“E iloa le Tautai matapalapala i aso leaga”. The ability of the lead fisherman (Tautai) to chart the course during rough seas to bring the crew back to land, safely. Leading with intent to support the people in our service.
Sulutumu hails from the villages of Solosolo, Luatuanu’u, Vailoa Aleipata and Leone Amerika Samoa. She has held numerous leadership and Pacific advisory roles across government, philanthropy, and the not-for-profit sectors.
She worked at the Department of Internal Affairs for 15 years in various roles, including management, and led Pacific strategic projects. At Foundation North, she led the Grant Funding Team and was instrumental in the development of their Pacific Strategy (2014-2019). She has also served on governance boards and has directed targeted initiatives to improve educational, health and social outcomes for Pacific people.
Sulutumu ran her own consultancy business and worked with organisations, including Manukau Institute of Technology, Unitec, Signature Homes, Auckland War Memorial Museum and Emerge Aotearoa. She has an MBA from Southern Cross University and is a member of the Institute of Directors.
Her work is driven by her passion for social justice, equity and service. Serving the Pacific community in this leadership role, is a “calling” she accepts with respect and humility.