Monica Galleti Visits WIBDI

The atmosphere was electric as we welcomed Monica Galleti, the renowned Samoan-born chef and MasterChef judge, to Women in Business Development Inc. (WIBDI). Her visit was a celebration of Samoan culture, sustainable practices, and heartfelt connections, leaving an indelible mark on everyone involved.

Monica began her day with a trip to our farmer Mataniu Tavui Saeni's nursery, where she marveled at the hard work and dedication that go into sustainable farming. Witnessing the care and passion that Mataniu pours into nurturing his plants, Monica expressed her admiration for the efforts to promote organic and sustainable farming in Samoa.

The excitement continued as Monica spent the rest of the day at WIBDI headquarters, diving into a range of traditional and hands-on activities. She observed the intricate processes of soap making and essential oil distillation, learning about the skill and precision required for these crafts. With her sleeves rolled up, Monica eagerly participated in coconut oil production, umu preparation, and basket weaving. Her genuine curiosity and enthusiasm were truly inspiring, as she embraced every opportunity to connect with the people behind these traditional practices.

One of the highlights of her visit was sharing a delicious Samoan lunch, prepared with love and care. Monica joined us in savoring traditional dishes, including the refreshing oka, the rich and creamy palusami, and the smoky flavor of 'ulu tunu with pe'epe'e. It was a moment of joy and pride for our team to see Monica enjoying the flavors of Samoa, bringing everyone together in a shared appreciation for our vibrant food culture.

Beyond her culinary expertise, Monica's visit resonated deeply with our team and community. Her warmth, approachability, and genuine interest in our work shone through, leaving everyone with a sense of pride and motivation to continue our mission.

We are immensely grateful to Monica Galleti for taking the time to visit WIBDI and engage with our team. Her passion for promoting sustainable and traditional practices aligns beautifully with our values, and her presence has left an unforgettable impact on us all.