U.S. Embassy Apia, Press Release.
U.S. Embassy Apia is pleased to award the 2018 J. William Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship to Ms. Pilisita “Sita” Leota, who will be heading to Brandeis University this month to study for a Master’s Degree in Sustainable International Development. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a highly competitive opportunity that brings citizens of other countries to the United States for fully funded study at U.S. universities.
Ms. Leota is currently serving as the Audit Director – Communications & Stakeholder Relationships at the Samoa Audit Office and has been a public servant for the Government of Samoa for more than a decade. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and Administration from the University Of Wellington, New Zealand and is a chartered accountant and certified Fraud Examiner.
“Ms. Leota will make an outstanding Fulbright Scholar and we are pleased to be able to support her studies in the United States,” said U.S. Embassy Apia Charge d’Affaires Tony Greubel. “Sita joins a list of other accomplished Samoans who have been awarded this prestigious scholarship over the past several decades. These scholars return to make remarkable contributions to their country and also strengthen ties between the United States and Samoa.”
Samoa’s first Fulbright candidate was recorded in the 1960s-1970s. Most recently prior to Ms. Leota was Mrs. Ramona Sulifoa who graduated with a PhD from the University of Hawaii, Manoa, Natural Resources and Environmental Department (NREM). Ms. Anama Solofa also recently finished her master’s degree in Ocean Governance at the University of Maine.
Ms. Leota’s extensive background, work experience, and dedication to furthering her studies in International Studies in the Fulbright program has placed her at Brandeis University located in Waltham, Massachusetts, U.S.A. She is enrolled in the Heller School for Social Policy and Management Graduate Program and will be working towards a Master of Arts Degree in Sustainable International Development (SID). Ms. Leota is set to commence her studies in late August.
