Group, Vee also juggled two other jobs: one at a restaurant and the other at a snow cone shack. As bills continued to pile up and feelings of burnout and stress crept in, Vee found herself uncertain about what the future would bring. A first-generation Samoan American, Vee takes care of her grandmother, mother, and younger siblings. She continually prioritizes the well- being and needs of her family, friends, and fellow collaborators before her own, often setting aside her wants and wishes to ensure that those around her feel supported and valued. “In Polynesian culture, it is expected that the eldest girl will take care of the family,” said Vee. “While I was trying to save for my wedding, and also take care of my family, I couldn’t afford to have only one job.” On average, Asian American and Pacific Islander women are typically paid only 80 cents per dollar earned by white men, according to the National Women’s Law Center. When you break these numbers down for Samoan women such as Vee, that amount goes down to 53 cents. When the Executive Council discovered that Vee was working three jobs, they agreed that something needed to change to better align with our mission, purpose, and pathway. Elevating the minimum wage not only improves collaborator quality of life and
increases morale, but it also highlights and strengthens the organization’s unwavering commitment to a Better World Through Better Humanity and Better Health. “All we’re doing is proving the thing that has been known for such a long time: the more you contribute to your people, the more you will get out of them,” said Mikhail. Life moved in a new direction for Vee after Nightingale announced it had raised the minimum wage. Following the announcement, she quit her other two jobs and reflected upon this profound moment. “This change has transformed my life in the sense that now I can provide for my family without stress,” said Vee. “My mental, physical, and emotional health have also gone up significantly after this transition.” By carving a new path and honoring her family that left Samoa for a better life, Vee is proud to be a Polynesian woman working in higher education. A powerful represen- tation of how one act of change can redefine everything, Vee’s journey reminds us that meaningful change can honor generational sacrifices and make a lasting impact.
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