Success for many of us is not a destination but a journey, one paved with determination, resilience and a deep sense of purpose. Joyce Ainui’s story is a testament to this truth. Born in East New Britain Province and raised throughout Papua New Guinea, Joyce’s life and experiences offer inspiration for anyone striving for excellence, to aim high, be resilient and stay determined in achieving your goals in life.
From an early age, Joyce was shaped by the values of her parents—both former bankers whose careers meant frequent moves for their family. As the only daughter and middle child among three siblings, Joyce learned adaptability and gratitude. She recalls, “We didn’t grow up with much, but my parents always found a way to ensure we had everything we needed and often what we wanted.” This humble upbringing, coupled with their unwavering support, instilled in Joyce a profound appreciation for family, resilience, and the importance of giving back.
Joyce’s journey as a community development practitioner at TotalEnergies EP PNG (TEP PNG) is grounded in her commitment to helping people and communities become stronger, more resilient, and more equitable. She joined the Papua LNG Project in 2023 as a Community Investment Officer, a role she held for a year before being moved to a new role in recognition of her strong performance. She now serves as the Community Development Procurement Coordinator, where she coordinates procurement, logistics, and compliance for all Community Development Programs within the project’s area of influence.
For Joyce, real job satisfaction comes from seeing tangible improvements in people’s lives whether it’s children in some of the most remote schools in Gulf Province continuing their education in newly built classrooms, communities gaining access to clean water, or health workers having proper accommodation to live in and serve the people. Knowing she contributes to these meaningful changes is what drives her passion for community development.
Her passion for cooking, volunteering, and traveling reflects a zest for life and a love for connecting with others. As a reliable team player, Joyce tackles challenges proactively and is always ready to lend a helping hand. Her devotion as a loving mother to two wonderful sons reminds us of the importance of nurturing those we care about and find strength in the bonds we build.
Academic excellence is another pillar of Joyce’s story. Graduating as the top student in her cohort, she pursued further studies in Anthropology, Sociology, and Archaeology, driven by a curiosity for cultures and communities. Her surprisingly good memory of people’s birthdays reflects her attentiveness to those around her, a trait that builds meaningful relationships and lasting connections.
Joyce’s academic journey is a story of dedication, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. From an early age, she understood the value of education and made it her mission to excel at every level. Attending Vunapope International Primary School in East New Britain Province from Prep to Grade 6, and later Coronation Primary School in the National Capital District for Grades 7 and 8, Joyce consistently stood out as a hardworking and diligent student. Her drive to succeed led her to Gordon Secondary School in NCD for Grades 9 through 12, where she continued to push herself academically and develop a genuine love for learning.
Despite the challenges that come with frequent moves and adapting to new environments, Joyce remained focused on her goals. Through sheer persistence and intellectual curiosity, Joyce earned a place at the prestigious University of Papua New Guinea. There, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Anthropology, Sociology, and Archaeology, with a minor in Political Science. Her academic accomplishments not only opened doors for her professional career but also inspired those around her to strive for their own educational goals.
Inspiration, Joyce believes, comes not just from famous figures but from ordinary people rising above challenges. She takes pride in seeing young Papua New Guineans break barriers and thrive professionally. Their determination, resilience, and talent inspire her to believe in the limitless potential of their people and the bright future ahead. For Joyce, the Japanese concept of “Ikigai”- living with purpose and staying engaged in the community—is more than a philosophy; it is a way of life. The message of the book Ikigai, centered on meaningful living and strong social bonds, resonates deeply with her and fuels her vision for a happier, connected, and purposeful future.
Joyce also finds motivation in the words of Dr. Jordan Peterson, who encourages personal responsibility and meaning. Her favorite quote, “Compare yourself to who you were yesterday by making the effort to know thyself daily,” embodies the spirit of continuous growth and self-awareness. Joyce reminds us: “This means having the endowment of self-awareness, consciousness, imaginative ability, and the practice of independent will.” Her perseverance and unwavering belief in the power of community, allows her to face challenges with an optimistic and resilient perspective and approach to life.
TotalEnergies remains committed to supporting Joyce and her remarkable achievements, standing in solidarity with many worldwide to celebrate International Women’s Day and highlight this year’s theme of “Give to Gain.”