PICRC Staff Attend Palau Professionals Conference to Enhance Organizational Practices

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is proud to share that two of its staff, Ms. Jenna Mersai, Accounting Officer, and Ms. Joy Shmull, Facility & Equipment Coordinator, recently participated in the Palau Professionals Conference. The event took place on May 29-30, 2025, at the Surangel Supercenter Airai Executive Conference Room.

Hosted by SHRM Pacific in partnership with the Palau HR Professionals Group, the two-day event brought together professionals from across the region to build and strengthen capacity, share experiences, and improve workplace practices. The program featured a lineup of experts, including Ms. Charlotte Huntsman, SHRM’s Director of Pacific State Council, and Dr. John Rivera, Director of Human Resource and Corporate Development at CITADEL Pacific, Ltd.

Key sessions included:
● Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Highlighted the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in leadership, emphasizing its impact on employee engagement, retention, and organizational success.
● Driving Results – Mastering Performance Management: Provided strategies for effective performance management, including setting clear expectations, delivering constructive feedback, and cultivating accountability.
● The Art of Effective Communication: Provided practical techniques for improving both verbal and nonverbal communication, building trust, resolving conflicts, and achieving organizational goals.

Ms. Mersai and Ms. Shmull actively engaged in all sessions, gaining valuable knowledge and practical skills to support both their professional growth and enhance PICRC’s overall operations.

“Attending the Palau Professionals Conference was an invaluable experience,” said Ms. Mersai. “The sessions on emotional intelligence and performance management offered practical strategies we can apply to improve our internal workflows and workplace culture.”

Ms. Shmull also reflected on the conference’s relevance to her work. “The communication strategies and leadership principles were especially useful,” she shared. “I’m excited to apply these approaches to better manage our facilities and support efficient day-to-day operations.”

PICRC continues to invest in the professional development of its staff, recognizing that the growth and empowerment of its team directly contributes to the Center’s mission and its contributions to marine research and conservation in Palau. The knowledge and skills gained by Ms. Mersai and Ms. Shmull will further strengthen PICRC’s operational capacity and organizational effectiveness.