Emma Olo

Community Health Worker & Researcher

Emma Olo (she/her/hers), originally from Amaluia, American Samoa, completed her education at American Samoa Community College, where she earned her Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and her Bachelor of Arts in Education. For five years, she worked as an elementary teacher at Alataua Lua Elementary in her hometown. However, in April 2021, she relocated to Portland due to medical reasons. While residing in Portland, Emma pursued a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Grand Canyon University and graduated successfully in October 2023. Additionally, she became a member of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society. Remarkably, just a week after enrolling in her master’s program, she was offered a unique opportunity to join the Samoa Pacific Development Corporation (SPDC). Here, she underwent training and obtained certification as a Community Health Worker for the state of Oregon. Emma is now actively involved in addressing health disparities among Pacific Islanders, with a particular focus on the Samoan Community residing in Oregon.