Her Story
About Geraldine
Geraldine Fitisemanu began her journey in higher education in 2009 after returning to school while raising five children amid economic challenges. She progressed from academic advising at Salt Lake Community College to commissioning and building an online coaching program that boosted retention and GPAs, and now works in the Registrar's Office at Brigham Young University handling petitions for students facing life circumstances affecting their records. Geraldine holds an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree in business, and a master's in education. Alongside her husband, she founded a nonprofit in 2020 supporting underrepresented Pacific Island communities by helping students apply to elite colleges, including pathways demonstrated by acceptances to institutions like Harvard and Stanford. She credits her success to her husband's support, her faith, and mentors who believed in her abilities before she did, while valuing human connection in guiding students through their challenges.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Geraldine
01What do you attribute your success to?
My husband has been my number one supporter, along with my faith. Knowing that we are divine. I've had wonderful directors and managers that have believed in me even before I believed in myself, as well as co-workers and people I've partnered with to build programs.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To see yourself as the person that can excel. I think a lot of women have a hard time just believing that they're good enough to do those types of roles.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never sell yourself short. Take advantage of every opportunity knowing that it will come back and bless your life. The hard things too, right? That was a hard thing for me to see myself going back to school, raising kids, and really excelling into a leadership role.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Human connection is very valuable. Kids have it tough with most things automated and online, relationships and friendships are online. Having someone to talk to, to meet with, to feel the support of, I think is very valuable for our students.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.