Sala Tupou
I am a daughter of Lomaloma, Vanuabalavu, Lau in Fiji and a proud nau (mother) to my 18 year old son, Tegumailagi. I describe myself as a social development practitioner with over 25 years of experience in the Pacific working with Pacific Governments and Civil Society Organizations. I have formal postgraduate qualifications in sociology and governance from the region’s University of the South Pacific.
I am a student of leadership and currently serve as Programme Manager, Pacific Women Lead, in the Human Rights and Social Development Division of the Pacific Community (SPC). I love to listen and cheer my susas (sisters), the sons and daughters of the Pacific who make up to 50% of our national populations, on their leadership journey.
I have witnessed individual pilgrimages of curiosity, of doubt, of belief and hope, and of pursuit. I have cheered the ebbs and flows of leadership praxis, always believing that “when the student is ready, the teacher arrives,” in the words of John C. Maxwell.
I truly believe this is the unlocked power in each of us, the self realization of greatness, the need for community to step out and to step up, and the reality of doubt, the frailties of the human spirit. It is one’s faith that makes, defines, clarifies, and anchors our leadership DNA.
Students of leadership are not limited by their age, experience, or expertise; we are learners on a growth journey. We serve with grit, with care and candor, with courage, and by placing a “10” on others every opportunity we get.
I would love the opportunity to cheer you on your leadership pilgrimage.
Area of Expertise: Leading Self First, Faith, Solo Parenting, Social Justice.
Favorite Quote:
“Would you follow you?"
”Know your WHY and own your YES!"
Meet More of Our Dedicated Team Members
Dr Ate Moala is Tongan with over 40 years of experience in the health sector, serving as a clinician in hospitals and primary care settings in both New Zealand and Tonga. Her life’s work reflects a deep calling to serve, heal, and strengthen Pacific people—both in body and in spirit.
Alisi hails from Fiji and is married to James Panuve from Tonga, where they currently live. They have three adult children and three grandchildren. Alisi was instrumental in organizing the Tonga 2023 LLS Legacy Leadership Symposium and the Kingdom’s first Family Conference in October 2024.
Christine(Chris) Nurminen has a pioneering spirit and is a Pacific development executive with extensive governance and management experience in the not-for-profit sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. She is Tongan and the Director of Manava Partners – a consultancy she and her sister co-founded based on seeing the need to support Pacific women to lead. Using her MA(Hons) in Education, Chris has served as a CEO for a Crown-appointed charity, served as Chair on various charitable Boards and she now consults Pacific organizations to support strategy, funding and professional development. Chris values partnerships and the interface between Pacific and Māori women in protecting Pacific languages and cultural identities. She is married with two young children and is a published children’s book author.
Serve With Us
We welcome individuals who want to uplift communities and contribute to meaningful leadership work. Join our team and help shape a brighter future for the Pacific.
