A former sales assistant, who has worked diligently for a decade, has been promoted to the manager position of the country’s largest department store.

Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC) is excited to introduce Georgina “Gina” Short Willie, a young woman who embodies grace, as the new manager of CITC Avarua, the largest department store in Rarotonga.

Continuously striving for excellence has led to her appointment as manager of the store.

Dianna Clarke, director CITC, says: “Gina’s promotion to Manager of CITC Avarua and Island Surf is well-deserved.”

“She has a strong work ethic and keenness to learn and succeed.”

Clarke says she “takes pride” in being able to provide pathways to elevate Cook Islanders within CITC.

“I am extremely delighted for Gina.”

Willie is facing her recent promotion with energy and enthusiasm, and is looking forward to new challenges.

“I have immense pride in leading our team at CITC Avarua. With their skills and experiences, everyone at work supports and builds each other up and this is what stands out for me,” says Willie.

“I am also grateful for the opportunity and the encouragement given to me over the years, especially from Dianna.

“She once told me that having the right attitude, a strong mindset and to enjoy what I’m doing would be rewarding, and I believe in that.”

Willie’s journey with CITC Avarua began over a decade ago, as a sales assistant in February 2012, at the age of 26.

She quickly developed a passion for retail and customer service, working with key brands such as Hinano, Pacific Island Art and Mana Rarotonga that would shape her professional path.

Willie reflected on the early years when providing top customer service was the main focus of her initial role.

“Interacting with visitors and locals was a lot of fun and I enjoyed assisting with their purchases as we offer a fantastic range of quality products.”

Over the years, Willie diligently worked her way up, embracing new challenges and eventually joining the visual merchandising team, a role she enjoyed immensely.

In 2018, she was appointed the inventory supervisor where she led the team responsible for receiving and reconciling inward goods.

“This is a very busy operation and I had to learn quickly. My time in this role gave me a really solid understanding of operations and provided me with new skills,” she explains.

Willie continued further retail training and completed her New Zealand Certificate in Business early last year. She was promoted to the assistant manager position.

“This was a proud moment for me knowing I had achieved this with the help and encouragement of my family, my colleagues and CITC.”

Although there were challenges with balancing her young family, work and studies, she persevered.

With the support from her husband Talagi Willie, her parents James and Mary Short and her extended family, everything fell into place.

Willie says she is grateful for the support and encouragement from the work team.

She also gives credit to her family, and is proud to acknowledge her faith, glory and praise in the Lord.

Willie is a proud mother of two young children, Taina-Rose and MacAlister, who both attend Apii Avarua.

In support for her children, their education and wellbeing, for the past two years she has chaired the school’s Parents Teachers Association.

A talented dancer, who is proud of her culture, Willie is a former member of the iconic Taakoka Dance Troupe, and performed for Vaka Takitumu in the annual Te Maeva Nui.

Last year, she joined the Oire Tupapa Te Maeva Nui cultural dance team, returning to the stage after a decade. She also performed at the opening ceremony of this year’s Cook Islands Games at the National Stadium in Nikao.

Willie hopes to inspire the next generation people in the community to strive for excellence in everything they do.

She believes having the right attitude, setting goals and appreciating the value of hard work, really does matter.