About Us

Goal: Atawe Design was founded with the goal of using web design to help connect the local needs of non-profit organizations in Micronesia with global resources.

Belief: We don't claim to know how to help the people in Micronesia. However, we do strongly believe that these small developing Pacific island nations have a rightful place in the vastly globalized society. While having a website does not in itself solve their problems, we believe it does give a voice and a channel by which the local needs can be connected with the vast array of global resources.

Inspiration: Atawe Design was inspired by the Pacific island value of humble service. The name, Atawe (a-tah-way), comes from the outer island Chuukese language meaning "to empower others." Although we are open to helping all non-profit organizations, we aspire to help the needy organizations and small businesses in the Pacific islands of Micronesia.

Philosophy: Our design philosophy goes beyond simple and functional web designs; we focus on building partnerships that foster sustainable self-empowerment of people who themselves are agents of change in their local communities. Learn more

symbolism: Atawe Design chose the image of the young coconut tree for many reasons. In Micronesia, the coconut tree is widely regarded for it symbolizes many things to native Micronesians including growth, resilience, change, resourcefulness, toughness, to name a few. Just as every single part of the coconut tree is used to help the people in the Pacific, Atawe Design aspires to be a resource in the development of these young countries.

History: The concept of using technology to affect social change began in 1998 for Vidalino Raatior when he worked for Youth Together, Inc. , a California-based youth activism leadership development organization. He helped his team of youth leaders at Skyline High School in Oakland to design a website to reach their peers to affect positive school changes. The success of that first design led him to start Atawe Design.