Tiafau Purcell
1.2.23
Name: Tiafau Purcell (Tech Entrepreneur)
Family: My parents are Solitu & Suvinia. I'm the oldest of seven siblings—Lola Savaiinaea, Benson, Glorianna Alo, Abish Reid, Clarinis Howell, Solitu Jr. We grew up in Laie, Hawaii and moved to Utah in 1995. I met my wife Marie in Provo and we now reside in Salem, Utah with our six kids—Adelyn & Avery (twins), Christian, Kaden, Lydia, Dayton.
Educational level: BA Latin American Studies, BYU-Provo
Occupation: VP Engineering, Give Blockchain (IG @give_blockchain)
Favorite Polynesian Food: Oka and palusami
“When I was in middle school my mom signed me up for a ballroom class. I didn't want to take the class because I thought dancing wasn't the cool thing to do at the time. As I continued to learn, I became more interested in it. I ended up dancing the rest of my time in middle school and throughout high school and received a scholarship to dance with the BYU Ballroom Touring Company. Looking back, I can say that the decision to ballroom dance and do something different that wasn't typical for a Polynesian boy at the time was a game-changer. Because I chose to do something different, I ultimately met my wife and was blessed with a beautiful family. Doing something different also led me to my profession in technology where I've spent the last ten years. Be different.”
“I’m proud of my Samoan culture. I have a lot to learn about it but I’m grateful for the things I have been taught and continue to be taught by my parents, grandparents, and relatives. I’ve learned the value of hard work, respect, familial traditions, and most importantly to love and honor God and family. I think these principles have made me who I am today.
Don’t forget who you are and where you come from—both cultural and eternal identity.”
"Don't forget who you are and where you come from- both cultural and eternal identity"