Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Why would you like to be chief?

As an early adopter – joined in March/April 2006 and a member of the “1st 500” to join – I’ve been captivated with the combination of social networking (yup a bit of a geek), sustainability (still needs SO much more awareness in the world), and celebrating, preserving, honoring the Fijian culture.

I believe my experiences here on Vorovoro (2008 and 2009) combined with my love of travel, meeting people of different cultures, management skills and love of life will make me an excellent candidate.

On a personal, self-serving level – I feel that there is still so much more I can learn and offer both team Fiji as well as visiting tribe members.

What, other than your skills, makes you he right person for this role?

a) I’m well traveled and really enjoy sharing experiences and showing new folks the joy and beauty of a new travel experience. If I don’t make Chief – I do want to let everyone know that I love to host guests here in Boston and consider myself a hostess with the most-ess – so don’t hesitate to contact me for a place to stay and an awesome tour should you find yourself traveling my way.

b) Managing budgets – as a marketer and video producer for more years than I would like to admit – I’ve managed budgets up to $1.5 million USD. My computer and Excel is all I need to keep things moving smoothly finacially.

c) Having been a visiting tribemember two years in a row – I have an understanding of the importance of engaging not just the visiting tribe members – but connecting to Team Fiji.

d) I have a unique love of life and would love to go down in Vorovoro history as the oldest Chief as well as the first “Singing Chief” :)

e) As a manager of many people in “real” life – I like to think I’ve worked to earn the respect of others by leading by example and keeping lines of communication open – I consider myself a non-confrontational negotiator with high success rate.

What would you like to achieve as chief?

I think as a potential incoming Chief it is natural to want to “do everything”. I would first have to meet with the project director, Ben, etc. to see where the priorities lie. I might want to build a changing area outside of new Vale – but sustainability and survival may need to focus on fixing the Dam and working on the Bio-gas and water de-salination projects.

If I had only one thing (ok two things) that I would like to accomplish as Chief they would be:

a) Working with team Fiji on SEO/SEM and other types of online marketing (my specialty) to get awarness out to other parts of the world. Tribewanted is considered an unknown in the States and I know there is a lot of (potentially) low cost initiatives that could get us on the map there.

b) Labasa Recycle Initiative. This is HUGE and potentially more of a challenge – but with the help of Tui Mali – perhaps we could at least create a task force that would commit to meet regulary to address this issue of all the trash that ends up in the sea (and ultimately on Vorovoro).

c) Ok – I said two – but I thought of another – making Vorovoro a showcase for sustainability and inviting members of other islands to see what and how we are doing to be sustainable and hopefully influencing them to try some of the things we are doing successfully.

Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I have a semi[professional background in acting and singing and would love to be known as the Singing Chief :) I’m a meke maven – I love to perform on camera and if you check out the word “meke” on U-tube or check out my blogs you will see some of my instructional videos.

I jogged with former president Bill Clinton at a Founder’s Day event in Little Rock, Arkansas.

I have sky-dived over Las Vegas tied (tandem) to a flying Elvis.

I have other “interesting” stories – shhhhhhhh all those who heard the campfire stories – but hopefully you will vote for me so you can hear them in person :)

In one sentence, why should the tribe elect you as chief?

You can leave Vorovoro – but Vororo never leaves you – I can only hope to pass on the love and passion I have for my new found family.

Cast your vote now!