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Bios for Pacific Islands Young Economic Empowerment Leaders-Cohort 3
Kiesha Dais, Cook Islands/Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Kiesha is a descendant of Ngāti Maniapoto/Waikato in Aotearoa and the Cook Islands. She was born and raised in Te Papaioea (Palmerston North). Currently, Kiesha works as a Student Voice Facilitator at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa (Massey University) and a Financial Mentor and Community Educator at Moneywise Manawatū.
Kiesha is a social worker and financial mentor who passionately champions the well-being of young people and advocates for financial resilience within Māori and Pasifika communities. With many years of involvement in the Palmerston North Youth Sector, Kiesha decided it was time for a change, aiming to use her experience to give back to her Cook Islands people. Born and raised in Palmerston North, she packed up her life and moved to the Cook Islands with her teenage daughter, who is now 18 years old. Kiesha has spent the past three years working within the Cook Islands community, forging connections with her island roots. Recently returning to her hometown, Kiesha continues to leverage her experiences to create meaningful change within both communities she now calls home.
Kiesha's experience involves building meaningful relationships, allowing her to inform and guide individuals toward available opportunities. She is dedicated to authentic engagement, involving people in decision-making processes that impact their lives, embodying the principle "nothing for us, without us!" Kiesha excels at connecting with organisations to support community-led initiatives that empower indigenous whānau (families) to become the best version of themselves.
Embracing the whakataukī (Māori proverb) "I orea te tuatara ka patu ki waho – A problem is solved by continuing to find solutions," Kiesha exemplifies a mindset that advocates tackling challenges with creativity, adaptability, and unwavering perseverance. This philosophy holds particular significance for professionals navigating the distinctive contexts and obstacles within Māori and Pasifika communities.
Kiesha is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this fellowship and is eager to acquire valuable insights that she can apply to benefit her communities.
Michael Dyer, Australia
My name is Michael JB Dyer from Adelaide (Kaurna Country), Australia. I have lived and worked in four different Pacific nations. As a senior member of the Nakau Programme, I currently support five NGOs and more than 25 communities to establish and manage sustainable forest and livelihood businesses that reinvest in community-level economic development. I currently spend most of my time supporting projects in Melanesia, particularly in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, advocating for an enabling policy environment that will empower communities to financially benefit and gain economic self-determination from national emission reduction strategies.
I studied Sustainable Environments, focusing on environmental policy and natural resource management at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. I authored my thesis, “The distribution of the invasive palm Pinanga coronata and its effects on native tree ferns in the Colo-i-Suva area, Viti Levu, Fiji”. Living on campus and studying in Fiji, laid the foundation for my understanding of natural resource management and climate change in the Pacific.
Formally, a strategic implementation specialist at UNDP Samoa, I’ve worked on some of the largest and most innovative climate change projects in the Pacific. I used innovative data analysis and planning to support a holistic approach to strengthen Samoa’s adaptation and resilience to the impacts of climate change. I employed systems thinking and respected culture to design and establish nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation, that provided economic empowerment and self-determination to 31 communities that are at the forefront of the impacts of climate change.
As an Australian-Pacific leader, I have continuously served my community and reciprocated among my networks. I have co-founded two social programs, Talita o le Lumana’i in Samoa and Yadrava Na Vanua in Fiji. I have been blessed to represent Australia at the Young Pacific Leaders Program 2019 in Suva, 2020 in PNG, 2022 in Hawai’i as an alumni mentor and 2023 at the alumni voyages. Through these programmes, I have fostered life-long friendships across the region and truly consider the Pacific Islands as my home.
Working and engaging with Pacific leaders from across the region is a truly humbling experience and has shaped my professional journey. As my professional Pacific leadership journey continues, I aim to demonstrate to the Australian community how to be a respectful leader in the Pacific, through intently listening, humility and serving the greater community.
Camille Movick-Inatio, Federated States of Micronesia
Camille Movick-Inatio was born and raised in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia to Mr. James Movick, Executive Director of the Pacific Fusion Center in Vanuatu, and to Mrs. Herolyn Movick, Senator from Kitti for the 11th Pohnpei State Legislature in Pohnpei, FSM. She has 5 beautiful children (4 boys, 1 girl) and is married to Thomas Inatio from Kiribati.
