Ethan Taupea| DIRECTOR OF Advancement Transformation

Pronouns: They/Them

Pasifika Culture: Sāmoan

Passionate dancer, instructor, and community organizer, Ethan is all about learning and providing for our community in fun and exciting ways. Having moved from Seattle, Washington, to Portland, Oregon, in 2018, Ethan was excited to see what new opportunities and a new adventure he’d find! Since moving to Portland, Ethan has been able to support Pacific Islander-owned businesses through curating and creating graphics and promotional work. It'll always center on dance if you ask Ethan what he is most proud of. Because of his love for dance, he has been able to connect and dance with people worldwide. He even taught as a Middle School Physical Education Movement/Dance Teacher, fusing various dance styles in a middle school setting. 

When Ethan isn’t working hard on creative new programs for UTOPIA PDX, you can find him out in the community or making exciting content for social media. We asked Ethan to end his bio by sharing his passion projects, and his response was, “My passion project is love. Haha.”

Note from Ethan:

Can't wait to meet all of the current and future QTPI out there in the community, as well as all the people and organizations connected to UTOPIA - PDX. Say hi if you see me! :)

What is your favorite Islander Food?:

Pisupo, Palusami, Talo, Panikeke, Masi Samoa, Half-Moon Pie....so much good food. Hard to choose.

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

My most meaningful memories were times spent on the stage performing on the hardwood floors. I've spent a lot of time changing lives through dancing, and now I want to change lives through compassion, cultural awareness, and community.

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

I am mostly excited about finding and connecting with other QTPI out there, building space, and building our community up! It's really important to me to find my QTPIs out there! If you see us out and about, be sure to say hello. I'm excited to be able to be part of an organization that has resources and is here to help the QTPI Community!