The Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Ms. Vasiti Soko, has successfully completed the 2024 Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship program offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Ms. Soko was one of 25 senior crisis leaders chosen for FEMA’s executive leadership cohort, which focused on innovative approaches to crisis and emergency management. Notably, she was the first Pacific Islander and Fijian selected for this distinguished training.
Crisis management is an ever-evolving field, with leaders addressing various challenges, including pandemic responses, homelessness solutions, and refugee resettlement. These professionals are trained to lead diverse teams and manage chaotic situations, alongside traditional emergency responses to natural disasters resulting from severe weather.
Since taking charge in 2019, Ms. Soko has proven to be a capable leader in emergency management for Fiji. Her major achievements include establishing the National Emergency Response Team (NERT), legislating important laws, and finalizing the National Disaster Management Act for the country.
The FEMA Vanguard cohort included some of the most experienced crisis management experts, such as emergency management directors from various levels of government, corporate leaders, philanthropic executives, elected officials, and legislators.
This program, developed in partnership with the RAND Corporation and McChrystal Group, aims to forge connections that enhance preparedness for, anticipation of, and response to national crises.