“Traveling around the Pacific islands, working for the tourism industry (Visitors Bureau Office), the experience gained, meeting new people and being appointed to sit on a government task force,” are some of the highlights of the reign for Miss American Samoa Eleitino Maaelopa Tuiasosopo.

In an interview with Samoa News, Eleitino said being in the beauty pageant is not all about “beauty, glamour and glitter,” rather, it is so much more than that, she says. It’s about representing our culture and our beliefs wherever we travel in the Pacific.”

 Eleitino 24, of Taputimu, Vatia, Nu’uuli and Ta’u, Manu’a is the daughter of Ma’aelopa Papu and Kolopa Westbrook Tuiasosopo.

Eleitino was the first Miss American Samoa to join the staff at the American Samoa Visitors Bureau, who specializes in the tourism industry. The Miss American Samoa said this is the stepping stone for the Miss American Samoa Incorporated (MASI) to have an ambassador to work with the ASVB office.

She said her reign has been eventful and she’s thankful to have worked in the tourism industry. “Initially I had no knowledge of the tourism field, but now I’m leaving with a whole new and different mindset, especially promoting the beauty of our islands in the trade shows I attended.”

She pointed out that having ASG work with MASI and hiring every crowned Miss American Samoa to work for the ASVB office indicates a milestone and positive move that ASG and the private sector are working together, for the betterment of the territory.  Eleitino also encourages those who have experience in beauty pageants to come out and participate with the events held by MASI.

Since her reign, Eleitino has travelled to Fiji, Solomon Islands, New Zealand and Samoa, “It was an awesome experience,” she said.

Earlier this year Eleitino was appointed by Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga to sit on the Diabetes task force.

What next? Eleitino hopes to stay with the ASVB office as she has the potential and the drive to work in the tourism industry. She said that she will go back to being the project manager for their family business 2E Cooperation, which specializes in construction work. She thanked Governor Lolo, his wife Cynthia Moliga, the American Samoa Government, and ASVB Director David Vaeafe and his wife for supporting the role of the Miss American Samoa.

She also said that “looking at the contestants today… where I was a year ago… and being in their company is very humbling.” Eleitino vows to assist the newly crowned Miss for the upcoming Miss South Pacific pageant slated for December in Samoa.

To the girls, Eleitino said “I would encourage you to be yourself and not try to be someone else, someone you’re not, because that is the open door to failure— trying to please others.  But if you walk on the stage, just be your self and give it your all.”

“And…good luck and best wishes to all the beautiful contestants!”