Amata Congratulates American Samoa’s Cherry Blossom Princess Kaili Iliganoa Shansonga

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is pleased to announce that Kaili Iliganoa Shansonga was selected by The American Samoa Society of Washington, DC, to represent American Samoa at this year's 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. Her coronation ceremony was held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bethesda, Maryland.

2026 Cherry Blossom Princess representing American Samoa cropped for cover

"I would like to first acknowledge and thank Isapela Coggins, current President of The American Samoa Society of Washington, DC, for her ongoing 14 years of leadership, dedication, and commitment to the society. Her work and service to the Samoan community dates back to 1982 - 44 years!" said Congresswoman Amata. "We would also like to thank our outgoing 2025 Cherry Blossom Princess Delegate 'Miss Saleilona Elizabeth Williams' - daughter of Michael and Julin Williams of Alexandria, VA - for her dedication, service, and representing American Samoa."

Kaili Iliganoa Shansonga, American Samoa Society President Isapela Coggins, Evelyn Siolosega Hawkins.

Kaili Iliganoa Shansonga is 23 years old and was born in Takoma Park, Maryland. She was raised in Maryland as well as in England. Kaili is the daughter of Evelyn Siolosega Hawkins (a former student of Pavai'ai Elementary School) and Michael Shansonga of Rockville, MD. She is the granddaughter of Nancy Fa'asi'u Glass who lives in Gaithersburg, MD, and a longtime member of the Samoan community in the Washington Metropolitan area, and the great granddaughter of the late HTC Fuapapa Matāli'i Tuanaitau Noa Soliai and Siolosega Iliganoa Tauanu'u Soliai (born in Nua Se'etaga) who lived in Pavai'ai, American Samoa.

From left - Grandmother Nancy Si'u Glass, Kaili, Congresswoman Amata, and Audrey Alo

Kaili graduated in 2025 as an Architecture major from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. During her four years, she developed a strong passion for conceptualization, image design, community-focused spaces, and the built environment. Through her academic experience, she gained a foundation in architectural design, construction documentation, and site planning, while strengthening her ability to think critically and creatively. Kaili has a profound interest for creativity and a love for the outdoors, particularly swimming and drawing. "I am always eager to experiment with unique materials, colors and innovative techniques," Kaili said. "I constantly explore unique ways to express my creativity, keeping my mind engaged and inspired."

2025 and 2026 Cherry Blossom Princesses Saleilona and Kaili

"I strive to be able to use my platform to uplift others, share the beauty of my Samoan culture, and inspire young people to pursue both creative and professional goals," Kaili continued. "With a background rooted in both technical skill and artistic expression, I hope to ring cultural representation, humility, and authenticity to this year's program."

"I am grateful and thankful to the American Samoa Society of Washington, DC for this amazing opportunity and to be selected to represent American Samoa, US Territory at the 2026 National Conference of State and Territorial Societies Cherry Blossom Princess Delegate Program," Kaili concluded. "I look forward to meeting other Cherry Blossom Princess Delegates during the week of the program (April 4th to April 11th), build relationships and share our Samoan culture."

With Kaili's deep roots in the strong Samoan community in the Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland area, she was selected by the American Samoa Society of Washington, D.C., to represent American Samoa.

Congresswoman Amata and Kaili Iliganoa Shansonga

"I'm delighted to congratulate Kaili as she serves as American Samoa's cherry blossom princess for this year's festival. She represents our people and culture beautifully," said Congresswoman Amata. "Thank you to our entire supportive Samoan community in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland for all they do to show their lasting love for American Samoa, our people, our heritage, and our welcoming way with people to the nation's capital. Thank you especially to Kaili for making sure our beautiful islands and our culture are well represented and fully included at the festival, a major DC tradition, taking on this role on behalf of American Samoa."

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