Jean Melesaine was mentored as a formerly incarcerated teen from community members at Silicon Valley De-Bug-a story-telling, community organizing, and advocacy organization. De-Bug hired her upon release, changing her life by putting a camera in her hand and surrounding her with community. She is a recent graduate of USC SCA’s Film and Production program. Her work in story is grounded and reflective of her lived experience. She is a proud aunty and daughter. Her late mother, Sopo Masina Matai'a migrated from the village of Moamoa, Samoa to San Francisco and her late father Moaseni Tito Leasiolagi migrated to Oakland from the village of Salani Faleali’li in the Atua District of Samoa.