Felismina Carvalho Dos Reis

S‌winburne Bachelor of Computing alumna Felismina Carvalho Dos Reis has helped her native country in negotiating their maritime boundaries and sovereignty.

Felismina holds a role of national pride in Timor-Leste. She supported former Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão’s team on the 2015 negotiations with Australia and Indonesia to finalise the country’s permanent maritime boundaries.

‌Felismina Carvalho Dos Reis, Communications and Translations Officer, Maritime Boundary Office.

For the people of Timor-Leste, this was an important culmination of the country’s long struggle for independence and full sovereignty, which began with an official declaration in 2002. She says sharing this milestone with the world as part of her communications role has been her greatest honour.

Felismina believes her Swinburne degree developed her emotional intelligence, helping her thrive in the workplace. Felismina describes Swinburne’s support services as “vital”, particularly for help managing her time and finances while in Australia. She says her studies prepared her for the real world and made her stand out in her community.