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
Leviticus Su'a - University of Arizona
Brent Brennan - Community partner
Upcoming Events
▶ 2nd 'Ohana Hui — Summer 2026 | Date TBD — Stay tuned! Details coming soon.
Our 'ohana Hui will be back! Join us again for an evening of island-style food, cultural connection,
and fellowship with our Pacific Islander community at the University of Arizona and beyond.
Whether you're a student, family member, supporter, or just finding your way to us -
there is a place for you at our table. More details coming soon! Stay tuned for "save the date" announcements.
Past Events
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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Spring Professional Development Workshop Series — Completed! ✅
Over 7 powerful sessions, our Pacific Islander 'ohana showed up week after week - covering Health & Wellness, financial literacy, business protection, and personal narrative. Mahalo to our incredible facilitators: Jimmy Snuka Jr. - Health, Wellness & Be Battle Ready (M3H2), Trevon Ross-Financial Literacy, COO of 5 Star Tax Resolutions, Dalton Forsythe - Business Literacy & Protection, Tencap Wealth Coaching, Coach Iona Uiagalelei, The Front training & our own Phillip Medlock, UA ENG Academic Advisor - Personal Narrative & Networking. We are so proud of every student who committed to this series. This is what Le Nu'u Legacy is all about.
Ohana Hui Gathering✅ 1st 'Ohana Hui — Saturday, February 28, 2026 was wonderful!
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Rail Yard Tucson for an incredible evening of island-style food (catered in by Ohana BBQ, Kailey Petelo from University of Arizona's Pasifika Collective and Le Nu'u Founder Benjie Medlock), cultural connection, and fellowship with our Pacific Islander 'Ohana at the University of Arizona & Tucson. We are also grateful to some of our teenage volunteers from Salpointe Catholic High school and City High school who helped serve at the event as well. We are so grateful for all who are part of our story.
*A special mahalo to our Advisory Board Member, Melenaite Fifita,
for traveling in to celebrate with us. Kāinga shows up!
The Asalele family — part of the Le Nu'u ʻohana — gathering and connecting at the 1st ʻOhana Hui, Rail Yard Tucson, February 2026
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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