She is the owner/manager of a small restaurant in Pohnpei called Fusion and also serves as the Vice President for an NGO called Pohnpei Women Empowerment Association (PWEA), which she and 3 other women started in 2020.
Camille holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics/Banking which she obtained at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Economics and Public Policy from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Camille started her career with the FSM Government in 2010, first as the Assistant Secretary for Trade and Investment with the FSM Department of Resources and Development (R&D), and as the Fisheries Economist for the National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (2016-2021).
From late 2021 to mid 2022 she was recruited on short term contract with the FSM Department of Health to serve as the Women’s Economic Empowerment Coordinator and from 2022 to 2023, as Fisheries Trade and Investment Adviser for the FSM Department of R&D. She is currently focusing most of her time on her restaurant business, and on progressing activities for PWEA. Camille’s objective for the Special Professional Fellows Program for Young Economic Empowerment Leaders is to enhance her capacity to create and deliver effective programs for women in her community. She hopes that her engagement with others who will participate in this Fellowship from other parts of the Pacific will provide new ideas for more programs for women and ideas and opportunities to strengthen and expand the Pohnpei Women Empowerment Association.
Akanesi Kaufusi, New Zealand/Tonga/Australia
Akanesi is the visionary founder behind Siuhuu, the leading online marketplace for Pacific Islanders. Launched in August 2022, Siuhuu stands as the largest platform dedicated to enabling Pacific Island people worldwide to buy and sell traditional products within a secure online environment.
Born and raised in Tonga, Akanesi's educational journey led her to New Zealand, where she completed a Bachelor of Applied Business Studies (Management) at Whitireia New Zealand, Wellington, in 2011, and a Bachelor of Theology at the University of Auckland in 2016. Her professional experience includes serving in the Ministry of Education in New Zealand in 2018 before relocating to Sydney in 2020. While working at the Bible Society of Australia, Akanesi furthered her skills by completing an online web development course as a front-end developer in 2022. Driven by her passion to start her entrepreneurial journey, she made the decision to leave her position at the Bible Society and dedicate herself to the development and success of Siuhuu.
Guided by the leadership philosophy that "Leadership is the capacity to translate a vision into reality," by Warren Bennis, Akanesi continues to lead Siuhuu with dedication and a commitment to providing the Pacific Island community worldwide with a safe and reliable platform to buy and sell traditional products online.
Lucie Kiafe, Papua New Guinea
My name is Lucie-Leilah hailing from Papua New Guinea.
“From Passion to Paycheck “ a motto I invented for myself in creating small business ventures for myself being a fresh graduate, looking for employment.
The motto was my motivation with the slogan “If you can’t find a job, Invent it”. Upon that after graduating and looking for jobs in various organizations that left me depressed , low self-esteem I decided to CREATE my own jobs. I started off with buying books at second hand shops to come up with something.
I watched countless “How to make money” videos on YouTube and finally decided to venture on this lonely path. My first side hustle was a tour operation business in my hometown, which I don’t get much but was happy it came out from my passion of traveling and meeting people.
Then I started a print on demand T-shirt business in my niche of agriculture, as I hold a bachelor in tropical agriculture. The business still exists but I added on few more businesses such as;
- Virtual assistant
- Social Media manager (managing business social media accounts)
- Social Media marketing consultant (for SME businesses)
- Student Business start-up consultant
Currently I do freelance social media marketing for SME businesses here in Papua New Guinea, and I do sessions for fresh graduates on how they can harness their passion/skill in earning from it whilst job hunting.
I have been to few universities talking to graduates on starting their small start up whilst in the house waiting for jobs.
My current office job is sales and marketing consultant for Asia Pacific Trading Services, a freight forwarding and shipping business where we assist SME businesses in the Pacific bring in bulk cargoes from China in growing their business. We assist in sourcing suppliers, customs clearance, freight forwarder, warehousing, and more. After hours of my office job, I give it to assisting graduates. Where I answer their emails, WhatsApp messages, LinkedIn messages just to get them feel that I understand their frustrations, and am with them on their journey.
