BY CHRIS ALEX
Joy Ofasia, a passionate journalist under the Solomon Women platform of Isles Media, recently returned home from what she calls a “once-in-a-lifetime journey” across the United States as part of a prestigious international leadership exchange.
Selected for the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Joy joined women from 23 other countries on a three-week exploration into Economic Prosperity: Women and Small Business Entrepreneurship.
Organized in collaboration with the American Councils for International Education, the program ran from April 12 to May 3, 2025, and took Joy across key American cities including Washington D.C., Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Tulsa, and Los Angeles.
“This program experience was transformative,” Joy told Solomon Women. “It confirmed my belief in the power of storytelling to inspire and make change.”
Building Global Bonds Through Business and Storytelling
During the international leadership exchange, Joy connected with a fellow journalist, entrepreneurs, and grassroots leaders from around the globe. Through site visits, roundtable discussions, and business exposés, she gained deep insight into the entrepreneurial landscape in the U.S.—particularly efforts led by women.
“One of the most impactful aspects of the IVLP was the opportunity to connect with like-minded women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds,” Joy said. “Engaging with these leaders revealed the universal challenges and achievements faced by women in business. From navigating funding barriers to balancing family responsibilities, their stories highlighted the importance of support networks and mentorship.”
Firsthand Lessons from U.S. Women-Led Start-ups
Among the most inspiring moments of the program for Joy was visiting a women-led tech start-up in Los Angeles (LA) focused on community empowerment and sustainable innovation.
“Their approach to aligning social impact with business objectives offered valuable lessons in entrepreneurship,” Joy explained. “It highlighted how businesses can be both profitable and a force for positive change.”
Joy now returns to the Solomon Islands with renewed purpose—not only as a journalist but as a community advocate committed to uplifting local women through the power of media.
Empowered to Amplify Women’s Voices
“Returning to my home country, I felt equipped to share the knowledge and experiences gained during the IVLP,” Joy shared. “The program had not only enhanced my journalistic skills but also strengthened my role as a catalyst for change in my community.”
Her reflections translates the larger objectives of the IVLP, which aims to promote job creation, explore various business models including micro-lending and mentoring, and examine the social and economic ecosystems that empower women entrepreneurs globally.
Local Pride, Global Recognition
Back in Honiara, Joy’s journey has stirred pride among her colleagues and especially her boss and mentor, Lynda Wate Seni, the Publisher of Isles Media, the driving force behind the Solomon Women platform, she expressed her gratitude to the U.S. Embassy in Solomon Islands.
“Joy is instrumental in Solomon Women’s mission to focus on and highlight our local women at all levels,” Mrs. Seni said. “I have no doubt this opportunity will help her grow globally and excel in her work as a woman journalist focusing on women’s issues and current affairs.”
A Story Still Unfolding
For Joy Ofasia, the journey across the United States may be over, but her mission is far from complete.
“As I continue my journalistic journey, I remain committed to championing the stories of women entrepreneurs, ensuring their narratives are heard and celebrated,” she said.
