MOEMOANA SAFA'ATOA SCHWENKE: MISS SAMOA'S JOURNEY TO THE MISS PACIFIC ISLANDS PAGEANT 2024
Miss Samoa, Moemoana Safa’atoa Schwenke, with her supporters, Onomea Productions, Digicel and her family (Photo: Lars Gustaf Bell/ Eyespy Radio Samoa)
In a highly anticipated press conference held this morning, Miss Samoa Moemoana Safa'atoa Schwenke met with the media to shed light on her journey and the upcoming 35th Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPI) scheduled for February 2nd and 3rd in Nauru. The press conference provided a platform for Moemoana to share her thoughts and aspirations as she prepares to represent Samoa on the regional stage.
The Government of the Republic of Nauru will host MPI this year, marking a historic moment as the first time a Micronesian country takes the lead since the pageant's inception in 1987. The theme, "Sustainable Beauty Beyond the Reef," underscores the commitment to environmental sustainability, women's empowerment, and cultural preservation—a poignant message that resonates with the contestants and the broader Pacific community.
Miss Samoa Moemoana Safa'atoa Schwenke, a dynamic advocate for cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability, emerged as a standout representative. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Indigenous Studies and Environmental Humanities, she stands at the intersection of academic achievement and a deep connection to her cultural roots.
Moemoana's accomplishments as a creative and performing arts practitioner,was highlighted and also recognized internationally as a female fire-knife pioneer. Her efforts in youth empowerment are reflected in initiatives like the Ta Fesilafa'i Performing Arts Initiative, engaging over 400 young people in Samoa. As an emerging writer and director, her debut theater production, "Motu of Western Sydney," in 2022 showcased the talents of over 200 Pacific young individuals.
Moemoana's role as a youth representative for Samoa at international forums, including COP26 and COP28, underscores her commitment to addressing social, political, and environmental challenges. The press release emphasizes her journey, carrying with her the spirit of her ancestors, the mana of Nafanua (goddess of war), and the collective support of her nation.
Accompanied and supported by the Onomea Productions team, major sponsors Digicel and her parents, Moemoana's family presence adds a special touch to her journey. Notably, her mother is the esteemed Maryjane McKibbin Schwenke, who, at only 19 years old in 1997/1998, held the titles of both Miss Samoa and Miss South Pacific (now renamed Miss Pacific). This legacy of beauty, talent, and cultural pride is carried forward by Moemoana as she prepares to make her mark on the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2024.
Moemoana invites the public to follow her journey. The press release encourages engagement with the conversation using hashtags such as #JourneyTogether, #BeautifulSamoa, #MissSamoa, #MissPacificIslands, #MPI2024, and #Samoa. As the world awaits the grand pageant, the press release encapsulates the essence of Moemoana's story, creating anticipation for an event that not only celebrates beauty and talent but also champions sustainability, empowerment, and cultural pride. Miss Samoa's presence in the media highlights the significance of this year's MPI and sets the stage for a remarkable showcase of Pacific beauty and resilience.