Peniette Seru Vulaca, a 2014 graduate from Fiji, never imagined that her career would involve leading welfare and self-reliance efforts for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the Pacific. Her journey has been shaped by unexpected opportunities, a passion for learning, and a deep commitment to service. Vulaca has used her computer science degree and experiences to bless communities in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands—empowering individuals through education, employment, and self-reliance. During a visit to the United States, she met her husband in California, where their shared love of music first brought them together. They were married in 2018 and are now raising two children while continuing to build a life rooted in faith, family, and purpose.
Trusting a New Path
For Vulaca, the path to her future began with a sudden change in direction. “While I was in high school, I wanted to study medicine—to become a doctor,” she said. “I managed to secure a full-ride scholarship to go to the medical school in Fiji.”
But just a few weeks into orientation, she felt an overwhelming impression that medicine wasn’t her path. “I just had the strongest feeling that it wasn’t for me,” she recalled. “I also discovered how easily I become queasy… so I’m glad I pulled out early rather than later.”
With no backup plan in place, she enrolled at the University of the South Pacific and studied computer science for a year. It was during this time that her mother encouraged her to consider BYU–Hawaii.
“BYU–Hawaii was not even in my peripheral vision,” Vulaca admitted. “But my mom kept encouraging me because it was a Church university and I’d be surrounded by institute classes and the spirit.” Eventually, she transferred her credits and continued studying computer science at BYU–Hawaii, beginning a journey that would blend education, technology, and service in ways she never expected.
Leading Welfare and Self-Reliance Across the Pacific
Vulacas’s path to leadership in welfare and self-reliance was shaped by her mother and a series of unexpected opportunities that began the moment she arrived at BYU–Hawaii. “My journey to BYU–Hawaii wasn’t planned at all,” she said. “It was my mom who kept encouraging me to apply. I didn’t know what to expect, but I trusted that it would be a good environment for me.” That trust paid off. While earning her degree in computer science, Vulacas embraced every opportunity that came her way, both academic and experiential.
In 2013, she participated in a university programming competition, which helped sharpen her technical skills and confidence. The following year, she won first place in the “Empower Your Dreams” competition in 2014, a milestone that marked her growing leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. These experiences, along with many others, laid a strong foundation for her future.
Her path soon extended far beyond the classroom, leading her to teach English in Japan and later take on a role in network marketing back home in Fiji. Though these roles seemed unrelated at first, they became building blocks for her current position. “Even though I didn’t directly use my computer science degree in a technical way, the experiences I had after graduation really equipped me for what I’m doing now,” she said.
Today, Vulaca serves as the welfare and self-reliance manager for Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “The focus of my role is education and employment,” she explained. “My background in teaching, plus what I learned in business—things like managing cash flow and profit and loss sheets—helps me teach others how to become self-reliant.”
Looking back, she sees how each chapter of her journey prepared her to serve others in meaningful ways. “It all came together,” she said. “Everything I did after BYU–Hawaii helped shape who I needed to become for this job.”
Leading with Purpose at Home
Vulaca leads impactful work focused on education, employment, and community development. “It’s rewarding work because I see the difference it makes in people’s lives when they go through school, apply for education funding, or land a job,” Vulaca explained. She shared how one initiative—a job fair in partnership with the Fijian Ministry of Employment—led to more than 600 individuals securing jobs on the spot. “It’s not saving lives on an operating table like I once dreamed, but it’s people’s development. And just as meaningful to me.”
Her drive to uplift her community was strengthened by her experience at BYU–Hawaii. “Coming from a large university like the University of the South Pacific, I noticed right away how different BYU–Hawaii is,” she said. “The smaller class sizes, the spiritual environment, and the support from professors made all the difference. I really felt like there was no reason not to succeed.” She credits the IWORK program and her first job at the Polynesian Cultural Center with shaping her professional confidence. “Hosting shows and dancing at the Fiji village helped me break out of my comfort zone,” she said. “That’s where I learned customer service and public speaking, and the standard was high, so high that I can’t drop it now.”
That foundation of discipline, service, and excellence continues to guide her. “I set my priorities for the week every Sunday evening. I check in on myself as an individual—physically, mentally, and spiritually—before stepping into my roles as a wife, mother, and manager,” she said. “My children remind me when I’ve been away too long. When my one-year-old clings to me after a week of travel, I know I need to rebalance.”
Looking back, she sees how BYU–Hawaii’s mission is being fulfilled through her work and life. “There’s such a need for leaders here in Fiji—in the church, in the nation, in our communities,” she said. “I’m a big advocate for returning home. We need people to lift their countries. I’m living proof that the vision of BYU–Hawaii is not just a statement—it’s real.”