I advocate on the motto “From Passion to Paycheck “ which the individual must first identify what they have already to earn an income from. Sundays at times I hold sessions for non tech savvy women who wants to do business online but lacks the knowledge. As a social media marketing manager for 5 years, I do open sessions on how to do sales using Facebook, creating and managing your account, best times to post, having a social media calendar etc
You can find most of the things I do on @LinkedIn and few on Facebook.
But my main focus is on advocating the young students on how they can create their own jobs, through sharing my experience, my challenges. Basically I give the road map. From all those I have grown my social media accounts to having 3000 plus graduates following me for advice, tips, one on one sessions, and sharing their stories with me. I love the idea that I can give back to these young people in a much bigger perspective if given the right support.
And I believe joining this Fellowship as a cohort will definitely push me to strive harder in reaching out to all the young graduates. We were taught how to work for somebody but NEVER on how to work for ourselves.
Yolène Koteureu, New Caledonia
Yolène Koteureu is currently responsible for stakeholder management in the CSR department of Eramet- SLN. Her role within the company is focused on contributing to the management of impact projects in the mining industry such as IRMA referencing and Human Rights compliance. Her mission is to contribute to the deployment of the CSR approach, which is a voluntary approach, involving a balance between economic, social and environmental issues in its activities and in the interactions with its stakeholders, proof of a permanent dialogue established.
She is a resource person for customary institutions in New Caledonia, where she has supported partners engaged in human rights and social inclusion issues. She has also worked in the fields of education, and has consulted for various organizations in the areas of intersectional discrimination and violence, gender, social inclusion and human rights. She has extensive experience in policy research and action, advocacy and lobbying, training and facilitation, technical assistance to government agencies, resource mobilization and project management.
Brian Mangi, Solomon Islands
In the vibrant realm of technology and education, meet Brian Mangi, a dedicated EduTech consultant hailing from the picturesque Solomon Islands. Beyond the realms of technology, Brian is first and foremost a devoted dad, infusing his passion for technology with a deep sense of family. With a keen eye for problem-solving, Brian thrives on challenges, navigating the dynamic intersection of entrepreneurship, web development, and IT consultancy.
As a seasoned network engineer, Brian's journey unfolds as a testament to his expertise in optimizing digital landscapes, especially within the context of educational advancement. Armed with certifications as a Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) and Certified Professional in Cloud Technology (CPCT), Brian is not merely a tech enthusiast but a skilled professional crafting innovative solutions.
What sets Brian apart is not just his technical prowess but his opportunistic mindset rooted in all the right reasons (not at the expense of ethics and morals though). His journey reflects not only a commitment to excellence but a genuine desire to seize opportunities that align with his vision of transformative change. A passionate techy at heart, Brian channels his skills to empower organizations, creating a symbiotic relationship between technology and business problems.
In the grand tapestry of his professional narrative, Brian Mangi emerges as more than just a tech expert; he is a problem solver, a family man, and an opportunist driven by a purposeful passion for leveraging technology to make a meaningful impact.
Trina Paroi, Solomon Islands
Halo Olgeta and Mahalo. My name is Trina Jayleen Paroi from the beautiful Solomon Islands. I am currently working as a senior youth development administrator for Youth Division under the Western Provincial Government.
I have been working in this division for almost 9years. I started off in year 2015 as a volunteer and slowly made my way up the cooperate ladder.
Dealing with issues of young people in the rural Solomon Islands in this generation is not for the faint-hearted and is not just a job; it's a total commitment, passion and a vocation I embrace wholeheartedly as a young person; exemplifying excellence, empathy, and a relentless commitment to advocate, design and integrate government policies, coordinate and foster an environment where young minds can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the best possible pathways for young people of rural Solomon Islands including those with disabilities and mental health issues.
I am also an entrepreneur myself, my partner and I owned a homebased digital printing business, Nunusa digital designs and printing which specializes in customized designs for products, signboards, cooperate wears, we also do bulk supply of school badges to rural schools in Solomon Islands at an affordable rate.
