bui baravilala | Council of Transformation member

Pasifika Culture: Fijian-Hawaiian

Pronouns: Pronoun Friendly

Profession: Operations Manager of the Sports Center at Reed College, creating and managing programming for student physical health and wellness.

Get to Know bui!

What is your favorite Islander Food?: Kumala! (Fijian sweet potato)

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

My good friend Bulou, is a Fijian QTPI just like me and we share a lot of the same spiritual values. They have been there for me in some of my lowest moments as well as the really high ones. They are so grounded in who they are and Bulou reminds me always to enjoy the journey. I have had a lot of meaningful moments with them but the most recent moment, will have to be when they came to visit me here in Portland last summer and I took them to the Sandy River to enjoy the nature and relax in the environment. We had a lot of talks about the water that flows and connects us island people, we also sang songs with my guitar and of course ended the day watching the beautiful sunset. I can't wait to bring them here to UTOPIA PDX with me :)

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

I am most excited to collaborate with other QTPI's, share ideas and contribute my skills and experience to the development and success of the organization.