Meet the Founders
Chief Executive Officer
Sinama Meli, MBA, MAcc
Sinama Meli is CEO of Iosepa International Village and a first-generation immigrant. Her family moved from the Polynesian islands of Tonga to America, where she pursued her education. Sinama became a partner of a startup architectural engineering firm where she worked for over 25 years. She was involved with teams of architects and engineers who designed over 10 million square feet of education buildings, commercial, medical clinics and hospitals, offices, housing, museums, lodging, restaurants, retail, resorts, industrial, libraries and more.
Sinama loves all things Utah, its peoples and natural beauty. She is a proud Aunty to many, many nieces and nephews.
Experience
30 years
Education
Master Business Administration - University of Utah
Master of Accounting - University of Utah
Bachelor of Science, Finance - University of Utah
Chief Operating Officer
Margaret Meli, EMBA
Margaret Meli is COO of Iosepa International Village and a first-generation immigrant. She was shaped by her parents' unwavering work ethic and sacrifice - values that have propelled her through her 25 years of dynamic, high-impact leadership across multiple industries. Margaret covers the full spectrum of business: Operations, Financial Services, Aviation, and more, and has led major teams in key markets: Chicago, New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City. Margaret thrives in high-stakes environments, consistently driving operational excellence, visionary innovation, and sustainable results.
Outside of work, Margaret enjoys traveling and cherishes shared experiences with family and friends, whether exploring new cultures or honoring her Polynesian roots; she brings the same curiosity, warmth, and gratitude to life that define her leadership.
Experience
25 years
Education
Executive Master Business Administration - Pepperdine University
Bachelor of Science, Marketing - Westminster College
Chief Financial Officer
Tracy Chao, MBA, MAcc, MSITM
Tracy Chao is CFO of Iosepa International Village. She is a first-generation American born to immigrant parents, from whom she inherited a strong work ethic that shaped both her professional career and educational aspirations. With over 20 years of financial expertise, Tracy has excelled in Accounting and Finance, specializing in fiscal management, budget oversight, audit, and strategic planning. Her passion for hospitality led her to pioneer the first Mochi bakery in Downtown Salt Lake City. Committed to promoting diverse cultures, she engages in projects that foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of global traditions.
In her free time, Tracy enjoys being with family and friends, exploring books, manhwa's, anime, movies, attending concerts, and discovering unique dining spots.
Experience
22 years
Education
MS, Information Technology Management - WGU
Master of Accounting, AIS - University of Utah
GC, Information Systems - University of Utah
Master Business Administration - Marylhurst University
BA, Business - Warner Pacific University
Chief Development Officer
Sylvie Mimche, MBA, MBMS
Sylvie Mimche is CDO of Iosepa International Village and a first-generation immigrant. Her family moved to America from the country of Cameroon, Africa. Sylvie is a seasoned development and management expert, bringing over 20 years of experience in product design, management, startups and market expansion. She has a strong background in both industry and academia. Sylvie is deeply passionate about real estate development and interior design, with a focus on maintaining cultural authenticity and fostering educational empowerment. Sylvie brings international culture and diversity to everything she embarks on.
Sylvie is a devoted wife and mother to six children and is fluent in several languages including French and English.
Experience
20 years
Education
Master Business Administration - University of
Utah
Master of Biomedical Science - Emory University
Meet the Board
Treasurer
Kathy Roberts, CEO
Kathy Roberts is the CEO of Switch Reward Card and a pioneer in the consumer credit card industry with Discover Card and served as President and Chief Operations Officer of Discover Bank from 2000-2006.
Ms. Roberts now applies those same skills and work ethic to the emerging digital currency market. She also proudly serves on the Board of Directors of many companies such as Galvan, the blockchain healthcare company.
Educator
Charlene Lui, M. Ed.
Charlene Lui is a Native Hawaiian with an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and doctoral coursework in multicultural education and ESL. She began her career in high school education and joined Granite School District in 1996, serving as Assistant Principal, Principal, and later as Director of Educational Equity for 20 years.
Charlene is an active member of Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. She is an adjunct instructor for SLCC and BYU and Executive Director of NAME. A dedicated advocate for equity and social justice, she is a senior REACH trainer and ACLU board member. Charlene has received multiple awards for her contributions to diversity and human rights.
She was married to the late Sione Kaisa Lui, has six children and 10 grandchildren.
One of her favorite educational quotes is by Mary Kawena Pukui: ‘A‘ohe pau ka ‘ike i ka hālau ho‘okahi .. one can learn from many sources.
Architect
Whitney Ward, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Whitney is a Principal at VCBO Architecture and has been with the firm since 2007. She embraces a holistic design approach that ensures functionality, flexibility, and durability are at the forefront of the projects she leads. She's an advocate for both community engagement and sustainable design and provides expertise in leading projects through an integrated and engaged design process.
