Board of Directors for Tonga Women in ICT

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TWICT Board Members (Inaugural)

Dr. Tangikina Moimoi Steen

Chairlady - Dr. Tangikina Moimoi Steen

Dr. Tangikina Moimoi Steen is the former CEO for the Ministry of Education and Training and the inaugural Vice Chancellor of Tonga National University. Originally from Tatakamotonga and Kolonga, she is a passionate reader and a dedicated advocate for education and women in tech. Dr. Steen currently serves as the Chairlady of Tonga Women in ICT (TWICT), leading with wisdom, vision, and heart.

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Board Director - Mr. GeorgeTonga

Mr. George Tonga is a tech entrepreneur and the owner of Connect Limited, a leading ICT business in Tonga. As a TWICT Board Director, he actively supports women in tech and advocates for inclusive digital growth. Passionate about building local capacity, George trains and mentors Tongans in the tech space. Outside of work, he enjoys swimming and DJing in his free time.

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Board Director & Legal Advisor - Ms. Silivia ‘Atiola

Ms. Silivia ‘Atiola is a seasoned lawyer and Legislative Counsel at the Legislative Assembly of Tonga. With deep expertise in lawmaking and governance, she serves as TWICT’s legal advisor and a strong advocate for women and girls in leadership. Silivia is passionate about mentoring young girls, supporting them through exposure to Parliament and legal spaces. She previously served on the Boards of the Tonga Netball Association and the Women in Law Association, further reflecting her commitment to women’s development across sectors. Through TWICT, she continues to share her legal skills and guidance to empower the next generation of leaders.

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Board Director - Mrs. Pateli Vailea

Mrs. Pateli is one of the original co-founders of TWICT, part of the very first coffee conversation that sparked its formation in 2018. With over 17 years of teaching experience, she continues to empower youth and communities by delivering training sessions through TWICT. Now working at the Bank of the South Pacific, she remains a dedicated supporter of TWICT’s mission, blending her passion for education with her commitment to digital empowerment.

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Founder - Ms. Seluvaia Kauvaka

Seluvaia Kauvaka is the Founder and President of Tonga Women in ICT (TWICT). A passionate advocate for digital empowerment, she leads TWICT’s mission to bridge the gender gap in technology across Tonga. With a background in engineering and years of experience in both government and civil society, Seluvaia champions innovation, inclusion, and capacity-building for women and youth in tech.

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Board Director | Co-Founder, Ms. Mele Manitisa

Ms. Mele Manitisa is one of the original co-founders of TWICT and has been with the organization since Day 1. She currently serves as a Principal Statistician at Tonga’s Statistics Department and is also a sitting Board Member of PICISOC. Mele brings a deep passion for data analytics, digital development, and the power of ICT to transform Tonga. Her leadership continues to drive major projects for TWICT, with a strong commitment to empowering women and building a data-smart Tonga.

Advisory Board

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Mr. Tevita Vaha'i - Board Advisor

Mr. Tevita Vaha‘i serves as a trusted Board Advisor for TWICT, bringing with him extensive experience in the financial sector, having worked with the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) and the Bank of the South Pacific (BSP). He is deeply involved in community development and serves on multiple boards across Tonga. Tevita currently runs his own business consultancy, Faith Consultation, where he provides financial literacy training, advisory services, and business support. His guidance strengthens TWICT’s strategic and financial direction.

Mrs Mele Filiai Tonata - Co Founder

Mrs Mele Filiai Tonata - Co Founder

Mrs. Mele Filiai Tonata is a proud co-founder and Board Advisor of TWICT. With many years of experience in the Ministry of Finance, she now brings her expertise to the Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC). A passionate programmer with extensive coding skills, Mele is deeply committed to mentoring young women in tech. She continues to be a driving force in training and building capacity for TWICT through her love for technology and service to the community.

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Mr. Stan 'Ahio - Board Advisor

Mr. Stan 'Ahio has been a dedicated supporter and mentor of TWICT for many years. As a Director in the Communications Department, he consistently supports the work of women in tech and ICT space. Hhe shares TWICT’s vision and has opened doors for training opportunities, including international exposure for our members. A strong advocate for ICT and innovation, Mr. 'Ahio plays a key role in empowering the next generation in the digital space.

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Mrs Fositina Kama Pekipaki - Board Adviser

Mrs. Fositina Kama Pekipaki brings years of experience as a former ICT, Chemistry, and Math teacher. She now serves as the MEAL Officer at the Project Management Unit for Save the Children under the Ministry of Education and Training. At TWICT, she plays a vital role in facilitating STEM activities, leading community outreach, and supporting the development of training modules. Her deep passion for education and her dedication to empowering young minds make her an invaluable part of the TWICT Advisory board.

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Mrs Kolosia Kengike - Co Founder

Mrs. Kolosia Kengike is one of the original co-founders of TWICT, driven by a strong belief in the power of women in ICT. She currently works at the Public Service Commission (PSC) and is pursuing further studies in Japan, continuing to build her skills and network in the tech space. Kolosia is passionate about empowering young girls in ICT, and she remains actively involved in mentoring and supporting TWICT’s mission from wherever she is in the world.

TWICT STAFF

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Ms. Selafine Liava'a - Junior Project Officer

Selafine Liava‘a is a youthful and passionate new team member at TWICT, serving as our Junior Project Officer. Eager to learn and grow, she brings fresh energy and commitment to our mission. Selafine is excited to build her capacity in the ICT space, contribute to community impact, and gain hands-on experience while supporting TWICT’s projects and outreach efforts.

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Ms. Mele Tavake - Cyber Security Officer (STAFF)

Mele Tavake is TWICT’s Cyber Security & IT Officer, supporting a wide range of activities from STEM programs to Cyber Safety awareness campaigns across Tonga. A passionate and driven youth, Mele is deeply in love with the field of Cyber Security and is currently pursuing her studies with CUP University. Mele brings energy, skill, and a bold vision for the future of ICT in our communities.

Hub Coordnator

Mrs. Etiola Mafi - Hub Coordinator

Etiola Mafi is the Hub Coordinator at TWICT, managing the daily logistics and operations of the office. While supporting all administrative needs, she is also handling the organization's finances as we build our finance team. A proud mother of two, Etiola has a passion for learning new skills and connecting with the community, always bringing warmth and dedication to our training sessions and outreach programs.