Dejealous Palota-Kopa

Dejealous was born and raised in Tamaki Makaurau and is a proud first-generation NZ Samoan. A Samoan proverb close to her heart is “O le ala I le pule, o le tautua” which in essence means “leadership through service” and this has guided her throughout her journey in life.

She is a graduate of the University of Auckland where she obtained a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts majoring in Pacific Studies. Subsequently, she was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. She is excited to apply this knowledge in the DEI space.

Passionate about elevating Pacific voices in Aotearoa, Dejealous is currently a Youth Representative for the Pacific Advisory Group at Auckland Museum and in her spare time enjoys Pacific dance and volunteering for organisations close to her heart such as Recreate NZ and Hospice.