Empowering Pacific Leaders to Tell Their Stories

Powerful community work has the potential to inspire change, but to truly unlock its impact, it needs to be seen and heard.

Across the Pacific—and right here in Aotearoa—countless Pasefika grassroots initiatives are changing lives. But without the tools to capture and share that impact, many of these efforts remain unseen. Tapasā believes that storytelling is more than just content creation—it’s a form of justice, advocacy, and community mobilisation.

That belief came to life when our Creative Director, Kayla Schwalger, led a Social Media for Impact workshop for 13 emerging Pacific women leaders, brought together through the 2025 Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Sports Programme.

Over three weeks, these wāhine toa—representing nine countries across the Moana—immersed themselves in leadership, sport development, and community engagement activities. While the broader programme focused on building knowledge of governance, inclusion, and innovation in sport, Tapasā’s contribution ensured they also gained the digital storytelling skills to carry their kaupapa further.

Kayla’s session introduced a “magic formula” for impactful, heart-led storytelling on social media—breaking down how to capture attention, craft emotionally resonant messages, and choose the right platform for the right purpose. Participants gained clarity on how Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok each offer different strengths, and how to adapt stories to suit each.

The workshop wasn’t just theory. It was practical, collaborative, and deeply personal. Each participant developed a tailored campaign based on a real challenge or initiative from their community—ranging from reviving traditional games to tackling mental health stigma and youth disengagement. They then pitched their campaigns to the group, refining their voice and building confidence to share their impact beyond borders.

“Too often, the impact of our mahi—whether in the islands or here in Aotearoa—goes unseen because our people don’t have the support or capability to tell their stories,” Kayla shared. “This was about shifting that. Our communities deserve to be seen. Our work deserves to be valued.”

Tapasā also played a key mentoring role across the YPL Sports Programme and partnered with Pasifika Sisters in Sport to host a celebration dinner at the programme’s close—a joyful night of storytelling, cultural exchange, and reflection on the transformative journey these young leaders had experienced.

This collaboration reflects Tapasā’s ongoing commitment to building capability, visibility, and intergenerational strength across Pacific communities.

Our stories carry power. And when shared with intention, they can move hearts, shift systems, and open doors.