Born in Santa Ana, California, Drew Afualo was raised in a Christian household with a strong sense of identity, being of Samoan descent. Her upbringing laid the foundation for her future academic pursuits, as she later attended the University of Hawai'i, where she earned not one, but two degrees, as well as several certificate courses focused on the rich history of Pacific Islander people.
After completing her education, Afualo began her professional journey, landing a job at the National Football League (NFL). However, her career took an unexpected turn when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, leading to widespread layoffs, including hers. In the midst of this uncertainty, her then-boyfriend encouraged her to explore the world of social media, specifically TikTok, as a means of generating income.
On March 24, 2020, Afualo posted her first TikTok video, marking the beginning of her online journey. What started as a way to earn a living quickly evolved into a platform for her to share her unique perspective and passion for spreading awareness about discriminatory practices. With her signature blend of humor and conviction, Afualo roasts content and individuals who perpetuate hate speech, including misogynistic, transphobic, body-shaming, and other forms of offensive material.
As her following grew, Afualo's impact expanded, reaching a staggering 7.3 million followers on TikTok by August 2021. Despite facing backlash and hate mail from some quarters, Afualo remains committed to her mission, using her platform to combat bigotry and promote inclusivity.
