FROM the shores of Naweni in Cakaudrove to community halls in the United States and remote islands across the Pacific, Hosanna Noelle-Leilani Kabakoro’s journey has been defined by one constant — service.
Raised in the close-knit village of Naweni, she grew up surrounded by values of community, resilience and collective responsibility. Those lessons, learned long before awards and international recognition came her way, continue to shape her work today.
Known as a humanitarian, journalist and community advocate, Ms Kabakoro has dedicated much of her life to empowering rural and maritime communities throughout the South Pacific. While her education and service opportunities eventually took her overseas, she said her village upbringing remains the foundation of everything she does.
Rather than viewing leadership as something reserved for those with status or influence, she believes meaningful change begins at the grassroots level. It is a message she often shares with Fiji’s young people, whom she describes as educated, passionate and ready to lead.
“I think so often there’s the impression that you need to have a platform or like be well known within the community of Fiji in order for your voice to be heard or for you to implement change and I think it’s the opposite,” Ms Kabakoro said.
Her faith in the next generation has been strengthened through regular interactions with students around the country.
Whether speaking with high school students or university graduates, she said she is encouraged by their ideas, determination and commitment to Fiji’s future.
“We have a really educated generation of young Fijians, that is really passionate about the future, passionate about development, passionate about growth.”
While living in the United States, Ms Kabakoro received some of the country’s highest youth honours, including the Congressional Award at the bronze, silver and gold levels, the girl scout gold award and recognition as a National Young Woman of Distinction.
The accolades stemmed from years of volunteer work with non-profit organisation 2-Way Street, where she focused on capacity building, English-language education and supporting refugee and relocated communities.
The experience reinforced her belief that true service is not only about helping people in times of need but equipping them with the skills and confidence to build better futures for themselves.
In 2021, she and her father, Ratu Lavisai Kabakoro, co-founded the South Pacific Foundation for Rural and Maritime Development.
Through the organisation, they have focused on improving water access, sanitation, disaster preparedness and community resilience in some of Fiji’s most remote communities.
For Ms Kabakoro, leadership extends beyond government offices and boardrooms. She hopes to see more young people take on leadership roles within their communities while remaining respectful of the elders who paved the way before them.
Away from community work, she remains deeply connected to her roots.
Her favourite meal is fried nuqa with lolo, miti, kumala and fresh nama from Naweni. A caramel cappuccino is her drink of choice, while music provides another source of comfort and inspiration. Her playlist ranges widely, from hip hop and rap to the music of the late George Veikoso and local favourites Paradise Roots.
“Specifically, nuqa is my favorite fish, with miti, kumala, nama — everything from Naweni is delicious.”
Despite travelling extensively, her favourite place remains surprisingly simple — the porch at home, a place she jokingly describes as the headquarters of her group chat.
Some of her fondest memories are of spending weekends fishing in the village with her grandaunts, experiences that continue to remind her of where she comes from.
She laughs when revealing a little-known fact about herself: while she often forgets passwords, she can still recite the lyrics of rap songs released decades ago.
“I forget my passwords, but I can rap a song from 1992.”
Ms Kabakoro also has a special appreciation for Fiji’s multicultural traditions, naming Diwali as her favourite celebration because of its colour, family-centred spirit and sense of togetherness.
Looking ahead, she remains optimistic about Fiji’s future.
From a childhood in Naweni to international recognition and regional advocacy, her journey reflects a belief that leadership begins with service, that change starts within communities and that Fiji’s next generation is more than capable of carrying the nation forward.
For Ms Kabakoro, the future is bright — and it is in good hands.
