S1E4: Making a Difference: Connecting People and Resources in the Community with Andria Tupola

In this episode of The Aloha Thumbprint, we speak with Andrea Tupola, a passionate lawmaker who has been organizing a young women prom event for nine years. Andrea aims to inspire and provide role models for young girls, in order to prevent societal issues like teenage pregnancy and domestic violence. The event promotes values such as modesty, self-worth, and empowerment. Andrea also runs a homeless outreach program, focusing on job placement and building a support system within the community. She emphasizes the importance of knowing the names and struggles of the people she serves. Andrea is a choir teacher and compares her work in politics to blending voices. She has been actively participating in community cleanups and believes in involving the voices of the community being cleaned up. Andrea highlights the value of opinions from those who invest in and care about her. She addresses local crime issues and organizes an annual anti-sex trafficking conference. Her primary areas of focus are homelessness, housing, and public safety. Andrea values work that contributes to communities and builds purpose. Join us in this episode to hear Andrea's inspiring stories and insights as she serves her community with passion and dedication.
1. Proactive approach to societal issues: Andrea has been organizing a young women prom event for nine years, with the goal of inspiring and providing role models for young girls. By promoting modesty, self-worth, and empowerment, she aims to prevent issues like teenage pregnancy and domestic violence instead of merely reacting to them.
2. Community involvement and support: Andrea runs a homeless outreach program and believes in going beyond just providing clothing and food. Her program aims to help with job placement, clearing citations and warrants, and building a support system within the community. She emphasizes knowing the names and struggles of the people they serve, creating long-term connections, and involving churches as case workers.
3. Building unity and embracing roles: Andrea, a choir teacher and director, believes in bringing voices together, both in music and in her work in politics. She emphasizes the importance of involving the community in cleanups and crime town halls, addressing the root problems and engaging families. She encourages individuals to be true to themselves and live all aspects of their lives concurrently, while also prioritizing family and self-care.
[00:02:43] Nine-year event empowers girls for self-worth.
[00:04:23] Diverse speakers empower girls to overcome challenges.
[00:09:53] Restore, reconnect, revive: homeless outreach, work, purpose.
[00:14:02] Choir teacher turned community collaborator, blending voices.
[00:16:52] Cleaning street, needs help, pure intent.
[00:22:01] Invest in those who care, ignore the rest.
[00:26:36] Mentorship, church, and homeless outreach efforts crucial.
[00:31:17] Balancing workouts, Sundays, and motherhood is crucial.
[00:33:18] Balancing work and self-care is challenging.
[00:37:09] Congrats Ducky, be your best self.
[00:40:21] Grateful for the warm welcome. Aloha.