Adi Mariana Waqa
Mickleham,VIC
Summary
Lifelong children's advocate for education and safety. A dedicated student of Theology, actively seeking to apply theory into practice through community and church engagement. Has a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain excellent communication and relationships across diverse demographics, cultures, and religious beliefs. Committed to championing Child Protection & Safeguarding in the Pacific region. Steadfast in utilizing skills to advance the mission of literacy and child well-being through education initiatives. A well-rounded and professional team player who is dedicated to achieving strategized results collaboratively while also possessing the capability to work effectively and autonomously.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Ecumenical Enabler for Child Protection & Empowerment
Pacific Conference Of Churches
01.2020 - 12.2023
- Led the establishment of PCC's inaugural Regional Child Protection & Empowerment Desk in collaboration with UNICEF.
- Implemented pilot programs in Fiji, the Marshall Islands, and the Solomon Islands, conducting regional, national, and community-based trainings focused on combating violence against children through attitudinal and behavioural shifts.
- Formulated culturally and biblically grounded messaging on the well-being, growth, and safeguarding of children from violence and exploitation within PCC-affiliated churches.
- Secured official endorsement to establish the program at PCC's 2023 General Assembly, ensuring its expansion into five additional Pacific nations with increased funding from UNICEF.
- Developed comprehensive regional training modules for Pacific churches, facilitated programmes in child protection, policy advocacy, and preventative measures at local, national, and regional levels.
- Contributed to organizational objectives by collaborating across government and organisational sectors to address systemic challenges that contribute towards child violence cases.
Kaulotu Magazine Editor & Communications
Missionary Society of St. Columban
06.2018 - 12.2019
- Managed online communications for the Society, covering events for the Archdiocese
- Published six editions of the Kaulotu Magazine while enhancing the online presence of the Columban Mission Society in Fiji and the Pacific region.
- Authored and edited articles that covered national events for the Catholic Archdiocese
- Maintained communication with Fijian missionaries across South East Asia, South America, and the United States
- Supported Mission, Inter-Religious Dialogue, Climate Change, and Youth/Children's programs
- Accompanied priests on parish and community visitations.
Writer
Pacific Women's Network
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Interviewed women from rural and urban communities throughout Fiji and wrote monthly articles that were circulated on an online magazine with over 190,000 readers.
- Collaborated with an editor to refine drafts, ensuring consistent tone and style across various platforms.
- Conducted thorough research on diverse topics, producing well-informed pieces that resonated with readers.
Exam Auditor
New South Wales Board of Studies
10.2016 - 11.2017
- Audited Exam Papers for HSC (Years 11 and 12) students throughout New South Wales.
- Maintained confidentiality, handling sensitive information discreetly throughout all stages of the audit process.
Voluntary Communication's Officer
Methodist Church of Fiji & Rotuma
02.2017 - 09.2017
- Worked and travelled with the Methodist Church of Fiji's Communications Team
- Authored articles for the Church's quarterly newsletter “Na iTabe”
- Provided editorial support to the communications office
Library Assistant
Camden Theological Library
03.2016 - 09.2016
- Located library materials, resources and technologies to assist students, faculty, and the public with their research
- Handled check-in and check-out process of library books and materials at circulation desk.
- Assisted with the system change to an online data-base for centuries old documents and church record books
- Organized library shelves, materials and equipment in clear, alphabetized order.
Reservations Manager
Taj Hotels & Palaces - Blue Sydney Hotel
11.2009 - 01.2013
- Managed and closed reservation calls to increase bookings by maintaining strong knowledge of resort products, services, and facilities.
- Managed corporate and VIP accounts while assisting the Sales Executives and Rooms Division Manager with group and event bookings
- Worked to the highest standards of customer service and branding quality as a member of the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) luxury brand.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing reservations and providing exceptional service.
- Provided high level of customer service to each person by engaging customer and using active listening and effective interpersonal skills.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently handling incoming calls and addressing inquiries.
Front Office, Night Auditor, Food & Beverage, and Housekeeping
Intercontinental Hotel Group - Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport
01.2003 - 07.2009
- Interacted with customers by phone, email, or in-person to provide information. Streamlined the check-in and check-out process for guests, ensuring a smooth experience during overnight hours.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, ensuring accountability and proper financial reporting at the end of each shift.
