I am forever indebted to IMLI and The Nippon Foundation in enabling me the opportunity to pursue studies in the Institute’s Master of Laws (LL.M.) programme in International Maritime Law. Since the inception of IMLI 30 years ago, I was only the 5th person (and 2nd female) from Fiji to have acquired a Masters of International Maritime Law. Since graduating in 2015, I was able to utilize the knowledge to my day to day work and also tap into the network created with my colleagues/lecturers/staff of IMLI, and now friends, from all over the world. Furthermore, the qualification also gave me the confidence to take on the role of the Chairperson for the regional association – Pacific Women Iin Maritime Association (PacWIMA) in 2016 when it was re-launched after a hiatus of 7 years. It is pleasing to note that with the support of the IMO, the Pacific Community (SPC), Maritime Administrations and employers, there has been more focus, visibility and opportunities for women in the pacific maritime sector including the most recent 2nd Regional Conference for Pacific Women in Maritime that was held in Papua New Guinea in April 2018. In March 2018, I was offered the role of IMO Technical Cooperation Officer at SPC. Given the competitive recruitment process, being the first person, female and Fijian to hold such a post, it is a privilege and responsibility that is not taken lightly. The opportunity to serve the Pacific region is testament to the training I received at IMLI and the capacity building support of The Nippon Foundation for women aligned to SDG 5 “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”. Thank you once again to IMLI and The Nippon Foundation for creating the opportunity and raising the profile of maritime professionals in the Pacific and around the world.