My name is Grace Lokboj-Leban, and I graduated from CMI in 2003 with an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts, with a Specialty in Business. After CMI I pursue a 4 years’ degree by joining the Ministry of Education cohort program with the Brigham Young University-Hawaii. I was fortunate to be among many working teachers at that time to be accepted to this bachelors’ program in Education with the BYU-Hawaii, since I was not a classroom teacher, nor was I an employee of the Ministry of Education. I was working then as a Chief for the Community Development Division at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. There was a self determination and self-commitment that drove me to pursue higher education, regardless of the facts that I was a working mother of 6 children back then. In 2009, I finally received my B.S. in Education from the BYU-Hawaii, after spending a term on campus. I returned to work at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and got a promotion to become an Assistant Secretary for Program and Policy Development at MOIA.
A year later I noticed an ad in the MI Journal advertising a post of an Associate Judge for the Traditional Rights Court at the MI Judiciary. The one thing that caught my interest was a heading stating that they prefer and encourage female applicants. Without a law background, I applied for the job as advertised, and was again fortunate to be accepted for the post. In 2010, I became the first full time female judge for the TRC. Later, I felt I had not fulfilled my education quest. Then I enrolled for the MBA program being offered at the USP campus in Majuro, so without any haste, I again pursue a goal for a master’s degree. In 2018, I received my MBA from the University of the South Pacific. In 2020, I became the TRC Associate Judge and most recently I was appointed by Nitijela to become the first woman TRC Chief Judge since the unexpectedly passing of my superior until 2030.
Looking back, I am quite amazed at what I had gone through to be where I am now in my career. Firstly, I know without God’s love I would not be where I am today. I am grateful for everyone that’s been a part of what I may considered my success. I am grateful for CMI in recognizing me to tell my success story to all CMI students who are currently where I was some years back when I started my studies at CMI. I am most grateful for my Literature professor at CMI 10 years ago who motivated me and indulge in me a passion for literature. My literature skills have helped me throughout my studies, and assist me further in my current post as someone who has to write decisions all the time.
It is then my words to all CMI students that to become successful, one must go thru struggles and hard work. Be determined and committed and it shall be done. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “whatever you are, be a good one”. Therefore, as a student, give all your best in all your studies, and become the best in any career you aim for.
Komoltata.
