:

Lusiana “Lucy” Tuga Hansen, is the Executive Director for the Polynesian Association of Alaska, a non-profit organization that strives to honor the Pacific Island Culture and History. Born in American Samoa, moved to Alaska in 1985, Lucy has since dedicated her life to uplifting Pacific Islander communities. In 2005, she founded the Polynesian Association of Alaska, promoting education, cultural pride, and family support, and launched a Polynesian Culture Saturday School with the Anchorage School District. A respected leader, she made history by hosting Alaska’s first Polynesian Culture Flag Day and has served organizations like Bridge Builders of Anchorage. Her impact has earned her numerous honors, including a Chief Samoan title, the White House AAPI “Champions of Change” Award, and multiple community leadership awards.

The diversity committee's mission is to better serve and advocate for the business community by becoming a more open, inclusive, and diverse organization reflective of the make-up of Anchorage. To accomplish this we envision a board that reflects the demographics of our city and a growing membership of businesses representing the diversity of our business owners and entrepreneurs.

All members and non-members are welcome to attend and share ideas to advance our diversity mission. If you'd like to present at a future meeting, please email diversity@anchoragechamber.org.