In this episode of the CDS Podcast, we spoke with Lolofi Soakai, Executive Director and Founder of M.A.L.O., Motivating Action Leadership Opportunity. Lolofi shared her journey and the mission behind MALO, a community-rooted organization uplifting Tongan and broader Native Hawai'ian Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities through culturally grounded leadership, wellness, and advocacy work. She spoke about the challenges NHPI youth face, from chronic absenteeism to lack of representation, and how MALO is creating space for cultural pride, community healing, and meaningful change.

https://malotongaie.org/

Don English, Director of Children Deserve Success, interviews Leticia Herrera, a DACA recipient and educational advocate, about her journey and advocacy for immigrant youth. Leticia shares her experience growing up undocumented in the Coachella Valley, her challenges in accessing scholarships and loans, and her advocacy efforts, including founding the first cohort of the Dream.US scholarship recipients. She discusses the impact of DACA's potential removal in 2017, her sister's passing, and her subsequent legislative advocacy. Leticia emphasizes the importance of community support, mentorship, and the need for legislators to understand the contributions and challenges faced by immigrant youth and families.

Don English, Director of Children Deserve Success, interviews Michael Krouse, President and CEO of GoCal, about his journey and efforts in supporting vulnerable youth. Michael shares his background in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the diverse career opportunities it offers. He discusses his experience as an adoptive father of former foster youth, highlighting the challenges and rewards. Michael also talks about his nonprofit work, which includes hosting events to support foster youth and raising awareness of career opportunities in the hospitality industry. He stresses the importance of listening to youth and providing them with resources and support.