- Assisted management with administrative tasks such as data entry, filing, and report generation as required.
- Completed night audit for guest ledgers to close bank and cash registers, reconciling issues quickly, and marking discrepancies.
- Handled emergency situations calmly and professionally, keeping guest safety as the top priority at all times.
Education
Bachelor of Theology - Systematic Theology And Old Testament Studies
Charles Sturt University - United Theological College
New South Wales06.2016
Skills
- Safeguarding and Child Protection Knowledge
- Advocacy for Children and Families
- Child Safety and Welfare
- Child and adolescent mentoring
- Mental health awareness
- Multicultural Sensitivity
- Small Group Facilitation
- Innovative thinking
- Teamwork and Cooperation
- Active Learning
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Writing and verbal communication
- Office Administration
- Community Outreach
Websites
- https://www.insights.uca.org.au/college-students-awarded-for-excellence/%20
- https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/documents/becoming-disciples-transforming-the-world-keynote-message-by-adi-mariana-waqa
- https://www.oikoumene.org/news/young-theologian-calls-for-revolutionary-reform-of-mission
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n43LiZcDZik&t=23s
- https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/documents/seven-weeks-for-water-2020-week-3-feminization-of-wate
- https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/03/05/mariana-waqa
- https://www.librariesaotearoa.org.nz/vunilagi-book-club-in-fiji.html
Accomplishments
- Founder of Vunilagi Book Club, Suva, 12/2017, Present, Children's book club promoting books and literacy within an informal settlement and rural communities in Fiji. Sustainable children's programme in a red-zone community with reading sessions, online reading during Covid lockdowns, community service through local and international networks. VBC was a recipient of the 2021 Young Pacific Leaders' Grant by the US Embassy - devices were purchased to provide online access to educational classes for children in a settlement and rural community due to Covid lockdowns. Articles in the Fiji Times, Fiji Sun Newspapers, and Social Media. Book donations and village visitations around Fiji. Partnerships with local, regional, and international organisations – Vunilagi Book Club is now a registered charity trust in Fiji.
- Conference on World Mission and Evangelism, Arusha (Tanzania), 03/2018, 03/2018, Keynote Message – Mission from the Margins (view link for details)
- Changing Faces Women's Leadership Programme, Honolulu (Hawaii), 07/2019, 07/2019, Participated in a leadership programme for Asia/Pacific women that focused on learning from your past; strength finding; team building and creative thinking; unconscious bias and networking; active listening; and building confidence
- Published Academic Essay, Atlanta, 12/2020, 12/2020, "Reading Ecclesiastes from Asia and Pasifika, " Edited by Jione Havea and Peter H. W. Lau. “Sophia, Untameable like Moana: An Oceanic Reading of Sirach 24 with Ecclesiastes 7:10–12,” p. 85.
References
- Rev. James S. Bhagwan, jamesb@pcc.org.fj, Pacific Conference of Churches
- Dr. Nicholas Halter, nicholas.halter@usp.ac.fj, University of the South Pacific & Vunilagi Book Club
- Assoc. Professor Ben Myers, ben.myers@ac.edu.au, +61 412 442 703, Millis Institute (Brisbane, Australia)
- Fr. Frank Hoare, fhoare@gmail.com, +679 7614438 Missionary Society of St Columban
Timeline
Ecumenical Enabler for Child Protection & Empowerment
Pacific Conference Of Churches
01.2020 - 12.2023
Kaulotu Magazine Editor & Communications
Missionary Society of St. Columban
06.2018 - 12.2019
Writer
Pacific Women's Network
01.2018 - 12.2018
Voluntary Communication's Officer
Methodist Church of Fiji & Rotuma
02.2017 - 09.2017
Exam Auditor
New South Wales Board of Studies
10.2016 - 11.2017
Library Assistant
Camden Theological Library
03.2016 - 09.2016
Reservations Manager
Taj Hotels & Palaces - Blue Sydney Hotel
11.2009 - 01.2013
Front Office, Night Auditor, Food & Beverage, and Housekeeping
Intercontinental Hotel Group - Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport
01.2003 - 07.2009
Bachelor of Theology - Systematic Theology And Old Testament Studies
Charles Sturt University - United Theological College
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