Emeline Afeaki-Mafile’o — More than one full life
Before she was out of teens, Emeline Afeaki-Mafile’o felt a special responsibility. She’d just lost her closest friend, a “blood sister”, to cancer. So there was deep, deep grief. But from that grief emerged a commitment to live the full life denied her friend.
Of course, there’ve been other motivations. As a New Zealand-born Tongan, she’s seen and experienced the disconnect (and its consequences) between the Pasifika generations. But she’s kept delivering answers — for instance, with the mentoring service she set in motion through her creation, Affirming Works, which has helped thousands of young people and their families.
She is, literally, an inspiration.
Conversations was made with the support of NZ On Air. If you’d like to read more about Emeline, see Dale Husband’s 2018 kōrero with her here.
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