Sāmoan entrepreneur Queen Shirl'e earns global vision honour

Community mentor Shirl'e Fruean’s (aka Queen Shirl’e) is being recognised for her contribution to youth development, arts, and entrepreneurship with a prestigious international award.

She’s won a Female Founders Initiative Global 50 Under 50 SHE-EO Award.

Speaking on Pacific Days, Queen Shirl’e says the award was both unexpected and humbling.

"It was just so humbling for them to see what I was doing, even our small academy, and to recognise the impact that we're making in our communities."

Her journey to the awards began when a friend encouraged her to apply for the Female Founders Initiative Global programme. She was initially hesitant because of passport and travel issues but went ahead and applied anyway.

She travelled to Mauritius for the award presentation, and says that was the first international trip she’s taken in a long time. "I haven't travelled in 27 years because I'm a single mum and my kids are my world."

Watch Queen Shirl'e's full interview below.

She says she had turned down previous international opportunities to remain close to her children and home in South Auckland.

The event brought together women entrepreneurs, investors and leaders from across the globe, providing opportunities to form new partnerships and learn from one another.

Queen Shirl’e describes the experience as life changing. "Being the first Pasifika to represent our culture there was amazing."

Women take part in a panel discussion on market access and building businesses beyond borders, exploring opportunities for Pacific entrepreneurs to grow into new markets. Photo/Female Founders Initiative Global

She says one of the highlights of the award ceremony was carrying a combined flag representing both her Sāmoan and Māori heritage.

"I took the Tino Rangatiratanga flag and the Sāmoan flag, glued them together, and waved them with pride."

She says the trip was about more than personal achievement. "This wasn't just about me. It was me going there to represent our people and also trying to open doors for our people."

Queen Shirl’e is paying tribute to the family members, sponsors and community supporters who helped pay for the journey through donations and fundraising campaigns.

The awards were held as part of the 4th SHE-EO Leadership Bootcamp, attracting more than 400 delegates from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America and the Caribbean.

Speaking at the event, Arianne Navarre-Marie, Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius and Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, highlighted the importance of women's leadership and economic empowerment.

Arianne Navarre-Marie at the women in business event, connecting with Pacific entrepreneurs and sharing insights on building opportunities beyond local markets. Photo/Defimedia.info/screenshot

She says women continue to overcome significant barriers to build successful businesses and strengthen communities.

"Women entrepreneurs do not wait for permission. They build, they hire, and they find a way. Economic empowerment is not only economic policy. It is protection, dignity and freedom."

Navarre-Marie is challenging women to inspire the next generation. "Somewhere, a young girl is looking at you and deciding what she is allowed to dream of. Make sure she sees that the answer is everything."

Looking ahead, Queen Shirl’e hopes her experience will inspire more Pacific women to pursue leadership opportunities and participate in international programmes.

She is already considering attending future Female Founders Initiative Global events in Singapore and Johannesburg, and wants to help other Pacific women entrepreneurs to access global networks and opportunities.

Lachlan Eddie,a journalism student at Wintec, is currently completing a six-week internship at PMN News.