Andra Samoa
American Samoan chief executive and environmentalist
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Andra Theresa Samoa is an American Samoan chief executive and environmentalist.[1] She is also involved as a community organizer in Leone and works on several projects to restore coastal environmental areas. She was one of two women serving in the American Samoa Fono in 2019.[2] She lost reelection in 2022.[3]
Andra Samoa | |
|---|---|
| Member of the American Samoa House of Representatives from the 13th district | |
| In office 2019–2023 | |
| Preceded by | Fagaotua Dorian Salave’a |
| Succeeded by | Fiu Saelua |
| Personal details | |
| Occupation | Environmentalist, community organizer |
Early life
Career
She was the chief executive officer of the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) from 2006 to 2013[5] and led the installation of the country's first solar powered electrical grid. She also managed the country's gas supply and distribution following the withdrawal of ExxonMobil.[1] Samoa has also been chief executive officer of the Pacific eCommerce Development Corporation, which works on various information technology projects.[1]
Samoa has worked in a voluntary capacity for a number of environmental conservation projects, including a local government programme in Leone to encourage the regrowth of coral using indigenous methods. She is also involved in restoring the mangrove swamps and coastal wetlands.[6][7] In addition, she has organised skills training for villagers in Leone that has been replicated elsewhere in American Samoa.[1] In 2013, she was on hand to accept the donation of plants to the Leone Healing Garden Project with the Leone Empowerment Team.[8] She has also been involved in efforts to help spay and neuter cats and dogs in Leone.[9]
In 2017, she was profiled as one of "70 Inspiring Pacific Women," and had been nominated for the award by individuals at the University of Hawaii, Manoa.[5]