Tiaituau Tagata Ah Mann believes that with the support of her family, husband and friends and the assistance of her work colleagues at the Office of the Electoral Commission, she was able to attain her Postgraduate Degree in Executive Leadership.

The 41-year-old thanked God for his guidance for her scholarship of one year to achieve this degree.

Mrs Ah Mann is the daughter of Faavaeolenuu Ioane Tagata of Fagalii and Vaiusu and Luafulu Sesega Tagata of Samamea and Faleasiu.

She has five siblings, three brothers and two sisters and is third from the eldest.

She received her early education at Apia Infant and Vaivase Primary School, followed by St Mary's College and later continued her studies at St Joseph's College.

Tiaituau was awarded a scholarship during the University Preparatory Year (Foundation year at the National University of Samoa) to continue her studies at the University of the South Pacific Laucala campus in Suva. She graduated with her degree in 2007 and the same year began her career with the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration as a Probation and Parole officer.

In early 2013, she was fortunate to secure the position of Senior Registration Officer at the Officer of the Electoral Commissioner and progressed from Senior to Principal Officer and then to Assistant Electoral Commissioner for Voter Education and Registration in late 2024.

Tiaituau shared that with juggling between work, family commitments and studies there were many challenges along the way.

"One of the main challenges I faced was managing my time across various responsibilities. Although the opportunity to further my academic pursuits was a tremendous blessing—thanks to the Public Service Commission for the nomination and Aus Aid through Tautai for the sponsorship—it was difficult to find time for my studies," she said. 

"Concurrently, I had demanding work obligations and family commitments to balance. The last time I engaged in an academic environment was during the 2010-2011 academic year when I enrolled in law courses and served as a tutor for Sociology classes at USP Alafua. Fast forward to 2024,  13 years later, and I find myself experiencing a sense of uncertainty reminiscent of my early university days, yet I remain resolute in my goal to succeed.

"I firmly believe that a strong support system is essential for any public servant or full-time working mother to achieve their objectives. Our Commissioner and Management at work provided invaluable support, as did my husband and parents, who often stepped in to fulfil my maternal responsibilities.

" Additionally, my study group, Team Sunday, comprised fellow public servants who journeyed alongside me, and together we accomplished our goals."

Tiaituau extended her gratitude to their lecturer, Leaula Dr Desmond Amosa for his significant efforts in enhancing the education of senior public servants in Samoa.