As a young entrepreneur, doing business in rural Solomon Islands environment is quite complex in dealing with economic marginalization, logistical bottlenecks, technological gaps, lack of reserve businesses for locals and complex accessibilities to financial opportunities. This experience has given me the motivation and strong-will, as a young person in this position to design tailored programs to advocate and implement policies and initiatives that resonates with the evolving needs of the younger generation to tackle the very high rate of unemployment, high school dropouts, upskill and engage the young human resource of Solomon Islands who are currently caught in the mass migration for labor- mobility initiatives Abroad.
I am currently exploring opportunities in e-commerce particular emphasis on digital marketing that can drive positive impact, high-valued engagement and sustainable economic growth for rural youths in Solomon Islands
I am so excited to be participating in this special professional fellowship program; it is indeed a rare opportunity and am anticipating to get the best out OF this program , learn and share with my fellow participants and of course contextualize what I learned to the local context when I return home.
Tikosaya Ledua Seyawa, Fiji
As a graduate from the Australia Pacific Technical College in Painting and Decorating in 2009, I embarked on a journey of continuous learning and professional growth. After gaining valuable experience in the working field, I pursued further training, attaining certification in Training and Assessment under the CERT IV in Training and Assessment program in 2016. With a solid foundation in painting and decorating, I ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing my own business in 2018, despite initial unfamiliarity with business operations. However, our determination and commitment led to significant strides, culminating in the registration of our business in 2022, following participation in various business and accelerator programs such as the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs that was sponsored by the State Department with the collaboration of Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC), Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) and US Embassy Suva, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), ILO's post-covid program, and Greenhouse Coworking for Creative-preneurs.
Driven by a passion for entrepreneurship and sustainable development, I actively engages in various initiatives and networks to stay informed and relevant in the dynamic business landscape. As a paid member of the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) and a member of the Women Entrepreneur Business Council (WEBC), under the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF), I remain at the forefront of emerging trends and opportunities in the local market. Our commitment to leadership development was further underscored by their participation in the 13 emerging pacific leaders program in Wellington, NZ, in March 2023 to May 2023, where they underwent a transformative 9-week program.
My dedication and innovative spirit were recognized on numerous occasions, notably winning the first prize in the climate change category at the “BizPitch” Competition in November 2023, sponsored by WEBC, FCEF, and Business Link Pacific. Following the completion of the Special Fellow program in February 2024, I returned to Fiji, continuing our mission of empowering communities through education and economic opportunities. Currently, we are spearheading an exchange program focused on upcycle awareness with grassroots women, aiming to establish an upcycle hub to support economic empowerment initiatives in the local community. With a steadfast commitment to sustainable development and entrepreneurship, we embody the spirit of innovation and positive change in Fiji and beyond.
La‘i Tautiaga, Samoa
La‘i is a seasoned accountant in the tax profession with nearly two decades of experience in the Finance sector. His career began at SamoaTel, where he quickly advanced to the position of Corporate Accounts Executive at Bluesky SamoaTel Ltd, showcasing his proficiency in meeting sales targets and establish strong client relationships.
Transitioning to the public sector, he spent eight years at the Ministry of Revenue where he served as a Community Compliance Officer and later as a Policy Performance and Business Improvement Consultant. In later role, Lai played a crucial part in shaping and evaluating policy frameworks, aligning with the ministry’s strategic objectives.
During his tenure, he developed a deep-seated passion for fostering business growth and promoting a sense of belonging among tax payers, emphasizing the importance of taxation in national development.
In 2019, Lai braved his journey on entrepreneurship, founding Lai Tautiaga Business and Tax Consultancy Services, where he utilizes his expertise to optimize business operations and provide invaluable guidance on tax matters with a commitment to excellence and client success.
Desmond Yaninen, Papua New Guinea
Des Yaninen is an award-winning business professional and social entrepreneur in Papua New Guinea. He is CEO of Pacifund, a multifaceted financial services firm and has served on boards of numerous leading firms in PNG including the Central Bank, Superannuation, Insurance. and Government Agencies.
He is credited for creating and driving several initiatives to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
He is also a regular columnist for PNG's oldest newspaper and appears in weekly podcasts. Des is the President of the Micro Small and Medium (MSME) Council of Papua New Guinea.
He has an interest in getting more youth and women involved in entrepreneurship.
