Leilua Watson serves as the project coordinator for the NOAA Climate Resilience Workforce Grant project “Empowering a Resilient Workforce for American Samoa.” In this role, she assists with organizing workforce trainings, coordinating project activities, proctoring certification exams, and providing translation support for participants.

Leilua earned a bachelor’s of science degree in marine science with a minor in communications from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo in 2017, and a master’s of science degree in occupational safety and health and environmental management from Columbia Southern University in 2022. She is currently pursuing a PhD in public policy and administration. Outside of work, Leilua volunteers as a youth baseball and softball coach and is passionate about mentoring young athletes and serving her community.