Akka has been able to observe, first hand, the effects of climate change on her country – a nation very vulnerable to climate change. She is currently on an Australian Leadership Award scholarship from AusAID pursuing studies for a Master of Public Administration Degree.

Her first degree was in Journalism, History and Politics and she has worked with the Government of Kiribati since 2004 – first with the Ministry of Communications, then the President’s Office and finally before taking up studies, the Ministry of Education.

She aspires to a senior leadership role in Government when she returns to Kiribati upon completion of studies.