Ailava Samuels marches on to the Miss Pacific stage

As the eldest of seven children, Ailava Samuels grew up learning that leadership meant care, patience and responsibility — lessons that shaped her deep compassion for children and young people and continue to guide her journey today.

With the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant just two weeks away, Fiji is preparing to welcome contestants from across the region to Nadi. Among them is Miss Samuels, proudly representing Fiji — a young woman whose story is grounded in family, service and identity.

The journey to the Miss Pacific stage was not without its own share of drama but faith, family support and quiet determination carried her through, reinforcing that representing Fiji is an honour worth every challenge.

Born and raised in the greater Nasinu area, Ailava’s childhood was shaped by family life, faith and strong community values. The kind that teaches responsibility early and places people at the centre of everything.

As the eldest child in a household of seven, caring for others was never optional. That role nurtured her natural empathy, particularly for children and young people, and helped shape the path she walks today.

Her heritage reflects the deep interconnectedness of the Pacific. Ailava’s father is Samoan, born and raised in Fiji, while her mother hails from Vanuavou, Vaturova in Cakaudrove and Vabea, Ono in Kadavu. These roots have given her a strong sense of belonging — not just to a place, but to a wider Pacific family.

She attended Gospel Primary School before completing her secondary education at St Joseph Secondary School.

After finishing high school, Ailava made a deliberate decision to take a gap year — not to slow down, but to reflect, grow and better understand where her heart truly lay. That period of reflection led her naturally into advocacy and community service.

Together with her grandmother, Alumita Bera, Ailava joined the Fiji Cancer Society, travelling around the country to raise awareness about cancer, its causes and prevention.

Through workshops and community outreach, she helped spread vital information about non-communicable diseases and their growing impact on Fijian families.

“I’ve always believed that awareness can save lives,” Ailava said.

“Being able to speak directly to people in communities made me realise how powerful simple information can be.”

Her advocacy work extended further through her involvement with the Better Than This campaign, where she worked with young people on digital literacy and online safety, while also encouraging women to step confidently into leadership roles.

Closer to home, she partnered with the Nasinu Town Council, speaking with youth across the community about drug abuse, empowerment and the importance of choosing positive pathways in life.

Advocacy has remained at the heart of Ailava’s journey and has shaped her future aspirations. Following the pageant, she hopes to pursue further studies in advocacy-related fields, exploring courses at the University of the South Pacific or Fiji National University.

“I’m passionate about advocacy,” she said.

“I want to continue learning so I can serve my community better.”

Beyond her advocacy work, Ailava finds expression through dancing, music, modelling and oratory — platforms she uses to communicate confidence, purpose and belief.

It was during her Miss Fiji Pageant journey that another spark was lit.

Through visits to small and medium enterprises, she listened to women who had built businesses from the ground up — stories of resilience, faith and determination that left a lasting impression.

Inspired by those women, and by her own mother who built her business under the brand LavaLani, Ailava decided to take a step of her own.

“With the help of my mother, I launched a small business producing tote bags printed with words of encouragement, Bible verses and uplifting messages,” she said.

“For me, it’s not just about business. It’s about spreading hope and positivity in everyday ways.”

As Fiji’s representative to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, Ailava Samuels carries more than a sash or title.

She carries the voices of community elders, the energy of youth, the strength of women and the values passed down through generations.

In her quiet confidence and steady purpose, Fiji is not just represented — it is reflected.