Dr. Vidalino “Vid” Raatior is a Chuukese Micronesian international educator, equity-focused social entrepreneur, Pacific Islander youth empowerment advocate, and community organizer who has dedicated his career to advocating for Pacific Islander empowerment in the United States and around the Pacific region.
Early Life and Education:
Vid was born and raised in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, belonging to the Pwaraka clan of Tamatam Island and the Alengeitaw clan of the island of Onoun. Like many Micronesian youth, Vid left the outer islands in search of an American education. He earned a Bachelors Degree in communications from University of Guam, a Masters Degree in school administration from the University of San Francisco and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) degree in professional educational practice from the College of Education at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. His doctoral dissertation research focused on strength-based approach to support services for Micronesian students in higher education in the US.
Leadership and Advocacy:
Dr. Raatior’s leadership experience spans over two decades, marked by a strong commitment to equity, Pacific-focused initiatives, and fostering multicultural and international understanding. He is the founder of a number of Pacific-focused initiatives including Raatior Ventures, Raatior Consulting, Pacific Leadership Assistance Network (PLAN) and Pacific FocusEd, dedicated to empowering Pacific Islanders through education, leadership development, and community engagement.
Academic Contributions:
Dr. Raatior coordinates study abroad & bilateral international exchange opportunities at the College of Professional & Global Education at San Jose State University (SJSU) and serves as the founding advisor for the SJSU Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA). His career interest in education started as a teacher and administrator at Xavier High School in Micronesia back in the early 90’s. He has since spent over 20 years in leadership roles in higher education. He worked at the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) as Director of a STEM-focused student equity empowerment program. He also served at University of Hawai’i at Hilo as Director of the Pacific Islander Student Center & AANAPISI programs. While at UH Hilo, Vid also served as Project Coordinator of the National Institute of Health (NIH)-funded Students of Hawai’i Advanced Research Program (SHARP) and the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program focusing on Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians. Previously, Dr. Raatior worked for 10 years at Santa Clara University as Assistant Director of the International Programs Office and Associate Director of the Center for Multicultural Learning. His research interests lie in developing asset-based student support services that empower underrepresented students, particularly those from Pacific Islander communities, to thrive in higher education.
Beyond Academia:
Dr. Raatior’s dedication extends beyond the walls of academia. Vid lives in Santa Cruz, California with his wife Desha and their two kids. When he is not working or taking care of his family, he manages a number of community service initiatives. These on-going projects enables him to continue to live out his Jesuit and Ignatian spirituality of being a “man for and with others.”