FOUNDER OF WOMEN’S MICRO BANK LTD

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.

  • MR RICKY M MITIO, OBE, ML – BOARD CHAIRMAN

Mitio has been serving in both the Private and Public sector for more than 35 years of which 25 years at 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 honourable 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 to State Regulatory body (Coffee Industry Corporation) appointed though the NEC. He was appointed as the Caretaker Director and Interim Chairman of the WMBL Board in 2016 and appointed as permanent chairmanship in July 2017. He has a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Divine Word University and a Diploma in Tropical Agriculture from the then Vudal Agriculture College (now Vudal University of Natural Resources).

  • MR NOEL V. NORIKGU – INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Mr Noel Norikgu was employed by various organizations in both the private and public sector.  Possesses vast experiences in Finance and Accounting roles and having more than 24 years of experiences of which 9 years as Accountant and 7 years performing roles as 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 degree in Business Administration from Warton Institute of Science & Technology.

WMBL appoints him as the Board representative with respect to Financial Management aspect of the Bank at the Board level.

  • MS ALEENA E. BIRD – INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Ms Aleena Bird possesses more than 20 years’ experience in executive positions with various organizations in Banking, financial and oil and gas industries. Also been recognized by Bank South Pacific by way of recognition award towards 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 of Law (LLB) from University of Papua New Guinea.

WMBL appoints her as the Board representative with respect to Corporate, Investment/Legal aspects of the Bank at the Board level.

  • DR ELIZABETH KOPEL – INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

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; a MSc in Project Management (with Distinction) from the University of Northumbria, UK; a MSW from the University of Western Australia and a BSW Honours (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 recently joined Women’s Micro Bank Board and instrumental in bringing her experience on different aspects in the board room.  WMBL appoints her as the Board representative with respect to economic empowerment of women and social work of the Bank at the Board level.

  • DR BAGE R. YOMINAO – INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Dr Bage Yominao is an ophthalmologist and a senior general practitioner by profession. She has a Masters in Medicine from the University of Papua New Guinea, Diploma in Community Health from the University of London and a Diploma in Micro Entrepreneur from the University for Lifelong Learning, California in the USA.

Dr Bage is a catalyst for change with expertise in community mobilization, community development, micro savings with informal and formal families and livelihood promotion of informal families through the Moni Garden concept. WMBL appoints her as the Board representative with respect to the social mission and growth of the bank with her added expertise to grow the MSME portfolio.