In the Pacific, climate change is a lived reality amongst our nations. Rising seas, stronger cyclones, disappearing shorelines and shifting weather patterns continue to reshape life for communities across our islands.
For Fiji and the wider region, climate resilience is essential to our survival, our identity, and our future. This has been the driving force behind Pacific peoples, grounded in culture, faith and collective strength, who are stepping forward to lead the solutions our region urgently needs.
Driven by an unwavering commitment to help build a climate-resilient future, Nimaya Frances Serevi is one such emerging leader. Her passion lies in turning knowledge into action and ensuring that Pacific communities, especially in Fiji, are equipped with strategies that protect lives and livelihoods.
Frances, as she is fondly known, recently achieved a significant milestone by graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma in Climate Change from the Centre of Sustainable Futures at The University of the South Pacific (USP). This achievement builds on her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, which she graduated from in 2023.
But life had more in store for Frances. In 2024, she married her long-time partner, national rugby player Tevita Ikanivere, and welcomed their son, Tevita Junior. Amid these joyful milestones, she remained deeply committed to her academic journey, which she described as rewarding, faith-filled and far from easy.
"The journey wasn’t easy at all, but I thank God for bringing me this far," Frances shared.
"I know I wouldn’t be here today without my village – my family, my husband, and my son. They’ve been supporting me behind the scenes."
The flexibility of her USP programme allowed her to balance motherhood and study. "Everything was done online, and the teaching assistants and lecturers were very flexible. That made all the difference.”
As a student-mother, Frances learned the power of grounding herself in what mattered most.
"If I have to share one thing from my experience, it’s the importance of spiritual wellbeing. Once that is okay, everything else falls into place. Having a strong support system, who are your spouse, your family, your friends, is so important. And you still need to connect with them to reset and refocus." The proud Vanua Balavu native lives by the belief that there is no substitute for hard work.
"When you set your mind on something, you work towards it, you pray about it, you submit your goals to God, and everything will fall into place.” Currently based in Japan, Frances is preparing for the next chapter in her academic journey.
"I'm a full-time mother to a one-year-old and expecting our second baby soon. I’m planning to pursue my Master’s in Climate Change with USP after I give birth."
"I would like to do work in the area of climate change adaptation, particularly focused on developing and implementing climate resilient strategies for Fiji and Pacific Island communities. I'm passionate about contributing to solutions that enhance climate resilience and support sustainable development.”
Frances Serevi’s story is one of perseverance, faith and purpose. At a time when the Pacific needs more climate champions, she stands ready to serve, guided by her roots, strengthened by her family, and inspired by her calling to protect the region she calls home.
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