Bios for Pacific Islands Young Economic Empowerment Leaders-Cohort 3
Kiesha Dais, Cook Islands/Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Kiesha is a descendant of Ngāti Maniapoto/Waikato in Aotearoa and the Cook Islands. She was born and raised in Te Papaioea (Palmerston North). Currently, Kiesha works as a Student Voice Facilitator at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa (Massey University) and a Financial Mentor and Community Educator at Moneywise Manawatū.
Kiesha is a social worker and financial mentor who passionately champions the well-being of young people and advocates for financial resilience within Māori and Pasifika communities. With many years of involvement in the Palmerston North Youth Sector, Kiesha decided it was time for a change, aiming to use her experience to give back to her Cook Islands people. Born and raised in Palmerston North, she packed up her life and moved to the Cook Islands with her teenage daughter, who is now 18 years old. Kiesha has spent the past three years working within the Cook Islands community, forging connections with her island roots. Recently returning to her hometown, Kiesha continues to leverage her experiences to create meaningful change within both communities she now calls home.
Kiesha's experience involves building meaningful relationships, allowing her to inform and guide individuals toward available opportunities. She is dedicated to authentic engagement, involving people in decision-making processes that impact their lives, embodying the principle "nothing for us, without us!" Kiesha excels at connecting with organisations to support community-led initiatives that empower indigenous whānau (families) to become the best version of themselves.
Embracing the whakataukī (Māori proverb) "I orea te tuatara ka patu ki waho – A problem is solved by continuing to find solutions," Kiesha exemplifies a mindset that advocates tackling challenges with creativity, adaptability, and unwavering perseverance. This philosophy holds particular significance for professionals navigating the distinctive contexts and obstacles within Māori and Pasifika communities.
Kiesha is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this fellowship and is eager to acquire valuable insights that she can apply to benefit her communities.
Michael Dyer, Australia
My name is Michael JB Dyer from Adelaide (Kaurna Country), Australia. I have lived and worked in four different Pacific nations. As a senior member of the Nakau Programme, I currently support five NGOs and more than 25 communities to establish and manage sustainable forest and livelihood businesses that reinvest in community-level economic development. I currently spend most of my time supporting projects in Melanesia, particularly in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, advocating for an enabling policy environment that will empower communities to financially benefit and gain economic self-determination from national emission reduction strategies.
I studied Sustainable Environments, focusing on environmental policy and natural resource management at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. I authored my thesis, “The distribution of the invasive palm Pinanga coronata and its effects on native tree ferns in the Colo-i-Suva area, Viti Levu, Fiji”. Living on campus and studying in Fiji, laid the foundation for my understanding of natural resource management and climate change in the Pacific.
Formally, a strategic implementation specialist at UNDP Samoa, I’ve worked on some of the largest and most innovative climate change projects in the Pacific. I used innovative data analysis and planning to support a holistic approach to strengthen Samoa’s adaptation and resilience to the impacts of climate change. I employed systems thinking and respected culture to design and establish nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation, that provided economic empowerment and self-determination to 31 communities that are at the forefront of the impacts of climate change.
As an Australian-Pacific leader, I have continuously served my community and reciprocated among my networks. I have co-founded two social programs, Talita o le Lumana’i in Samoa and Yadrava Na Vanua in Fiji. I have been blessed to represent Australia at the Young Pacific Leaders Program 2019 in Suva, 2020 in PNG, 2022 in Hawai’i as an alumni mentor and 2023 at the alumni voyages. Through these programmes, I have fostered life-long friendships across the region and truly consider the Pacific Islands as my home.
Working and engaging with Pacific leaders from across the region is a truly humbling experience and has shaped my professional journey. As my professional Pacific leadership journey continues, I aim to demonstrate to the Australian community how to be a respectful leader in the Pacific, through intently listening, humility and serving the greater community.
Camille Movick-Inatio, Federated States of Micronesia
Camille Movick-Inatio was born and raised in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia to Mr. James Movick, Executive Director of the Pacific Fusion Center in Vanuatu, and to Mrs. Herolyn Movick, Senator from Kitti for the 11th Pohnpei State Legislature in Pohnpei, FSM. She has 5 beautiful children (4 boys, 1 girl) and is married to Thomas Inatio from Kiribati.
