In 2017, two years after Global Women established the working group that would blossom into the independent “for Pacific, by Pacific” internship programme, Anne Fitisemanu took the helm as Chief Executive of TupuToa.
Anne, a current Global Women member and alumna of our Breakthrough Leaders Programme, stepped into the role while TupuToa was still a small new organisation. Over the course of her tenure as Chief Executive, Anne demonstrated a profound commitment to TupuToa’s vision of nurturing Aotearoa New Zealand’s future Māori and Pacific leaders. Through her visionary, purpose-led leadership and deeply connected community building, the organisation has evolved into a thriving service provider.
Today, TupuToa has supported more than 1000 Māori and Pacific graduates into corporate and public service careers throughout the country. With nearly 200 partners spanning corporate, government, community, iwi and education sectors, the organisation now delivers a range of internships and programmes both globally and nationally.
The exceptional growth in reach, capacity and offerings that TupuToa experienced under Anne’s leadership is a testament to her commitment to empowering diversity, growing people, and serving the Māori and Pacific communities. She leaves the organisation with the strengths and gifts of her leadership woven into the fabric of its foundation.
Global Women is proud to congratulate Anne for her exceptional leadership of the organisation. She handed the rākau to Aroha Armstrong in August, to steer the TupuToa waka on the next leg of its journey.
Anne is now Chief Executive of Make-A-Wish Foundation and Board Chair of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation Board. She serves on the Boards of the National Deaf and Hard of Hearing Foundation, Plunket, and the Problem Gambling Foundation.