Our Staff
Semi Lotawa — Co-Founder
Semi Lotawa is an indigenous Fijian from Nalotawa Village, Yakete, Ba. He grew up in the traditional setting of his village, attended a remote boarding school and is one of about five percent of students from his district that graduated from high school. Semi worked in forestry with a focus on sustainable community development. Realizing that his effectiveness was tied to the whims of international grants, he moved to the United States to pursue a degree in Business. His goal was to secure sizeable investment from the private sector markets within the United States in order to continue his passionate pursuit of sustainable development for indigenous communities in the Pacific. He worked as an Investment Analyst for five years, co-founded Serevi Rugby and is the CEO-Fiji of Callison Pacific Pine Chemicals.
Janet Lotawa — Co-Founder & Executive Director
Janet Lotawa found her entry point to community development work as a teenager, awe-struck by the warmth of island communal culture. She knew at a young age, this is where her future lay. Given her passion for working to enable what she believes in, Janet worked as a development and fundraising professional for more than ten years at non-profit organizations focused on education and equity in the United States including NW Immigrant Rights Project, Giddens School and TAF (Technology Access Foundation). She considers Co-founding Rise Beyond the Reef one of her major life goals and is deeply committed to changing the reality of life for women and children in the South Pacific through creative and effective community development strategies. She is married to Semi, they have two sons together and has spent time in Fiji supporting the needs of women and children on an informal basis for 14 years.
Liti Nautumauro — Community Coordinator, Ba
Nautumauro is no stranger to community organizing. Liti is a highly respected leader within Yakete District and representative to the Provincial Council for Ba. A member of Tukuraki village and the District Development Committee, she is our on-the-ground eyes and ears, helping to mobilize projects and ensure that communities themselves take ownership of the opportunities we link them to.
Temalesi Vere — Community Coordinator, Ra
Temalesi originates from the Lau Island group and moved to the Ra coastline after marriage. Since 2017, she helped to train other women in her community on basket weaving. A natural leader and well-respected teacher, she was promoted in 2018 to District Coordinator, managing production with six villages and one settlement in her surrounding community.
Ana Vakataiti — Wholesale Coordinator
Ana joined the RBTR team in 2018. Known for her crafting skill and speed, she helps prepare village products for the shelf and supervises a diverse team of workers. She has ironing, varnishing, and tagging covered!
Anju Prasad — Production Flow Manager
Anju joined the RBTR team full time in January 2018, helping to increase RBTR's production capacity. Anju has over ten years factory experience working as a machinist and supervising production. Anju helps make product development ideas come to life!
Sereima Maraivalu — Operations Manager
Sereima has been a member of RBTR's original staff since 2015, working side by side on administrative duties with District Coordinators and RBTR's Director. Sereima is known for skillfully managing the challenging logistics of getting supplies out to communities, getting products from communities, and managing order deadlines.
Mimi Robinson - Creative Director
Mimi Robinson is an international design consultant. As a designer and educator, Mimi brings extensive expertise in product development, design, and ethical sourcing. Mimi has collaborated directly with artisan enterprises around the world for 30 years, creating products that utilize traditional skills and local materials to help strengthen businesses and create economic opportunities. Known for her approach to creative thinking, Mimi develops innovative designs with a commitment to cultural, social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Mimi Robinson is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design and author of the book, Local Color: Observing Place, will be published by Princeton Architectural Press. “Art, culture and tradition keep us connected locally and globally, and make our lives richer.” — Mimi Robinson
Vika Caginatoba, Quality Control Coordinator - Ba
Vika grew up close to town and married into the remote village of Yaloku, Ba. As the inaugural Village Coordinator in her community in 2015, she provided exceptional leadership to help develop a culture of production for handmade dolls within her village. Vika worked alongside fellow doll producers to develop innovative savings clubs. Vika now provides ongoing leadership support to other Village Coordinators throughout her district and helps to teach various techniques.
Muneeta Reddy — Machinist
Muneeta joined the RBTR team in 2018 and has more than eight years of experience as a machinist. Her lively sense of humor keeps our office laughing throughout the day!
Sanjay Sigh - Cutter & Pattern Maker
Sanjay "Raj" joined our team in 2018 with more than 20 years of manufacturing experience. He is a specialized cutter and pattern maker. Raj also provides training to youth apprentices through our Studio program.
Ana Marama - Online Sales Coordinator
Ana joined the team in 2018 and is a dynamic team member. She manages online order fulfillment overseas export processes. Ana offers excellent leadership to her team members and is known for her ability to work under pressure (shipping deadlines, that is!).
Dakai Zach - Print Master
Dakai is a print master with more than twenty years of experience in print making. He leads a team of youth apprentices printers, providing mentorship and skill development in printing, screen-making, color-mixing and much more!
Akanisi Marama - Finishing
Akanisi is a vibrant team member of our finishing department. She works on online order fulfillment as the lead finisher and packer. Akanisi hails from a remote partner community in Ra province. Marama grew up in the traditional setting of her community and works hard each day, understanding the importance of market access for the women we work with.