Olynn Ara

NHPI Project Coordinator | Portland Staff

Olynn Ara (she/her/hers) was born and raised in American Samoa and relocated to Oregon in 2021 to pursue higher education. She began her professional journey in healthcare, gaining experience in patient care and clinical support. Her academic background in health and psychology informs her culturally grounded and student-centered approach to community-based work.

Olynn currently serves as the NHPI Project Coordinator, leading initiatives that support Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) students and families. Her experience includes healthcare work, youth engagement through teaching cultural dance, mentoring and tutoring students, planning summer programs, facilitating educator workshops, and coordinating culturally specific events and project deliverables across multiple sites. Through these efforts, she strengthens cultural identity, fosters community connection, and promotes student success.