Who We Are
Our Founder
Dr. Jay Puafisi Toputapu
Dr. Jay Puafisi Toputapu is a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He is from the town of Lahaina on the island of Maui. His father is from the village of Navutoka, Tonga, and his mother is from Santa Monica, California.
As an at-risk youth himself, Jay received mentorship that realigned his life and eternal trajectory. After serving an ecclesiastical mission in Nicaragua, Jay received a full-ride scholarship to Brigham Young University. Motivated by his own journey and a passion to inspire underprivileged youth, he strives to assist others as they discover their potential. Jay graduated in Secondary Education and Coaching, obtained a Master's Degree in Academic Advising, and is now a Doctoral Candidate for Educational Leadership and Administrative Licensure. In his free time, he loves to travel, assist refugees, serve in the temple, and spend time with family.
“I created Zion to provide youth with collegiate exposure, missionary preparation, and talent development. Although Zion quickly became a national powerhouse in youth football, my passion is helping youth realize their divine potential. I find joy in seeing Zion participants pursue collegiate ambitions and a stable career, serve ecclesiastical missions, start their own families, and serve in their communities. I envision Zion developing underrepresented youth into leaders who will pay it forward.”
“The contributions of Donors and Mentors will enable the growth of youth that come from underprivileged and underrepresented backgrounds. With various ways you can help, it is my hope to see entire communities and future generations benefit from the youth development provided by Zion and its lifelong lessons.”
Advisory Board
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Eduardo Lopez Trejos
MARKETING & FINANCIAL ADVISOR
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Mary Kennedy
CONTENT CREATOR & EVENT PLANNER
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Claire Brimhall
WEBSITE CREATOR & EVENT PLANNER