CHAIRPERSON
VICE CHAIRPERSON
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
WMBL concept is the brain child of the Late Janet Sape, who founded it through the NGO – PNG Women in Business Foundation (PNGWIB). Formerly, the institution was known as City Mothers Business Foundation and Janet has held the position as the Chairlady since inception. Late Janet, a teacher by profession had subsequently entered the banking sector and has built up more than 20 years’ experience in Banking and entrepreneurship Sector before moving to form an explicit Women owned Micro Bank. Late Janet has been a passionate advocate for the wellbeing and economic empowerment of women in Papua New Guinea, particularly in the areas of women’s rights, rural poverty reduction, financial and political inclusion, self-reliance and financial independence. Late Janet has officiated on a number of Boards of Commercial and Charitable Institutions, was the Deputy Chairperson of Small Business Development Corporation (a subsidiary of Department of Commerce & Industry – serving two terms) and has also represented the Kumul Board – Melanesian Trustee Services Limited who deal with the affairs of Holiday Inn and Crown Plaza hotel chains in PNG. Late Janet emerged as the most charismatic women’s advocate in PNG before her untimely death.
Ms. Doreen is a seasoned development professional with over two decades of leadership experience in Papua New Guinea, particularly in strengthening civil society and promoting inclusive governance. She has held senior roles working in partnership with community-based organisations and sub-national engagement. Her work has consistently focused on fostering collaboration between communities, government, and development partners. Doreen currently leads a national donor program dedicated to enhancing community participation and empowering local voices in decision-making processes.
Mr. Ricky Mitio has served in both the Private and Public sectors for more than 35 years of which 25 years at the Executive Level. Being served at Coffee Industries Limited. He has excelled with his reputation as the PNG Coffee Expert in the Highlands region. Have rendered services as an honorable public servant to the people and the GoPNG. He has been awarded ML – the PNG Order of Logohu and OBE – Officer of the British Empire). He has held Constitutional office as CEO of a State Regulatory body (Coffee Industry Corporation) appointed through the NEC. He was appointed as the Caretaker Director and Interim Chairman of the Mama Bank Board in 2016 and appointed as permanent chairmanship in July 2017. After his successful chairmanship, is now an independent director of the Bank. He has a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the Divine Word University and a Diploma in Tropical Agriculture from the then Vudal Agriculture College (now the Vudal University of Natural Resources and Environment – UNRE).
Mr. Noel Norikgu was employed by various organizations in both the private and public sectors. Possesses vast experience in Finance and Accounting roles and has more than 24 years of experience of which 9 years as an Accountant and 7 years performing roles as a Financial Accountant. He is also into Business and Financial Management Advisory through his own company. Mr. Norikgu is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). He is also a Certified Practicing Account (CPA) and a member of the CPA PNG. He has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Warton Institute of Science & Technology. Mama Bank appoints him as the Board representative concerning the Financial Management aspect of the Bank at the Board level.
Ms. Aleena Bird possesses more than 20 years of experience in executive positions with various organizations in the banking, financial, and oil and gas industries. Also been recognized by Bank South Pacific by way of a recognition award for her input into her roles as Executive Manager – Legal & Corporate Secretary. Took part in vital investment decisions while being employed by BSP, Star Mountain Ltd, and Mineral Resources Development Corporation Ltd. Ms. Bird has a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from the University of Papua New Guinea. Mama Bank appoints her as the Board Representative concerning Corporate, Investment/Legal aspects of the Bank at the Board level.
Dr. Elizabeth Kopel is a Senior Research Fellow and Program Leader of the Informal Economy Research Program. She co-shares leadership of the Gender Research Program. Dr Kopel has a PhD from the University of York, UK; an MSc in Project Management (with Distinction) from the University of Northumbria, UK; an MSW from the University of Western Australia and a BSW Honors (First Class) from the University of PNG. Dr Kopel has a background in academia; teaching at the University of PNG and the University of Manchester, UK. She has extensive experience in consultancy work in the areas of social impact assessments and feasibility studies. She contributes to policy influence work through participation in relevant government committees and working groups. Her research interests include the informal economy, women’s economic empowerment, social development as well as urban settlements and housing. Dr. Kopel was appointed Chairperson of Women’s Micro Bank Limited. She was instrumental in bringing her experience in different aspects to the boardroom.