Voices from Lifou: Veronique’s Path to Global Storytelling
By Véronique Waneisi, PAYA’s Chief Communications Officer
In the heart of the Pacific, cradled by the landscapes of New Caledonia, I grew up, driven by a singular passion: that of telling stories and promoting my country. From my communication studies, I set a clear goal for myself: to return to my homeland and contribute to its influence.
Curious and enthusiastic, I have always adapted easily to any new environment. My dynamic and positive energy is a strength that allows me to unite teams in a stimulating work atmosphere and find creative solutions. Fluent in Drehu (vernacular language), French (official language), English, and Spanish, I am a true polyglot, capable of connecting with diverse audiences.
My academic journey led me from New Caledonia, where I obtained my BTS Communication at Lycée Lapérouse and my Economic and Social Baccalaureate at Lycée Blaise Pascal, to Lyon, where I deepened my skills in "Digital Transformation and Strategy" at ISCOM Lyon - Grande École Program (M2).
It was within the retail brands of the Casino Group, in 2023 and 2024, that I truly left my digital mark. As a Communication Manager and Community Manager on a fixed-term contract, I was responsible for Casino France's Facebook (807K subscribers) and Instagram (120K subscribers) accounts. I managed the planning, briefing, and monitoring of post creation with our agencies (Jellyfish, RelevanC, Adictiz, HighCo...). I was also responsible for 450 Facebook pages animated by the stores, providing support and training, weekly analysis and reporting, as well as creating communication materials. As a visionary, I conceptualized and implemented a digital strategy for the Instagram account to increase subscriber numbers. My active participation in the design and production of videos disseminated on social networks contributed to boosting the group's TikTok account to 1 million subscribers since October 2023. My efforts were not limited to visibility: I was responsible for the digital communication of commercial operations with the objective of boosting sales via social networks, generating over 11 million in revenue in 2023.
Before this significant experience, I had already demonstrated my talent at the Lugdunum Museum and Roman Theatres in 2022, during an internship. As Assistant Communication Manager and Community Manager, I was responsible for the Facebook (7.2K subscribers) and Instagram (4.1K subscribers) accounts of Lugdunum museum and Roman theatres to boost visibility and increase the number of subscribers across all social networks. I conceptualized, designed, and published new content across all social networks, promoting the history of ancient Rome as well as the structure of the museum and the various workshops, visits, and walks offered.
Today, as Communication Manager for the Pacific-Australia Youth Association (PAYA) in 2025, I am deploying my skills to develop and implement PAYA's communication strategy to enhance visibility and engagement. This mission resonates deeply with me, as the Pacific and its cultures, its fascinating countries, are subjects very dear to my heart. The environment around me and eco-responsibility are essential values for me, and it is a privilege to be able to integrate them into the promotion of PAYA's initiatives. Similarly, the youth of the Pacific, as well as themes such as fishing and the richness of our ecosystems,
are passions that I strive to highlight through my work. I supervise the creation and management of content for social media, newsletters, and press releases. I organize and distribute the monthly newsletter to members via email and ensure brand and message consistency across all communication platforms. My role also includes managing relationships with media and external stakeholders to promote PAYA's initiatives, as well as supporting the co-general directors in their advocacy efforts and public relations opportunities. Contributing to the influence of this region and its people, especially the youth, is a great source of motivation.
I am also a passionate content creator, attentive to the environment around me and to eco-responsibility. With insatiable curiosity and boundless energy, I continue to forge my path, connecting brands and audiences, and working tirelessly to promote my country and the values I hold dear.