She is the owner/manager of a small restaurant in Pohnpei called Fusion and also serves as the Vice President for an NGO called Pohnpei Women Empowerment Association (PWEA), which she and 3 other women started in 2020.
Camille holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics/Banking which she obtained at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Economics and Public Policy from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Camille started her career with the FSM Government in 2010, first as the Assistant Secretary for Trade and Investment with the FSM Department of Resources and Development (R&D), and as the Fisheries Economist for the National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (2016-2021).
From late 2021 to mid 2022 she was recruited on short term contract with the FSM Department of Health to serve as the Women’s Economic Empowerment Coordinator and from 2022 to 2023, as Fisheries Trade and Investment Adviser for the FSM Department of R&D. She is currently focusing most of her time on her restaurant business, and on progressing activities for PWEA. Camille’s objective for the Special Professional Fellows Program for Young Economic Empowerment Leaders is to enhance her capacity to create and deliver effective programs for women in her community. She hopes that her engagement with others who will participate in this Fellowship from other parts of the Pacific will provide new ideas for more programs for women and ideas and opportunities to strengthen and expand the Pohnpei Women Empowerment Association.
Akanesi Kaufusi, New Zealand/Tonga/Australia
Akanesi is the visionary founder behind Siuhuu, the leading online marketplace for Pacific Islanders. Launched in August 2022, Siuhuu stands as the largest platform dedicated to enabling Pacific Island people worldwide to buy and sell traditional products within a secure online environment.
Born and raised in Tonga, Akanesi's educational journey led her to New Zealand, where she completed a Bachelor of Applied Business Studies (Management) at Whitireia New Zealand, Wellington, in 2011, and a Bachelor of Theology at the University of Auckland in 2016. Her professional experience includes serving in the Ministry of Education in New Zealand in 2018 before relocating to Sydney in 2020. While working at the Bible Society of Australia, Akanesi furthered her skills by completing an online web development course as a front-end developer in 2022. Driven by her passion to start her entrepreneurial journey, she made the decision to leave her position at the Bible Society and dedicate herself to the development and success of Siuhuu.
Guided by the leadership philosophy that "Leadership is the capacity to translate a vision into reality," by Warren Bennis, Akanesi continues to lead Siuhuu with dedication and a commitment to providing the Pacific Island community worldwide with a safe and reliable platform to buy and sell traditional products online.
Lucie Kiafe, Papua New Guinea
My name is Lucie-Leilah hailing from Papua New Guinea.
“From Passion to Paycheck “ a motto I invented for myself in creating small business ventures for myself being a fresh graduate, looking for employment.
The motto was my motivation with the slogan “If you can’t find a job, Invent it”. Upon that after graduating and looking for jobs in various organizations that left me depressed , low self-esteem I decided to CREATE my own jobs. I started off with buying books at second hand shops to come up with something.
I watched countless “How to make money” videos on YouTube and finally decided to venture on this lonely path. My first side hustle was a tour operation business in my hometown, which I don’t get much but was happy it came out from my passion of traveling and meeting people.
Then I started a print on demand T-shirt business in my niche of agriculture, as I hold a bachelor in tropical agriculture. The business still exists but I added on few more businesses such as;
- Virtual assistant
- Social Media manager (managing business social media accounts)
- Social Media marketing consultant (for SME businesses)
- Student Business start-up consultant
Currently I do freelance social media marketing for SME businesses here in Papua New Guinea, and I do sessions for fresh graduates on how they can harness their passion/skill in earning from it whilst job hunting.
I have been to few universities talking to graduates on starting their small start up whilst in the house waiting for jobs.
My current office job is sales and marketing consultant for Asia Pacific Trading Services, a freight forwarding and shipping business where we assist SME businesses in the Pacific bring in bulk cargoes from China in growing their business. We assist in sourcing suppliers, customs clearance, freight forwarder, warehousing, and more. After hours of my office job, I give it to assisting graduates. Where I answer their emails, WhatsApp messages, LinkedIn messages just to get them feel that I understand their frustrations, and am with them on their journey.
