Joseph Tufa | Director of Operations

Pronouns: He/Him

Pasifika Culture: Samoan

As a young adult, Joseph Tufa took a big jump in life by moving from the beautiful islands of Samoa to Eugene, Oregon. There, he attended college at the University of Oregon, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. After undergrad, Joseph received a Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) Certificate from the American Society for Quality. Joseph is not only passionate about his work at UTOPIA PDX but also very passionate about taking care of his health. Most days of the week, you can find Joseph at the gym doing Olympic weightlifting. Something he enjoys doing so much that he became a certified Olympic Weightlifting Instructor through the USA Weightlifting Association! 

Although Joseph is proud of his certifications and hard work, when asked about his most proud achievements, he said, “I am very proud of my two daughters, India and Salamasina, on where they're at in life and their plans for their future.” From work to family to passion projects, Joseph looks forward to having time for interior home improvement projects and landscaping plans for his house with his husband.

Get to Know Joe!

What is your favorite Islander Food?: Fai'ai fe'e (Octopus in coconut milk and octopus ink wrapped in a banana leaf and baked in a umu).

What is your most meaningful memory with someone who is a member of the QT/PI community or with your culture?:

I remember growing up in American Samoa, always being surrounded by fresh seafood. My parents either went to the reef to collect or were gifted sea urchins, giant clams, shellfish, octopus, etc. Twice a year (in October and November) was palolo-hunting season, when people in Samoa and other Pacific Islands would go out late at night to catch palolo - a type of sea worm that lives in the coral reef and would come up to the surface twice a year to spawn. My parents didn't let us catch palolo until we were old enough. It's still one of my favorite seafood delicacies.

What are you most excited to do or achieve during your time at UTOPIA PDX?

As one of the original members of UTOPIA PDX, I'm excited to see us grow into an even stronger community-based organization that provides cultural education, services and resources to our QTPI's in the Portland metro/SW Washington areas and even all of Oregon. We have added new staff members that bring a lot of knowledge, skills, and fresh perspectives to help UTOPIA PDX become the organization we had envisioned.