Empowering voices
WITH just a month away from this year’s Women Invigorating the Nation (WIN) Convention, the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council is thrilled to unveil three more remarkable female speakers who will grace the event. These speakers are pioneers in their respective fields, and their stories promise to inspire and enlighten all attendees at the convention.
Cathy Wong
Cathy Wong, a distinguished humanitarian scientist, has dedicated her life to the betterment of society through her remarkable contributions in physiotherapy, sports leadership, and governance. Her journey began in 1984 when she graduated from the Fiji School of Medicine as a physiotherapist. Over the years, she has left an indelible mark, setting up clinics, serving clients nationally and globally, and founding the Fiji Physiotherapy Association.
In the realm of sports leadership, Ms Wong founded the FASANOC Medical Commission in 1984 and has been the Oceania Region sports medicine consultant since 1998. Her exceptional leadership as the chef de mission for Team Fiji in various international events, including the 2016 Rio Olympic Games where Fiji won its first Gold medal, showcases her ability to create a professional team culture.
Beyond sports, Ms Wong has demonstrated her commitment to leadership and governance. As the first woman elected as president of the Fiji Allied Health Society in 2012, she implemented crucial healthcare policies. Her role in disaster response as the president of Fiji Red Cross during Cyclone Winston in 2016 exemplifies her ability to lead in challenging situations.
Ms Wong is a recipient of numerous awards, including the International Olympic Committee Volunteer of the Year and the Fiji Olympic Order. They are a testament to her outstanding contributions. Her strategic leadership, evident in her appointment to the World Rugby Council and various committees, ensures a lasting impact on the global sports landscape. Ms Wong’s journey is an inspiring narrative of dedication, leadership and excellence.
Captain Seini Koroitamana-Cornish
Ms Koroitamana-Cornish, a trailblazing aviator, currently holds the prestigious position of a captain at Fiji Airways, commanding the Airbus fleet with grace and expertise. With an impressive tenure of 18 years at Fiji Airways, her journey in the skies is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for aviation. Ms Koroitamana-Cornish aviation odyssey commenced with Sun Flower Airlines, later rebranded as Sun Air, where she took her initial steps into the world of flying. Ms KoroitamanaCornish’s commitment to her craft and her relentless pursuit for excellence paved the way for a remarkable career trajectory.
Her years of experience have not only solidified her technical skills but have also positioned her as a role model for aspiring pilots, especially women, in the male-dominated field of aviation.
Achieving the rank of captain after six years speaks volumes about Ms Koroitamana-Cornish’s resilience and leadership qualities. In a field that demands precision, expertise, and constant adaptability, she has not only met but exceeded expectations, earning the respect and admiration of her peers.
As a captain on the Airbus fleet, Ms Koroitamana-Cornish continues to soar to new heights, both literally and figuratively.
Her story serves as an inspiration for those who dare to dream, breaking barriers and defying stereotypes. Ms KoroitamanaCornish’s remarkable journey in the cockpit reflects not only her personal achievements but also her contribution to shattering glass ceilings in the aviation industry.
Dr Krupali Tappoo
Dr Krupali Tappoo, an accomplished Australian qualified specialist general practitioner, brings a wealth of experience from her extensive tenure in the Australian health system. With a diverse background spanning various departments, including cardiology, paediatrics, psychiatry and more, Dr Tappoo has honed her skills and knowledge in different medical domains.
Having successfully completed her fellowship in General Practice and obtained additional qualifications in Child Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health, Dr Tappoo has positioned herself as a leading expert in women’s and children’s health, mental health, and the management of acute and chronic diseases.
In 2016, driven by a profound sense of duty, she returned to her homeland Fiji, to contribute to the well-being of her fellow Fijians. Dr Tappoo currently serves as the medical coordinator and member of the executive committee for the Sai Prema Foundation, in addition to being the medical director of the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Medical Centre since 2018. Her commitment to philanthropy is further evidenced by her directorial role at the Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital.
Beyond her charitable endeavours, Dr Tappoo runs her own practice, TappooCity Medical Centre, where she carries on the legacy of one of Fiji’s esteemed GPs. As a UN panel physician and an immigration panel physician, she extends her expertise beyond clinical practice.
A versatile professional, Dr Tappoo is also a prolific writer, contributing medical articles to various publications, fostering health awareness in Fiji. Her dedication and impact on the community have garnered numerous accolades, including the Fiji Sun person of the year in 2019, the Women in Business Social entrepreneur of the year award in 2022, and the International Excellence Award at the House of Commons British Parliament in 2023. A loving mother of two daughters, Dr Tappoo continues to be a beacon of inspiration in both the medical and philanthropic spheres.