Elenoa Suvewa Ratudradra believes that through hard work, sacrifice and unwavering faith in God, one can overcome any challenge or obstacle that comes their way.
Having been in the tourism and hospitality industry for more than a decade, Ms Ratudradra is the food and beverage supervisor at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort on Nadi’s Denarau Island.
Hailing from the village of Namotomoto in Nadi, she has deep roots connecting her to Nakabuta in Nadroga, a place known for its exquisite pottery.
The 43-year-old is married and has four children — two boys and two girls.
“My journey at Sheraton began back in 2004 when I joined as a temporary waiter at the Verandah Restaurant, a vibrant buffet setting where I honed my skills over a decade,” Ms Ratudradra said.
“In 2014, I moved to Wet Edge Restaurant where I spent five wonderful years immersed in the dynamic environment of food and beverage service.”
Ms Ratudradra said the unexpected challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 put her career on hold, but she was determined to return.
“In 2022 I rejoined Sheraton as a guest service agent, embracing every opportunity with enthusiasm and resilience.
“My hard work did not go unnoticed, and I was promoted to team leader in 2023, and then to supervisor this year.
“As I reflect on my journey, I feel immense pride in considering Sheraton my second home. This place has nurtured my growth and allowed me to flourish professionally and personally.”
Ms Radradra’s favourite outlet at the resort is Sega Na Leqa (SNL) where she enjoys the vibrant atmosphere and the chance to connect with guests and colleagues alike.
She acknowledges the Lord Almighty for his guidance and blessings in her life.
“First and foremost, I must acknowledge Almighty God. Without his guidance and blessings, I would not be where I am today.
“I also owe a debt of gratitude to my leaders who believed in me and entrusted me with greater responsibilities. Their mentorship has been invaluable on my journey.
“I firmly believe that through hard work, sacrifice and unwavering faith in God, one can overcome any challenge or obstacle that comes their way. Each day I find joy in serving and meeting new people, creating lasting memories for our guests while forging connections that enrich my life.”
Her advice to colleagues is to embrace their challenges and changes as opportunities for growth.
“Each experience is a chance to learn, adapt and become better at what we do. Together, let us continue to uplift one another and create a brighter future for ourselves and our community.
“Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Together, we can continue making Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort a place where every guest feels like they’re home.”
