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.
Kaili 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.
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. 
“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 bring cultural representation, humility, and authenticity to this year’s program.”
“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.”
