Business and Education

Sera Naiqama
Sera Naiqama is real gem and we’re proud to bring you her story. As a young Pacific woman, she’s stepping up to make a difference – whether it be as a model, rugby player, student or as a leader for other young people in her church. Earlier today she opened up to talk about what’s most important to her, what motivates her and her words of wisdom to young people wanting to make their mark in the world.

Ethnic Model Management
Since it’s launch earlier this year, Ethnic Model Management has already begun to chip away at their long term goal of breaking the stereotypical image of beauty in our society. We caught up with the founder of Ethnic Model Management, Terry-Ann Lapa. Here she shares the story of her company, the challenges ethnic models face and her advice for young and aspiring ethnic models. (Photo credit: Raiyne Kim Photography and model Veniana Natekuru)

Pulemau Savusa
Through Talanoa, we’ve had the opportunity to connect with young Pacific people across the globe, with huge dreams, ambition, intelligence and talent, and Pulemau Savusa is one of them. At the age of 20, she’s led by her faith, passion in education, and her heart for helping Pacific students reach their full potential. We’re proud to share her story and her vision for creating better opportunities for Pacific youth within her community in Seattle, Washington. (Story by Talanoa Intern, Salote Tunidau)

Meliame Tauali’i-Fifita
Here at Talanoa, we believe in looking to those who have walked before us for inspiration and encouragement, and because of that, we’re honoured to share Meliame Tauali’i-Fifita’s story. She shows us that you can still care for a large family while chasing your dream, and that even though things don’t work out just as you’ve planned, it sometimes mean it’ll work out to be even better than what you could’ve imagined. (Story by Talanoa Intern, Ilisapesi Muliaina)

Jannike Seiuli 
What drew us to Jannike and inspired us to reach out to her was this – not only is she an event management super star, she’s talented, gifted, a mother, wife and passionate about performing arts and our Pacific youth. Following in the footsteps of her parents while being motivated by her husband and two sons to chase  her dream, she’s sacrificed a lot to be where she is today. She shows us that through hard work and determination you really can have it all, regardless of what your ‘all’ might mean. 

Tu’uhevaha Kaitu’u-Lino and Medical Research
We’re honoured to bring you the story of Tu’uhevaha Kaitu’u-Lino and her work as a medical research scientist. Between finding a cure for disease, writing reports, public speaking and running a family, Tu’uhevaha took time to talk to us about her journey and the challenges and highlights she’s experienced along the way.  (Story by Talanoa Intern, Ilisapesi Muliaina).

Dr Vanisha Mishra-Vakaoti
After many of our interviews, we walk away having learnt something about young Pacific people who are doing amazing work in their communities and with their lives. After this interview with Dr Vanisha Mishra-Vakaoti, I learnt something about myself. I realised just how much I believe in perseverance, determination, the importance of pursuing a work that is meaningful (even when it doesn’t make sense to anyone else), and the true definition of diversity, of family, and what it means to be a Pacific Islander. I hope Vanisha’s story inspires, educates and motivates you to be a better person, and to follow your dreams, just as it did for me. (Story covered by Arieta Tora).

Steven Sisifa and Medical School 
After reading our story on Dr Tu’uhevaha Kaitu’u-Lino, Steven (Veni) Sisifa wrote to us in the hope of encouraging more people to pursue a career in medicine. As young Pacific people, many of us dream of growing up to become a doctor, only to be let down by a society that makes us feel as if we’re incapable of reaching such heights. Well Steven, along with many others, are living proof that it is possible, and isn’t just for the minority. It’s for those of us who aren’t afraid to dream big, and put in the hard work and sacrifice required. We hope his story broadens your perception of medicine and academia in general, and inspires you to follow your dream, however big it may be. 

Varanisese Nalewadamu Rogoimuri
With a law degree under her belt, Varanisese Rogoimuri is young, ambitious and ready to make a difference. In the last 12 months, she’s graduated from university, established a nonprofit organisation, been an advocate for domestic violence victims and young Fijians, and most recently, founded her own small business. It’s hard to imagine that as a child, Varanisese and her siblings often went without food, as her parents struggled to provide for their young family. She says she often looks to those childhood memories as motivation, and hopes that above all, her story inspires at least one person to push forward to achieve their dreams.

Amy Maslen-Miller, a Samoan Scientist
We love how passionate Amy is about challenging and redefining Pacific stereotypes. She understands these stereotypes through experience, and says that she’s often on the receiving end of confused looks as she defies the typical definition of a Pacific person in her community. Her diversity is one of her greatest assets, and as she continues to navigate through her dream of being a Samoan Scientist, her drive and dedication to making a difference is stronger than ever. We’re proud to share her story. 

Julia Arnott-Neenee
Julia Arnott-Neenee is one of a kind. A recent graduate from the University of Canterbury, she’s landed scholarships across the globe, won finalist awards in competitions, led major research projects and secured positions at international award-winning advertising agencies. She gives back to her community through volunteering, humanitarian work and mentoring of fellow Pacific students. Despite her wonderful list of achievements, Julia is one of the most down-to-earth young women I have ever met. She loves a laugh, is an avid sportswoman, a travel bug, and enjoys her down-time when she’s all alone, curled up with a good book. She says her blended culture taught her how to accept her whole self, rather than choosing to be an academic over a sportswoman, or a professional versus a kind and conscious human being. We love her story, and hope you enjoy our talanoa with her too.