For Berthalynn Ngirasechedui, Finance Officer at OneReef Micronesia in Palau, being part of that team has opened the door to an entirely new world.
Bertha joined OneReef Micronesia in August 2025 after building her career in banking and retail finance. It wasn’t the path she had imagined for herself.
When she saw that One Reef was hiring she thought it looked fun, she had seen their work and liked the idea of getting out into the community.
She admits, “I was very scared because I have no knowledge of the environmental section or conservation or traditional knowledge but…you can’t really get anywhere if you’re stuck in your comfort zone.” She thought to herself, “I’m just going to take a shot at it.”
It was a leap into unfamiliar territory.
Today, Bertha manages procurement, payments and financial processes that help keep conservation projects running. Like everyone in the small OneReef Micronesia team, she also steps beyond her job description whenever needed.
“We’re a small team, so it’s all hands on deck,” she says. “I help with logistics for field activities, and I really enjoy getting out of the office.”
Although she describes herself as still learning, Bertha has embraced every opportunity to absorb new knowledge.
“I feel like I’m a sponge,” she says. “Everything I’ve learned has been important. I didn’t know much about mangroves until I started working here. Through my work with the OneReef team, I have gained a deeper appreciation for Palauan language and traditional knowledge that I’ve been able to use for community engagements.”
Each new experience has deepened her appreciation for the work happening in communities across the country.
Her experience working with OneReef has also reinforced something she values deeply about Palauan society—the strength of women leaders.
“My director, Kiblas Soaladaob, has been a tremendous source of inspiration,” Bertha says. “Her leadership motivates me to be more passionate about the work we do every day. She leads by example, always encouraging us, lifting us up, and making us feel supported.”
Conservation is powered by many different skills. Whether organising logistics, managing finances or supporting field teams, every contribution helps communities protect the natural resources they depend on. Sometimes, taking a chance outside your comfort zone doesn’t just change your career—it helps strengthen conservation across an entire region.