The Micronesia Conservation Trust congratulates 2020 BRMC Graduates

July 16, 2020

The Micronesia Conservation Trust and partners of the Micronesia Challenge (MC) are proud to announce and congratulate the fourth student to complete her graduate program as a recipient of the Bill Raynor Micronesia Challenge (BRMC) Scholarship, Ms. Jovalyn Koshiba.

The Bill Raynor Micronesia Challenge (BRMC) Scholarship Program was inspired by William (Bill) Charles Raynor (Feb. 22nd, 1957-Sept. 1st, 2015), one of Micronesia’s lead conservation pioneers. He engaged in significant and meaningful conservation work in Micronesia for over 30 years. He helped to establish/strengthen several non-governmental organizations that are now leading conservation and sustainable development efforts in Micronesia. He supported and mentored emerging environmental leaders who have the passion and the potential to continue the conservation initiatives and maintain the Micronesia Challenge commitment, which he was instrumental in establishing. His initial contributions to the BRMC now allows two students from the region each year to be supported in their graduate education. The scholarship fund aims to contribute to the development of effective conservation of Micronesia’s biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods across the region.

Ms. Jovalyn Koshiba

Last year, Ms. Jovalyn Llong Koshiba, a Palauan citizen, was one amongst the 3 students awarded the Bill Raynor Micronesia Challenge (BRMC) Scholarship to complete their graduate studies. In Spring 2020, she completed her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH), Hawaii. Over the course of her academic year, she successfully balanced her full-time job at the Palau Protected Areas Network (PAN) Fund with being a full-time graduate student.

Ms. Koshiba will continue to work for Palau PAN Fund as a Grants Program Officer, overseeing various grants management activities, the marketing and communications strategy for the organization, and engagement with partners and stakeholders. Her passion and hope are to contribute to the achievement of the MC and to explore other innovative ways to establish a robust sustainable financing mechanism for the Palau PAN.