I advocate on the motto “From Passion to Paycheck “ which the individual must first identify what they have already to earn an income from. Sundays at times I hold sessions for non tech savvy women who wants to do business online but lacks the knowledge. As a social media marketing manager for 5 years, I do open sessions on how to do sales using Facebook, creating and managing your account, best times to post, having a social media calendar etc
You can find most of the things I do on @LinkedIn and few on Facebook.
But my main focus is on advocating the young students on how they can create their own jobs, through sharing my experience, my challenges. Basically I give the road map. From all those I have grown my social media accounts to having 3000 plus graduates following me for advice, tips, one on one sessions, and sharing their stories with me. I love the idea that I can give back to these young people in a much bigger perspective if given the right support.
And I believe joining this Fellowship as a cohort will definitely push me to strive harder in reaching out to all the young graduates. We were taught how to work for somebody but NEVER on how to work for ourselves.
Yolène Koteureu, New Caledonia
Yolène Koteureu is currently responsible for stakeholder management in the CSR department of Eramet- SLN. Her role within the company is focused on contributing to the management of impact projects in the mining industry such as IRMA referencing and Human Rights compliance. Her mission is to contribute to the deployment of the CSR approach, which is a voluntary approach, involving a balance between economic, social and environmental issues in its activities and in the interactions with its stakeholders, proof of a permanent dialogue established.
She is a resource person for customary institutions in New Caledonia, where she has supported partners engaged in human rights and social inclusion issues. She has also worked in the fields of education, and has consulted for various organizations in the areas of intersectional discrimination and violence, gender, social inclusion and human rights. She has extensive experience in policy research and action, advocacy and lobbying, training and facilitation, technical assistance to government agencies, resource mobilization and project management.
Brian Mangi, Solomon Islands
In the vibrant realm of technology and education, meet Brian Mangi, a dedicated EduTech consultant hailing from the picturesque Solomon Islands. Beyond the realms of technology, Brian is first and foremost a devoted dad, infusing his passion for technology with a deep sense of family. With a keen eye for problem-solving, Brian thrives on challenges, navigating the dynamic intersection of entrepreneurship, web development, and IT consultancy.
As a seasoned network engineer, Brian's journey unfolds as a testament to his expertise in optimizing digital landscapes, especially within the context of educational advancement. Armed with certifications as a Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) and Certified Professional in Cloud Technology (CPCT), Brian is not merely a tech enthusiast but a skilled professional crafting innovative solutions.
What sets Brian apart is not just his technical prowess but his opportunistic mindset rooted in all the right reasons (not at the expense of ethics and morals though). His journey reflects not only a commitment to excellence but a genuine desire to seize opportunities that align with his vision of transformative change. A passionate techy at heart, Brian channels his skills to empower organizations, creating a symbiotic relationship between technology and business problems.
In the grand tapestry of his professional narrative, Brian Mangi emerges as more than just a tech expert; he is a problem solver, a family man, and an opportunist driven by a purposeful passion for leveraging technology to make a meaningful impact.
Trina Paroi, Solomon Islands
Halo Olgeta and Mahalo. My name is Trina Jayleen Paroi from the beautiful Solomon Islands. I am currently working as a senior youth development administrator for Youth Division under the Western Provincial Government.
I have been working in this division for almost 9years. I started off in year 2015 as a volunteer and slowly made my way up the cooperate ladder.
Dealing with issues of young people in the rural Solomon Islands in this generation is not for the faint-hearted and is not just a job; it's a total commitment, passion and a vocation I embrace wholeheartedly as a young person; exemplifying excellence, empathy, and a relentless commitment to advocate, design and integrate government policies, coordinate and foster an environment where young minds can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the best possible pathways for young people of rural Solomon Islands including those with disabilities and mental health issues.
I am also an entrepreneur myself, my partner and I owned a homebased digital printing business, Nunusa digital designs and printing which specializes in customized designs for products, signboards, cooperate wears, we also do bulk supply of school badges to rural schools in Solomon Islands at an affordable rate.
