Patrick Woo-Ching was born in the U.S. Territory of American Samoa and is a proud alumnus of the Marist Brothers of American Samoa. Growing up in Samoa, he faced significant educational challenges due to undiagnosed dyslexia. After graduating from high school, he left his beloved home to serve in the U.S. Army, completing a combined twelve years of active duty and reserve service before settling in Washington State.

Believing that education is the great equalizer in our society, Patrick dedicated 25 years to the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD), working in the Juvenile Justice Division. It was during this time—and through his undergraduate studies at the University of Washington School of Social Work—that he became deeply concerned about the longstanding academic struggles faced by Pacific Islander (PI) students in Washington State.

Despite the continued challenges of dyslexia, Patrick earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of San Francisco. Motivated by both personal experience and community need, he founded Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Pasefika communities in Kitsap County and the surrounding areas. VOPIN works to address systemic inequities in education and expand opportunities for Pacific Islander students and families.

Patrick is passionate about sharing his culture and history, and about building strong, inclusive communities. As he often says:

“In our division, we allow evil to prevail. Only collectively can we rise above our fears and uncertainties.”

Contact Patrick: patrick@vopin.org