Le Nu'u Legacy Foundation
(LEH - NEW - OO)
Your village. Their future.
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Empowering Pacific Islander students to navigate their academic, professional, and personal journeys with confidence and cultural pride through advocacy, professional development,
and community engagement.
Le Nu'u students with Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green during the 2026 Service Learning Trip to Oʻahu
Advocacy
Le Nu'u students close every workshop the same way — linked arms, one circle, one 'ohana.
Professional Development
Le Nu'u students launching an outrigger canoe with the Waimānalo Canoe Club — Waimānalo, Oʻahu, May 2026. Photo courtesy of Waimānalo Canoe Club Facebook.
Community Engagement
Voices from our community
Noah Fifita - University of Arizona
Quarterback
Kaiden Sitaiai - University of Arizona Cyber Operations
Brent Brennan - Community partner
Upcoming Events
▶ 2027 Spring Professional Development Workshops - January-February 2027
We are currently securing and confirming our Pacific Islander facilitators for this series and will update this space as each is confirmed. Stay tuned!
▶ Spring 'Ohana Hui gathering: Tentatively planned for February 2027 | More details coming soon! Join us for an evening of island-style food, cultural connection, and fellowship with our Pacific Islander community at the University of Arizona and our Tucson community. Whether you're a student, family member, coach, teacher, community supporter, or just finding your way to us — there is a place for you at our table. Stay tuned!
▶ 2nd Annual Service Learning Trip: Tentatively planned for May 24–31, 2027 to Apia & Pago Pago | More details coming soon! Our second annual service learning trip takes our University of Arizona students to Samoa and American Samoa for a week of service, cultural immersion, and Aiga connection. Details and sign-up process coming soon! A mini service learning trip is also in the planning stages tentatively scheduled to accommodate our softball, track & field and other Pasifika students who cannot make the May trip.
Past Events
2nd 'Ohana Hui ✅ —
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Mahalo nui to everyone who
joined us at the Rail Yard Tucson
for a truly special evening with
our Pacific Islander 'ohana!
Just over 100 students, alumni, family, and community members came together to enjoy a delicious Samoan menu catered by Solid Grindz (with a sweet treat from our Arizona Pasifika Collective), hear a recap of our first
year of programming, and connect
as a community. It was indeed a glorious evening of connection,
filled with so much love.
Hawaii Service Learning Trip ✅ May 17–24, 2026 | Waimānalo & Lāʻie, Oʻahu
Seven days of service, cultural immersion, and unforgettable memories, and our University of Arizona students delivered every step of the way!
Under the gracious care of Aunty Blanche McMillan of Hui Mahi'ai 'Āina, our students experienced Hawaiʻi in the most meaningful way — through giving back. From beach clean-ups at Kaiona and Kokololio Beach Park (formerly Kākelā) to limu planting with Aunty Ilima and limu pressing with Aunty Pam of Waimanalo Limu Hui, canoe paddling with Uncle Scotty and Waimanalo Canoe Club and a hike up Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail, every day was full and purposeful. Highlights also included a football clinic with the
keiki of Waimānalo, an inspiring visit with Governor Josh Green, a stop at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and in true Le Nu'u fashion, even clearing a fallen tree blocking the road when the moment called for it. Swap Meet shopping and closing out the week with a clean-up at Lāʻie Cemetery rounded out an incredible week.
Our students rolled with every last-minute change and showed up beautifully for each community they served. We are so proud of them and already looking forward to making service learning trip an annual tradition.
Mahalo nui loa, Aunty Blanche, for your hospitality, your heart, and for planning an extraordinary week. 🌺
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Meet Our Team
Founder and Executive Director
Known as "Aunty Benjie," she offers loving guidance to Pacific Islander students and their families.
SUPPORT TEAM & VOLUNTEERS
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David Benson (Training & Fundraising)
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Jerome Buttel (Tech support)
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Alipate Fetuli (Cultural Arts & Design)
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Maya Herrera (College Intern)
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Tulani Medlock (Social Media Intern)
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Beau Ralphs (Advisor)
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Michele Schultz (Fundraising & Community Connections)
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Jimmy Snuka, Jr. (Training & Fundraising)
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Haylie Tuiasosopo (College Intern)
Advisory Board Members
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Stan Adams
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Melenaite Fifita
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Blanche McMillan
Academic Programs Lead
Known as "Uncle Phil," a UA Academic Advisor with almost 30 years in higher education.
Support our mission,
build a legacy
The Le Nu'u Legacy Foundation is more than a program; it is a family. We are a community built on the belief that every Pacific Islander student deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our work is made possible through the generosity of a village of supporters who believe in our mission. Your contribution, no matter the size, directly funds the workshops, mentorship, and cultural programs that empower these young leaders to build a legacy of their own.
Stand with us and become a vital part of their journey
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