As a young entrepreneur, doing business in rural Solomon Islands environment is quite complex in dealing with economic marginalization, logistical bottlenecks, technological gaps, lack of reserve businesses for locals and complex accessibilities to financial opportunities. This experience has given me the motivation and strong-will, as a young person in this position to design tailored programs to advocate and implement policies and initiatives that resonates with the evolving needs of the younger generation to tackle the very high rate of unemployment, high school dropouts, upskill and engage the young human resource of Solomon Islands who are currently caught in the mass migration for labor- mobility initiatives Abroad.
I am currently exploring opportunities in e-commerce particular emphasis on digital marketing that can drive positive impact, high-valued engagement and sustainable economic growth for rural youths in Solomon Islands
I am so excited to be participating in this special professional fellowship program; it is indeed a rare opportunity and am anticipating to get the best out OF this program , learn and share with my fellow participants and of course contextualize what I learned to the local context when I return home.
Tikosaya Ledua Seyawa, Fiji
As a graduate from the Australia Pacific Technical College in Painting and Decorating in 2009, I embarked on a journey of continuous learning and professional growth. After gaining valuable experience in the working field, I pursued further training, attaining certification in Training and Assessment under the CERT IV in Training and Assessment program in 2016. With a solid foundation in painting and decorating, I ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing my own business in 2018, despite initial unfamiliarity with business operations. However, our determination and commitment led to significant strides, culminating in the registration of our business in 2022, following participation in various business and accelerator programs such as the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs that was sponsored by the State Department with the collaboration of Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC), Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) and US Embassy Suva, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), ILO's post-covid program, and Greenhouse Coworking for Creative-preneurs.
Driven by a passion for entrepreneurship and sustainable development, I actively engages in various initiatives and networks to stay informed and relevant in the dynamic business landscape. As a paid member of the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) and a member of the Women Entrepreneur Business Council (WEBC), under the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF), I remain at the forefront of emerging trends and opportunities in the local market. Our commitment to leadership development was further underscored by their participation in the 13 emerging pacific leaders program in Wellington, NZ, in March 2023 to May 2023, where they underwent a transformative 9-week program.
My dedication and innovative spirit were recognized on numerous occasions, notably winning the first prize in the climate change category at the “BizPitch” Competition in November 2023, sponsored by WEBC, FCEF, and Business Link Pacific. Following the completion of the Special Fellow program in February 2024, I returned to Fiji, continuing our mission of empowering communities through education and economic opportunities. Currently, we are spearheading an exchange program focused on upcycle awareness with grassroots women, aiming to establish an upcycle hub to support economic empowerment initiatives in the local community. With a steadfast commitment to sustainable development and entrepreneurship, we embody the spirit of innovation and positive change in Fiji and beyond.
La‘i Tautiaga, Samoa
La‘i is a seasoned accountant in the tax profession with nearly two decades of experience in the Finance sector. His career began at SamoaTel, where he quickly advanced to the position of Corporate Accounts Executive at Bluesky SamoaTel Ltd, showcasing his proficiency in meeting sales targets and establish strong client relationships.
Transitioning to the public sector, he spent eight years at the Ministry of Revenue where he served as a Community Compliance Officer and later as a Policy Performance and Business Improvement Consultant. In later role, Lai played a crucial part in shaping and evaluating policy frameworks, aligning with the ministry’s strategic objectives.
During his tenure, he developed a deep-seated passion for fostering business growth and promoting a sense of belonging among tax payers, emphasizing the importance of taxation in national development.
In 2019, Lai braved his journey on entrepreneurship, founding Lai Tautiaga Business and Tax Consultancy Services, where he utilizes his expertise to optimize business operations and provide invaluable guidance on tax matters with a commitment to excellence and client success.
Desmond Yaninen, Papua New Guinea
Des Yaninen is an award-winning business professional and social entrepreneur in Papua New Guinea. He is CEO of Pacifund, a multifaceted financial services firm and has served on boards of numerous leading firms in PNG including the Central Bank, Superannuation, Insurance. and Government Agencies.
He is credited for creating and driving several initiatives to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
He is also a regular columnist for PNG's oldest newspaper and appears in weekly podcasts. Des is the President of the Micro Small and Medium (MSME) Council of Papua New Guinea.
He has an interest in getting more youth and women involved in entrepreneurship.