Monalisa Salakielu Tuʻitahi was born in the South Pacific island nation of Tonga and immigrated with her family to the United States at a young age, settling in Hawai‘i. She is an experienced immigration attorney and a committed lay servant leader within the United Methodist Church, where she has served at all levels of the denomination. Including, serving in the conference and jurisdictional level of UMW, predecessor of UWF.

Ms. Tuʻitahi has practiced immigration law for many years and currently also serves as the Conference Immigration Coordinator for the California-Pacific Conference. Her work reflects a deep commitment to the need to embody our faith through actions and service. She views her vocation in law and ministry as a calling to advocacy and the pursuit of justice for all people.

She is married to the Rev. Dr. Saia Tuʻitahi, and together they are the proud parents of four young adults, although their household includes many more whom they regard as their own children. While California is currently home, she proudly identifies as an islander at heart.