Who we are
Our Collective Vision
We are a collective of Pacific pracademics—community-embedded researchers, educators, and cultural leaders. We bring lived experience, cultural depth, and academic expertise to create systems change for Pacific peoples in Australia and globally. Locally rooted and globally connected, we challenge dominant research narratives and centre Pacific knowledge systems, values, and ways of knowing.
As co-founders of the first Pacific-led, community-based research centre in Australia, we are committed to building pathways for equity, collective wellbeing, and culturally grounded research practice.
Together, we are PARC. Rooted in faith and culture, driven by community, and grounded in Pacific-led purpose.
Meet the Founders of PARC
Image (above) taken in Brisbane, February 2024 (from left to right):
Dr Inez Fainga'a-Manusione (Griffith University, Hosanna Logan Church Ltd)
Interdisciplinary Scholar | Legal Advocate | Community Connector
Dr Inez Fainga'a-Manu Sione brings over two decades of community work with Pasifika and Māori communities in Queensland. With a background in performing arts, law, and community research, she weaves legal, cultural, and spiritual knowledge into practice. She is a Community Research Fellow with Village Connect—Australia’s first Pasifika holistic health hub—advancing Pacific-led models of integrated wellbeing.
Dr Ruth (Lute) Faleolo (La Trobe University, CHSSC, Griffith University, GIER)
Community-Based Researcher | Educator | AKO Framework Developer
Dr Ruth Faleolo is a Trans-Tasman scholar dedicated to community- and place-based research. Her work focuses on educational equity, holistic wellbeing, and culturally responsive pathways for Pasifika youth in Australia. As the developer of the AKO model, she supports educators and learners through a Pacific-centred teaching and learning framework. Her international research follows Pasifika mobilities across the Pacific, Aotearoa, the U.S., and Europe.
Dr Tagaloa Glenda Stanley (Griffith University, FamilyLinQ)
Educational Leader | Equity Advocate | Systems Change Facilitator
Dr Glenda Stanley is a Samoan researcher, educator, and community leader based in Logan. Bestowed the chiefly title Tagaloa, she has served in education, youth justice, and community sectors for over 20 years. Her doctoral research focused on the aspirations of Pacific students and the enabling conditions for success in higher education. She champions equity, access, and culturally safe spaces for Pacific learners.
Associate Professor Dr Dion Enari (Unitec NZ)
Chiefly Leader | Sport & Mental Health Scholar | Language Advocate
Dr Dion Enari holds a PhD from Bond University and the Samoan high chief title Lefaoali’i from Lepa. He is based at Unitec's Ngā Wai a Te Tūī (Māori and Indigenous Research Centre) and focuses on sport leadership, Pacific mental health, language revitalisation, and transnational identities. His research strengthens cultural pride and representation across academic and community spaces.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Let us know how we can be of assistance. We can’t wait to hear from you!