Executive
Our volunteer Executive team oversees the implementation of PAYA’s events, activities and initiatives.
The team reports directly to the the Co-Chief Executive Officers who report to the Board of Directors.
Learn more below about these talented individuals from across the Pacific-Australia region with various backgrounds and expertise.
Phillie Julai Marai - Co-Chief Executive Officer (Co-CEO)
Phillie is the Co-CEO of PAYA, stepping into the role in January 2024.
She is from East New Britain Province in Papua New Guinea and graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in PNG Studies and International Relations at Divine Word University (DWU). Phillie is an alumni of the Young Pacific Leaders program.
In 2021 Phillie was elected as the DWU Student Representative Council (SRC) president. She made history for DWU by signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on behalf of DWU to create new partnerships for students.
Phillie is currently employed with Papua New Guinea Tribal Foundation as the National Coordinator for the Senisim PNG program, a Leadership Nation Transformational movement in partnership with John Maxwell Leadership Foundation.
Dominic de Moura McCarthy - Co-Chief Executive Officer (Co-CEO)
Dominic is the Co-CEO of PAYA and co-founded the organisation in 2020.
He previously interned in policy and public diplomacy at the Australian Consulate-General in Nouméa. Dominic has studied on exchange three times in the Pacific to New Caledonia and French Polynesia.
He has interned with the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) based in Fiji and the PNG Rural Development Inc (PNGRDI). Dominic was also a delegate at the Young Pacific Leaders TechCamp in New Zealand and Project Lead and Director for the Mini TechCamp in Wallis and Futuna.
He is passionate about the Blue Pacific region including international relations, cross-cultural collaboration, business development, trade and diplomacy.
Steen Siale - Chief Operating Officer
Steen Siale is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA), bringing a wealth of experience in aviation safety, logistics, and youth leadership to the organisation. A proud Solomon Islander, Steen is deeply committed to empowering young people, fostering regional cooperation, and driving sustainable development in the Pacific.
Steen’s professional journey began with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Maritime Technology Management from the Australia Maritime College (AMC) in Tasmania, where he studied under a Solomon Islands Government scholarship. His education equipped him with technical expertise in maritime and aviation industries, setting the foundation for his career in safety and compliance.
Following his studies, Steen completed an internship with Solomon Islands Airports Corporation Ltd., which led to his role as an Aerodrome Safety and Compliance Officer. In this position, he ensures aviation safety and regulatory compliance in line with international standards, contributing to the growth of the Solomon Islands' aviation sector.
His passion for youth leadership and regional development drew him to PAYA, where he initially joined as an active member before taking on greater leadership responsibilities. He was one of the key volunteers and facilitators at PAYA’s workshop in Honiara in November 2024 on digital skills and professional development.
Enoli Tsitsi - Chief Events Officer
Enoli, from Nauru, is PAYA’s Chief Events Officer who is passionate about learning and deeply dedicated to her family. She has been married for almost five years and is a proud mother of two daughters.
Her overseas educational journey began at an all-girls boarding school in Fiji, where she studied for a year before completing high school at Kedron State High School in Australia. She is currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Business program under the Australia Awards scholarship at Griffith University, Nathan campus in Queensland. Actively engaged in various programs, she participates in Griffith Mates, BusinessPLUS, and the Women Developmental Leadership Program offered by Women Leading and Influencing (WLI). In 2024, she completed the Leadership Connect program under WLI and earned a Griffith University Co-curricular BusinessPLUS award.
Her diverse work experience includes roles as a supermarket assistant, administrator, safety officer, accountant, cabin crew member, and logistics professional. It was in logistics that she found her true calling, recognizing the significance of the logistics and supply chain system for her country’s survival and quality of life.
In her personal life, she enjoys reading, watching anime, and playing table tennis, volleyball, and tennis. She has also rekindled her love for baking, creating delicious treats such as brownies, cakes, and custard pie.
Balancing motherhood, leadership roles, her career, and personal aspirations is challenging, but she is grateful for the support of her husband, family, and friends. Looking ahead, she aspires to own and manage various businesses, including a daycare center and a bakery.
Timothy Low-wah - Chief Engagement Officer
Timothy Low-wah is the Chief Engagement Officer of PAYA and an Accredited Practising Dietitian of Chinese heritage with family ties to Port Vila, Vanuatu. Although his personal connection to the Pacific may be small, his passion to the Pasifika community are significant. Since 2020, Timothy has been working with Pasifika communities in Sydney, incorporating Pasifika research methodologies (e.g. talanoa and Church-based collaborations) with nutrition research.
Currently undertaking his PhD at Western Sydney University, Timothy’s research focuses on understanding the dietary behaviours of Pasifika youth. His goal is to help shape health services to be more relevant and effective for Pasifika communities in Australia.
Timothy was also the nutrition consultant for the Pasifika Recipe Book published by Twinnies Publishing, where he provided healthy alternatives to traditional dishes. Beyond academia, he actively serves as a volunteer with the Church of God in Fiji (Narere) and Light and Love Home — mentoring youth and supporting after-school programs through Christian fellowship and homework classes.
Véronique Waneisi - Chief Communications Officer
Véronique Waneisi is PAYA’s Chief Communications Officer from Lifou, New Caledonia, with a strong background in digital media, community management, and strategic communication.
Véronique pursued her studies in communication in Nouméa, New Caledonia, before continuing her education in Lyon, France. In September 2024, she obtained her master’s degree in communication, further enhancing her knowledge and skills in the field.
During her time in France, Véronique worked as a community manager for the Roman Museum and Theatre of Lyon, where she was responsible for managing their Facebook and Instagram platforms, developing engaging content, and increasing public interaction. She later joined the social media department of the Casino Group, a major French retail company, where she gained valuable experience in corporate communication and brand management over a period of one and a half years.
In April 2025, Véronique decided to return permanently to New Caledonia to contribute to the region’s communication and marketing landscape. Passionate about amplifying voices, connecting communities, and enhancing digital engagement, she aims to leverage her expertise to support meaningful projects that drive youth leadership, cultural exchange, and regional development.
Ezekiel Ronald - Chief Financial Officer
Ezekiel Ronald is from PNG and took up the role of Chief Financial Officer in October 2024.
Annclan Kuk - Chief People Officer
Annclan is from PNG and was appointed our Chief People Officer in March 2025. Annclan is a proud Papua New Guinea woman, she is committed to human rights, social justice and advocacy for marginalised communities. She holds a Social Work degree from Griffith University and has experience in domestic violence, drug and alcohol support, and at-risk youth.
Her international work includes grief and bereavement support in London and advocacy for a global anti-human trafficking organisation. Now based in Brisbane, she works with Brisbane Youth Service, supporting homeless youth.
She is passionate about women’s rights and gender-based violence protections in PNG. Her passion for social justice extends beyond local communities into global policy, which is why she is currently pursuing a Master’s in International Relations.