Pacific Islanders Connect president: Creating a space of belonging

Nia Iketau has a busy schedule. She is a senior studying experience design and management in the Marriott School of Business, the president of the Pacific Islanders Connect (PIC) club and a member of the BYU womens rugby team.

Iketau is a leader in all that she does not just in her classes, but in the community she has helped build at Brigham Young University.

The PIC club was designed to bring students of Pacific Islander heritage together. This year, it was almost dissolved, and Iketau played a major role in rebuilding the club, not only preserving its existence as the new president but also bringing people together.

Nia is a good friend to all and makes sure that everyone in the room feels comfortable and seen. She is a great leader and has inspired me to be better," Kina Fifita, an activities officer for PIC, said. "Because of Nia, Ive learned how to create meaningful opportunities for everyone.

The percentage of students with Pacific Islander heritage at BYU is very low. For many students, the PIC club is a place of discovery, where connection with culture and people is intertwined.

One of the main goals for the club is found in the scripture Mosiah 18:21. The verse talks about having hearts unified and knit together in love. Under Iketaus presidency, the club constantly strives for that goal.

I know how it feels to feel like I dont have a place you feel so alone, and you feel like theres no one here for me or no one understands me, Iketau said. I think for me, I just wanted to make sure there was a place where there were other Polynesian kids here who not only understand some of the same struggles but culturally understand the way they think or the way that they live.

Iketau works to make the club a safe space. It gives students opportunities to express themselves, but also build meaningful relationships. Under Iketau, it has continued to be a place of belonging and sanctuary.

This theme of love is not just seen in her work with the PIC club; it is reflected in everything Iketau does. It is a lesson she learned from a young age.

Iketau is of Tongan heritage. She said that since love is an important value in Tongan culture, it is one of the most important things she learned from her childhood.

Its like this huge, broad concept but the way that love was taught for me is like when you love and care for people, like you show up for them ... you respect them, you serve them, Iketau said. No matter who the person is, youre gonna love and respect them as if theyre your own family they just help you see people through Heavenly Fathers eyes.

This same love is seen on the rugby field. Iketau has played on the womens rugby team for the past three years, after she tried out on a whim.

Through her years on the team, Iketau has built connections with both former and current teammates, as well as a love for the game.

I would describe Nia as a very encouraging teammate. Shes always like hyping everyone up just being a kind person on the field, Lucille Taylor, one of Iketau's rugby teammates, said.

When Iketau tried out for rugby, she had no prior experience playing the sport. It was something outside of her comfort zone, but something she tried and worked hard to develop.

Iketau is involved in many extracurricular activities, many outside of her comfort zone, but in everything she is involved in, she gives her all.

Iketau is a leader to many people, but more than that, she brings people together. As PIC's president, as a rugby player and as a student, Iketau strives to share love and build a community of inclusion and belonging.

Through her culture and her experiences, she hopes to bring joy to others and help everyone feel like they have a place at BYU.

The things that I loved about my culture and everything that I learned growing up ... I also wanted to help other people learn about as well and be able to feel that joy, Iketau said.