The Polynesian Diaspora Giving Back to Our Fenua

Matatea Changuy is a Tahiti-born leader, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and systems thinker dedicated to helping people and communities build the capacity to shape their own future. Her work brings together international collaboration, institutional development, and human transformation, guided by a belief that lasting societal transformation requires both inner and institutional evolution.

Throughout her career, Matatea has worked at the intersection of diplomacy, consulting, frontier science, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. She has supported international partnerships through Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, advised organizations navigating cultural and organizational transformation at Deloitte, and contributed to pioneering initiatives in science, sustainability, space exploration and innovation, including collaborations connected to NASA Ames Research Center, the UC Berkeley Gump Station and community-based cultural and educational nonprofit, Te Pū Atitia.

Across these diverse experiences, a common thread has remained: supporting leaders, organizations, and communities in expanding what is possible and building the capacity to make it real. She is drawn to work that challenges existing paradigms, creates new pathways, and prepares people and institutions for the future.

Matatea is also the Founder and CEO of the Dream Woman Movement, where she mentors women in realizing their highest potential and becoming the person their vision requires. She believes a new future requires a new kind of leadership—one that combines competence with consciousness, strategy with heart, and vision with the humility to keep learning. Only then can we create futures that are truly different from the past.

Her commitment to the future of Polynesia began years before founding The Wayfinding Institute. In 2019, she co-launched TUMU , an early effort to reconnect and mobilize Polynesians around the world around a shared purpose: how can we, as Polynesians, wherever we are, give back to the fenua we love?

Her leadership is rooted in a legacy of service. She is the great-granddaughter of Francis Ariioehau Sanford, a historical political leader who championed greater autonomy and self-determination for French Polynesia, served as President of the Territory’s Council of Government and Vice-President of the Government Council, and remains the only Pacific Islander to have received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom for his service during World War II. His devotion to Polynesian identity, dignity, and the wellbeing of his people continues to inspire Matatea’s commitment to serving her fenua and honoring the generations who came before and those who will follow.

Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, Matatea studied at the University of Auckland, the University of Oxford, and the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Today, as Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Wayfinding Institute, she brings together strategic thinking, cross-cultural experience, and a deep commitment to Polynesia’s future. Her work is dedicated to strengthening both the inner capacity of people and the outer systems that support them, creating the conditions for Polynesians everywhere to co-create and navigate the future guided by their own vision, values, and aspirations.

Born in Moorea and based between Medellín, Colombia and Washington, DC, Heiva Kelley is a strategist, organizational leader, and systems thinker dedicated to building institutions capable of creating lasting impact. With more than two decades of experience spanning national strategy, international affairs, community development, and organizational transformation, he brings the ability to navigate complexity, align people and resources, and translate ambitious visions into actionable strategies.

Heiva’s connection to Polynesia is also rooted in a legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship. He is the son of Hugh Kelley, one of the “Bali Hai Boys,” who helped launch French Polynesia’s tourism industry in the 1960s and pioneered the world’s first overwater bungalows in Raiatea in 1967 — an innovation that became a global symbol of the islands.

Heiva holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Southern California and a Master’s degree in National Strategy Policy from the National War College. During his career in the United States Army, including his work as a strategist at the Pentagon, he developed expertise in strategic planning, civil affairs, communications and technology, and large-scale organizational design.

His experience in civil affairs shaped his belief that lasting change requires both strategic vision and deep understanding of communities. Beyond his military career, he continues this commitment through his work co-managing a law firm with his wife, supporting communities in Colombia through legal advocacy, youth empowerment, and expanding access to justice.

As Head of Strategy for The Wayfinding Institute, Heiva brings together strategic thinking, systems design, and a deep understanding of communities to help translate the organization’s vision into scalable structures and long-term impact.

Born in Hawai‘i, raised in Mexico, and based in Alaska, Marc Collins is a serial entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and international connector with more than two decades of experience bridging Polynesia with global innovation, business, government, and investment networks.

Educated at the Liceo Franco Mexicano in Mexico City and the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied history, business, and engineering, Marc developed a unique ability to navigate across cultures, disciplines, and sectors. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, he brings a global perspective shaped by a lifetime of living between different worlds.

Marc spent more than 20 years building businesses and initiatives in French Polynesia, developing deep relationships across tourism, entrepreneurship, media, technology, and government. Through his work in the tourism industry, including jewelry, cruise operations, and tour development, he gained firsthand knowledge of the region’s economic landscape and the importance of creating sustainable opportunities for local communities.

In 2007, Marc joined the Government of French Polynesia as Minister of Tourism, serving under two administrations and gaining a deep understanding of public institutions, policy, and the complexities of advancing large-scale initiatives in Polynesia. In 2008, he founded Hotu Business, a nonprofit startup incubator supporting local entrepreneurs, helping cultivate a stronger innovation ecosystem in Tahiti.

A pioneer in technology and innovation, Marc founded Viti, French Polynesia’s first challenger internet service provider, before leading the acquisition of Groupe Hersant, Tahiti’s major media organization. His ability to identify opportunities and mobilize diverse stakeholders led him to connect Polynesia with Silicon Valley investors and global innovation communities. He later founded OCEANIX, bringing the concept of sustainable floating cities to the international stage through partnerships with global institutions, investors, and the United Nations.

Throughout his career, Marc has demonstrated a rare ability to transform visionary ideas into compelling narratives, build strategic alliances, and attract resources to ambitious initiatives. He understands how to communicate across cultures, engage influential networks, and create the partnerships necessary to bring complex projects to life.

As Head of Fundraising for The Wayfinding Institute, Marc leads the development of the organization’s fundraising strategy, cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, partners, and global networks. He brings his experience in entrepreneurship, international partnerships, government relations, and ecosystem building to help create the resources and alliances needed for the Institute’s long-term sustainability and impact.