Mavis Podokolo, a young female editor of the Island Sun Newspaper, has emerged as a trailblazer in the Solomon Islands’ media industry. From humble beginnings inspired by radio announcers to becoming the Editor of the Year, demonstrates perseverance, passion, and hard work.
Mavis Podokolo hails from the Western Province and began her journalism journey at the Solomon Islands National University in 2014. Her early fascination with media, cultivated during high school evenings spent mimicking radio announcers, set her on a path to fulfill her dreams.
“My dream of becoming a media person began in high school when I enjoyed listening to radio announcers. During my evening study sessions, I read newspapers out loud, trying to imitate how they delivered the news,” Mavis said.
This passion led her to pursue a Certificate in Journalism and Media with the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), marking the start of her professional journey in 2014.
Mavis’s rise to the role of editor at the Island Sun Newspaper came sooner than expected. Reflecting on her journey, she attributes her success to dedication and resilience.
“I didn’t expect this role to come so soon, as I thought I was too young for it. However, looking back, I realise that the hard work, commitment, and sacrifices I made over the past seven years as a general news reporter in print media have brought me here early,” she shares.
Despite her fast rise, Mavis remains humble and acknowledges that her editorial career is the beginning.
As a young female editor of the Island Sun, Mavis has faced significant challenges. Leading a mostly male team and managing older staff members tested her leadership skills. However, she embraced these challenges as opportunities for growth.
“I’ve faced several challenges, such as working long hours, managing a mostly male team, and leading staff who are older than me. But since I’ve been given this role, I’ve had to step up and fulfill my responsibilities. I view these challenges as opportunities to improve myself,” Mavis explains.
Her commitment to seeking advice and fostering collaboration within her team has been crucial to overcoming these obstacles.
Mavis’s resilience and determination were particularly evident as she navigated the difficulties of her role. She often sought guidance from her colleague, the sub-editor, and the newsroom team to tackle her challenges.
“When I encounter difficulties, I often seek advice from my colleague, the sub-editor, and my team in the newsroom,” she says.
This collaborative approach has helped her manage the pressures of her position effectively.
Winning the Editor of the Year award from the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) Media Awards 2024 was a significant milestone for Mavis. The recognition came as a surprise, but she attributes it to divine timing and the support of her colleagues, mentors, and family.
“Winning this year’s Editor of the Year award was unexpected for me. I felt mixed emotions because I knew there were other deserving editors in different newsrooms. However, I believe everything happens in God’s timing, so I’m grateful for this achievement,” she said.
Mavis extends her gratitude to her media colleagues, former editors, senior colleagues, and her current team at the Island Sun, acknowledging their roles in her success.
Mavis’s journey inspires young women aspiring to careers in journalism and editing. She stresses the importance of hard work, continuous learning, and creating one’s own opportunities.
“To young women journalists who want to join an editorial team in the future, go for it. Remember, nothing in the media is given to you easily. Work hard, create your opportunities, keep learning, and always strive to improve,” Mavis advises.
Mavis Podokolo has been consistently recognised for her outstanding contributions to journalism by the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI)
*2016: Young Female Journalist of the Year – She was awarded this award when she joined the Sunday Isles newspaper as a junior reporter.
*2022: Excellence in Reporting on the Pandemic and Young Journalist of the Year – These honours were received during her tenure as a senior reporter at the Island Sun Newspaper.
* 2024: Editor of the Year – Recognised for her exceptional leadership and editorial skills at the Island Sun Newspaper.
