Miss Impact Services Samoa's campaign draws inspiration from a poignant Samoan proverb: "E lele le toloa ae ma’au i le vai," which translates to "The toloa bird may fly to greener fields, but will always return to the water where it was nurtured." 

This proverb encapsulates the essence of 24-year-old Litara Loma Leilani Ieremia-Allan’s mission and personal ethos.

In a heartfelt interview with the Samoa Observer, Ieremia-Allan shared the profound influence of her late grandmother, Tifilelei Ieremia, on her life and aspirations. 

Her grandmother, a revered figure in the Congregational Christian Church Samoa parish in Fasito’o-Tai, embodied a life of selfless service and humility. 

Litara reminisced about her grandmother’s unwavering dedication, despite not always receiving public acknowledgment, and how this legacy has shaped her own values and achievements.

As an educator with a strong background in Pacific Studies and research, Litara is deeply committed to giving back to her community. 

Her passion for serving her people, particularly the youth of Samoa, is evident in her participation in the Miss Samoa pageant. She aims to leverage her skills and experiences to address contemporary social issues impacting young Samoans and to bridge the generational divide exacerbated by modern technology.

Litara’s vision extends beyond merely addressing social challenges. She is determined to foster a renewed appreciation for Samoan cultural heritage, emphasising the importance of hospitality—a core value in Samoan culture. 

She advocates for a reinvigoration of traditional values and practices to strengthen familial bonds and enhance the warmth and generosity extended to visitors and tourists.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Litara has always maintained a deep connection to her Samoan roots, frequently returning to Samoa to visit her grandparents and engage with her cultural heritage. 

This year, she made a significant personal decision to move to Samoa, temporarily pausing her life in New Zealand to immerse herself fully in her cultural identity through the Anofale mentorship program.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Pacific Studies, a Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary School Teaching, and a Diploma in Christian Ministries. 

During her time in New Zealand, she was an active member of the Samoan community at Victoria University and Wellington, and she held leadership roles such as Head Girl at Hamilton Girls’ High School and leader of a Pacific Dance group.

Now back in Samoa, Ieremia-Allan is dedicated to using her platform to inspire others and contribute to the country’s progress. 

She believes that while learning about Samoan heritage abroad is valuable, truly living and breathing it in Samoa is essential for a complete understanding of one’s identity and role within the community.

Through her participation in the Miss Samoa pageant, Litara hopes to galvanise the Samoan diaspora to return home and contribute to the nation’s future, advancing its economy while preserving its rich cultural heritage. Her commitment to service and cultural preservation marks her as a passionate advocate for the betterment of Samoa and its people.

Litara is from the villages of Sapapalii, Fusi Safotulafai, Saoluafata, Lalomanu, Matautu Falealili, Vaie’e, Sinamoga, Pietermaritzburg South Africa and Raasay Scotland.

She is the daughter of David Allan and Wanda Ieremia-Allan and granddaughter of Reverend Lale Ieremia and Tifilelei Alama Ieremia