THIS is a Poly Girl: Manūfou Liaiga-Anoa’i

Meet Manūfou Liaiga-Anoa’i, a proud Sāmoan, San Francisco native, daughter of changemakers, mother of six, and lifelong advocate for justice and representation. Known lovingly as “Fou,” she walks into every room - school board meetings, community stages, quiet moments of reflection - with clarity, warmth, and an unshakable sense of purpose.

A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Fa‘a Sāmoa

Manūfou was raised in San Francisco’s Excelsior District in a vibrant, multigenerational home with 26 siblings (biological, adopted, and step) whom she simply calls family. Her father, Pepine Lafulafu Liaiga Mulitauaopele, a Navy veteran and lay preacher, fostered a love of education and books. Her mother, Papali’i Manūfou Fonoti Liaiga Mulitauaopele, was a fearless matriarch who became one of the first female High Chiefs in the early 1970s and taught her children to speak Sāmoan proudly.

These early lessons shaped Manūfou’s values and continue to influence how she carries herself - with grace, confidence, and care for others. Cultural pride isn’t reserved for formal events, it’s something she lives daily, from the way she greets others to how she shows up in her community.

Culture, Creativity, and Voice

Her childhood was full of music, celebration, and activism. The living room often turned into a dance floor, with records spinning on the phonograph and her family dancing and singing in harmony. From luaus to church performances, Fou’s siblings showed her what it meant to move with boldness and pride.

She also found joy in reading and journaling which are habits that began early and continue to this day on a daily basis. Her home library, which she began building at age nine, is still one of her most treasured spaces and a quiet reminder of the power of words, imagination, and lifelong learning.

A Trailblazer with Purpose

Manūfou’s leadership began early. At Lowell High School, she became the first Samoan Pacific Islander student body president. Later, she broke ground again as the first Pacific Islander liaison for the City & County of San Francisco under Mayor Willie L. Brown Jr.

Since then, her journey has included roles as Regional VP of Innovate Public Schools, a three-term school board trustee, and commissioner across numerous civic boards. She’s also a founder of the Pacific Islander Community Partnership and Camp Unity, which has served over 8,000 Bay Area students. In every space, she advocates for those who have historically been left out, especially Pacific Islander communities.

Her motivation has never been about titles, but about responsibility. Raised by parents who taught her to speak up against injustice, she learned that leading from the heart is just as important as holding formal roles. Her mother, who challenged church and village elders without hesitation, modeled what it meant to take up space with courage.

“I’ve realized my strongest advocate is my heart,” she says. “I speak up for those who may not feel ready yet. It’s about being seen, being heard, and helping others be seen too.”

Dreams of Music and Law

As a child, Manūfou dreamed of two very different paths: music and law. Her eldest sister taught her to sing from the time she could talk, and she quickly became known for performing with confidence. Her father, recognizing her sharp memory and strong voice in debate, envisioned her becoming a lawyer. These contrasting dreams reflected the dual strengths that still define her today - expression and conviction.

She may not have pursued those professions formally, but they continue to shape how she connects with others. From karaoke nights to advocacy forums, she uses her voice to uplift, challenge, and inspire.

Being Present

Her journey hasn’t always been met with ease. At times, Fou has faced resistance or been overlooked simply for speaking with conviction. One pivotal moment came during her time on the school board, when a colleague challenged her nomination for Board President. Rather than escalate the conflict, she chose to step aside, not out of doubt, but out of grace. Her decision reflected a deeper truth she holds: leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about being present. 

Manūfou continues to serve with quiet strength, living as an example and demonstrating that integrity often speaks louder than position.

Who Inspires Her

She draws encouragement from women like Michelle Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Lilly Ledbetter who are women who model that elegance and strength can go hand in hand. And she takes special pride in the emerging Pacific Islander voices championing today’s justice movements: Suluafi Brianna Fruean, Maluseu Doris Tulifau, and Fuatino Moemoana Schwenke.

Her children, Taimalelagi Heavenley-Siniva (Heaven/Niva), Hamilton-Samasoni (Hammie), Hiramo Reno-Seali’ioaiga (Reno), Harmony-Sitama’ita’ioManufou (Nini), Anthony La’auli and Hope Sinaimoana inspire her to keep going, reminding her that legacy lives on through the next generation. Alongside her husband, Le’apai Ryan T. Anoa’i, Manūfou finds strength, joy, and purpose in their shared commitment to family and community.

Service with Intention

Manūfou’s accomplishments are many including climate justice resolutions, anti-trafficking work, curriculum development, and more but she focuses on what lasts: people and impact.

“I may have been the first,” she reflects, “but I work to make sure I’m not the last. Representation matters.”

She believes every time she speaks, she may be the only Pacific Islander in the room and she carries that role with honor and accountability.

Anchored by Faith and Culture

In challenging times, Manūfou turns to prayer, a quiet practice that helps her reflect and keeps her humble. She also honors her cultural heritage in everyday ways: wearing a sei, Pacific jewelry, or greeting people with openness and warmth. These gestures are expressions of who she is and the lineage she carries forward.

To her, being Polynesian means being a builder, a connector who adapts, uplifts, and takes care of her people. That sense of calling continues to guide her.

Behind the Scenes: Hidden Joys

Outside of her public life, Manūfou nurtures a quieter passion in fashion design. As an introvert, designing clothes allows her to express herself in a different, creative way. It’s her way of storytelling to communicate emotion, heritage, and individuality through garments she dreams up and brings to life.

For Fou, this creative side is a reminder that we are all more than what’s visible. Sharing those layers, both public and private, is its own powerful form of leadership.

A Message for Every Poly Girl

To the next generation, Manūfou offers this:

“Your story is your gift. Protect it. Honor it. Tell it.”

She encourages young women to pause, reflect, and move with kindness. She knows life isn’t always easy but staying connected to your foundation, forgiving yourself, and showing up with love will always light the path.

And if you’re ever unsure where to go next, she sends this message: “Pray about everything. Love well. Be kind. That’s how you keep your light.”

What’s Next

These days, Manūfou is honoring a slower season. She’s healing, resting, and making space for the emotions she once had to push aside. She doesn’t know what’s next but she’s listening. And she’s trusting that something beautiful is unfolding.

Wear Your Story

At Poly Girl, our mantra is Wear Your Story and Manūfou lives this every day. Whether in her signature smile, a flower in her hair, or the way she approaches her work with love, she emphasizes that our stories are meant to be seen, shared, and lived out loud. So SEI IT LOUD, Poly Girl!

Follow Manūfou Liaiga-Anoa’i’s journey:

 Facebook: Manufou Liaiga Anoa’i
Instagram: @ManufouAnoai
LinkedIn: Manufou Liaiga-Anoa’i