Yvonne Yagabo is of mixed parentage from Gulf and Central Province . She is a single mother with two children, and amongst a number of women who have taken greater interest in the Hospitality industry.
Yvonne is an Australia Awards Scholarships recipient who took hospitality program at Kangan Institute of TAFE, in Melbourne (2011). She graduated in 2012 with an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality.
Yvonne had vast experience working in hotel organisations before she took up her studies. In challenging her chosen profession, Yvonne says; “Is it better or worse to know that success really is what you do with what you have now?” She further adds, “Being rational means always reaching out for better things and better ways of doing things. I acquired the principles of discipline, respect, honesty and integrity at an early age and these values have helped me in both my personal and professional development.”
The challenges of having to take care of her two children whilst meeting the demands of her study did not affect Yvonne’s concentration and commitment. Her dedication led to the completion of her program with outstanding awards in;
First Year Hospitality Student of the Year Award
Second Year runner up, Best Student of the Year Award
Recognition as outstanding international hospitality student
Certificate of Service Excellence Award from the General Manager – Choice Hotels Australasia, and
Acknowledgement of business plan as ‘one of the best hospitality ideas’ during Skills Victoria Awards night.
Yvonne says, “Now that I have acquired advanced skills and knowledge I want to contribute to a comprehensive industry strategy and help devise unique and long-term solutions to ensure continuing productivity, profitability, and hence competitiveness in the hospitality Industry. I want to help other employees in the Industry to develop analytical and decision-making skills through relevant training.”
In Yvonne’s view, hospitality in the Melanesian culture starts at home. What she does in her profession is ‘creating a home away from home’ for people who are traveling. Years of experience in the Hospitality Industry has enabled her to create a passion for taking care of people.
Yvonne had an ambition to acquire skills that would help her to systematically analyse and evaluate complex hospitality situations in order to influence management services to match competitive international standards in order to promote economic development in PNG.
Yvonne says that the study program was a mind opener. It has given her insight to various business opportunities. She now implements her business plan in the work place and also looks at other opportunities to create her own business.
Yvonne offers the following advice for new awardees:
Do not limit yourself.
Believe in your full potential and reach out to achieve your dreams and goals.
When you do have the opportunity to study, don’t take it for granted.
Ensure that you are there to see through the completion of your studies.
Challenge yourself and achieve positive results with confidence.
Yvonne would like to thank the Government of Australia and the Government of PNG for making it possible for her to study in Australia under the Australia Awards Scholarships. She would like to also thank her family and friends who have been very supportive in her personal and professional life.
“Being rational means always reaching out for better things and better ways of doing things. I acquired the principles of discipline, respect, honesty and integrity at an early age and these values have helped me in both my personal and professional development.”