Whitney graduated with a Master's in Architecture and a focus in Community Design from Montana State University, and a Master's in Real Estate Development from the University of Utah.
She teaches Sustainable Development as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Utah and City and Metropolitan Planning Department in her spare time.
Arts, Cultural Patron
Angelica Matinkhah
Angie considers herself a "professional volunteer". She served on the University of Utah Alumni Board of Governors for 4 years; and is currently on the U of U's College of Fine Arts Advisory Board and Pioneer Theatre Board. She is also very involved in groups that are close to her heart, including 100 Women Who Care SLC and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Utah.
Angie completed her Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the University of Philippines and Master of Architecture at the University of Utah.
She was a business partner at ARCOM for 30 years before taking an early retirement in 2017.
Meet the Team
Museum Advisor
To Be Announced
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Educator
Dr. Maikolo S. Meli
Dr. Maikolo S. Meli brings a lifetime of dedication to education and cultural stewardship. With many years of service in Hawai‘i’s public school system, he has been instrumental in advancing academic excellence, student support, and culturally responsive teaching practices. His career also includes significant contributions at Kamehameha Schools, where he focused on enriching programs that preserve and perpetuate Native Hawaiian values, language, and traditions while preparing students for success in a global society.
Dr. Meli’s expertise spans curriculum development, instructional leadership, and mentoring educators, always with a focus on empowering students through identity, knowledge, and opportunity. He is widely respected for his ability to bridge traditional wisdom with modern education, ensuring that learning is both meaningful and transformative. At the Imilani Museum, Dr. Meli guides educational initiatives that honor Polynesian heritage while inspiring future generations to learn, lead, and serve.
Ph.D. University of Southern California
M.Ed Chaminade University
BA University of Hawai'i at Manoa
Cultural Specialist
Telesia Afeaki Tonga
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Capital Campaign Advisor
To Be Announced
.
Communications
Siesia Tonga
Siesia is a first-generation American-born to a family who immigrated to America from the Polynesian islands of Tonga. She's learned the value of hard work and service. Siesia is a versatile communications professional with a background in the hospitality industry. She has extensive experience in enhancing brand visibility for top hotels, resorts and travel brands. With a strong background in travel, she posseses a deep understanding of diverse cultures and global markets. Her expertise lies in leveraging both traditional and digital media to enhance brand visibility and drive customer engagement. Siesia has successfully managed payroll systems, streamlined HR processes and ensured compliance with industry regulations.
Siesia loves to travel with her twin sister, where they meet new people, experience different cultures and discover native cuisines.
Experience
7 years
Education
Bachelor of Science, Communications - Ensign College
Business Growth & Development
Logan Taggart, MRED, MSF
Logan is a development expert with a robust background in finance, operations, and community engagement. With extensive experience in financial forecasting and strategic planning, he has effectively led initiatives as a Financial and Operations Analyst and held significant leadership roles, including Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and City Councilman. Logan is dedicated to combining development with commitment to cultural enrichment.
As an avid outdoorsman, Logan enjoys hiking, water activities, and restoring his British roadster. He also has a passion for classic films and 80s detective shows.
Experience
7 years
Education
Master of Real Estate Development - University of Utah Master of Finance - University of Utah
BS, Business Management, Economics & Finance and Intercultural PeaceBuilding - BYU, Hawaii
Information Technology Operations
Cesar Feria, MBA, MAcc
Cesar is a Cost Analyst and Finance Professional with expertise in Accounting, Operations, Sales, and IT. He optimizes processes and drives cost-saving initiatives across Aerospace, Construction, and Manufacturing industries. Cesar has integrated IT systems to enhance financial reporting, inventory management, and cost analysis, leading efficiency improvements through financial and technological solutions. Fluent in Spanish and English, he excels in diverse professional settings.
In his free time, Cesar enjoys traveling, exploring global cuisine, and spending time with family. He is proud of his Latino heritage and loves experiencing foods from different cultures.
Experience
10 years
Education
Master of Accounting, AIS - University of Utah
GC, Information Systems - University of Utah
Master of Business Administration - Tecnológico de Monterrey
Hospitality
Siu H. Tonga
Siu is a first-generation immigrant. Her family moved to Hawaii from the Polynesian islands of Tonga. Siu’s exposure to island style hospitality has given her a unique perspective on creating welcoming, inclusive environments that make guests feel at home. Siu brings over 25 years of experience as a hostess combined with her passion for culinary arts. Her journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence, cultural diversity, and creating memorable dining experiences for guests from all walks of life. She has worked closely with chefs to craft unique, globally inspired menus. Siu is committed to blending world-class service with the warmth of international hospitality.
Siu loves flower gardens and creating culinary arts. She is a dedicated wife and proud mother of 7 children and a grandmother to her little gems.
Experience
25 years