Meet Lena Reece. She is the Media and Public Relations Coordinator at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and President at The University of the South Pacific. Ms Reece comes from
Lena Reece (insert) has travelled all over Fiji. She recommends people to visit Kadavu (pictured above). Photo: Esther Reece
Meet Lena Reece. She is the Media and Public Relations Coordinator at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and President at The University of the South Pacific. Ms Reece comes from the village of Kavala, Nakasaleka in Kadavu, with a maternal connection to Nabukadra Nakorotubu, Ra.
The 32-year-old mother of two grew up in Vunivivi Hill, Nausori and Savuidua Settlement in Sawani where her mother’s family were raised.
Her career began in radio in 2014 as a part-time announcer at Legend FM.
“The programme director at the time, Alex Elbourne gave me a shot after an audition. I’ve spent most of my professional life in radio. I never thought I would end up building a career in media and communications,” she said.
For five years, Ms Reece worked at Communications Fiji Limited (CFL) as a part-time radio announcer, part-time receptionist, and journalist for the company, for which she credits CFL News Director Vijay Narayan.
“Vijay taught me everything I know about radio and journalism. The work in media is fun, but a wise person once told me that fun is a serious business, and that is something I will always take with me,” Ms Reece said.
The media professional also spent time at the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), before she returned to CFL. She then left for her current position as Media and Public Relations Coordinator at The University of the South Pacific in Laucala.
Ms Reece said, “I like to think in this role we are storytellers. We talk to USP students, staff, and alumni across the Pacific and work to write their stories and share them with the university and our colleagues in the media.
“I work with my colleague Koroi Tadulala to implement USP’s Communications Strategy and manage a diverse portfolio of 14 campuses across 12 member countries through human-interest stories, press releases and targeted initiatives.”
SunBiz spoke with Ms Reece to learn about her life and career, as well as her best local destinations for food, leisure, and amazing travel.
What do you enjoy about your job?
Meeting people from marine biologists to physicists and Pacific leaders. At graduations, we get to meet families of the students who have completed their studies.
It is such a thrill and something I have learnt not to take for granted.
The best part about my job is that I get more time to spend with my partner and kids.
What are your favourite local food spots?
Mana Coffee is a definite go-to for me.
A quiet little place I like is Rhubarb Café in Flagstaff, Suva.
Mana Coffee.
Where do you take friends and family for a meal and to relax?
I’ve always loved Joji’s chilli chicken. Niu Grillz is the place with the best-smoked meat in Fiji, hands down. But nothing beats a seafood treat at the Suva Municipal Market early on Saturday mornings.
Smoked meat at Niu Grillz. Picture: Niu Grillz FB pg
What have been your best local travel experiences so far?
I am very blessed to have travelled with my mum and brother when I was younger. Taveuni was such a great place to visit.
Every curry shop in Labasa leaves you asking if it’s the best in the North. In Savusavu, the seafood feed at the market is heavenly. In Gau, you can travel to the villages by boat and see beautiful scenery and sunsets.
There is also always something to do in Ra. You can go hiking, swimming, and fishing. I love it in Ra. However, the best place to visit is Kadavu, where the diving is the best part.
Kadavu Island.
What are your top local bucket list destinations?
As much as I love to travel, I have yet to visit Levuka. Taveuni is also a place I would love to go back to with my partner and kids.
Lavena Waterfall, Taveuni.
What makes Fiji an ideal destination for travel and to do business?
Fiji is beautiful and we don’t need to be reminded of that. We are a happy people; what more can one ask for, right?
Tourists enjoying Fijian hospitality.
Feedback: jernese.macanawai@fijisun.com.fj
