Women’s program ‘life-changing’ for Seini Fisi’ihoi
In 2014 Seini Fisi’ihoi took part in the Global Women in Management conference in Port Moresby – the first time the conference had ever been hosted by Papua New Guinea.
She describes the experience as the most constructive four weeks of her life and says that the lessons learned and bonds formed with other participants were life-changing.
Growing up in Kimbe in West New Britain, Seini dreamed about doing ‘everything’, but in high school an interest in science and medicine saw her narrow her focus and led her to attend the University of Papua New Guinea studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biology.
Over the years, she held various roles in administration, sales, finance and advocacy before taking on a role with Transparency International, an organisation committed to tackling corruption around the world.
Seini was working with Transparency International when she applied to the GWIM program, in a role related to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative – a multi-stakeholder group responsible for overseeing the PNG Government’s compliance.
Today Seini works in the private sector as a Learning and Talent Development Manager and travels throughout PNG delivering training and development programs to staff.
Seini says the GWIM training was practical and relatable, easily shared with others afterwards and the simple tips and tricks have contributed greatly to her subsequent success in the corporate world.
On a personal note, the relationships formed with other participants during the conference opened Seini’s eyes to the realities of life in other parts of PNG.
Post GWIM, Seini joined other GWIM alumni to form the Advancing PNG: Women Leaders Network to ensure that the group could continue to provide support and guidance to one another. As a network member, Seini provides administrative and financial advice.
She is a passionate supporter of alumni programs and wants to see more Papua New Guinea’s stepping up into leadership roles across all industries.
It is Seini’s hope that the next generation of girls and boys will grow up dreaming about becoming good leaders within their chosen field and is doing her part to inspire that dream – working towards her personal goal of becoming one of PNG’s leading executive trainers within the next decade.
In addition to her professional role and her role with the network, Seini is also a member of several clubs and volunteers for a number of not-for-profit organisations and events.
In 2016 Seini was named the Papua New Guinean recipient of a Queen’s Young Leaders Award. This award recognises exceptional young people from across the Commonwealth who are taking the lead in their communities and using their skills to transform lives. Seini was presented with this award by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in London.