The work we do at Maluk Timor is underpinned by data that creates a foundation of shared knowledge. That’s where Missella Soares comes in.
Missella is our Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Manager, bringing a background of passionate public health activity to her commitment to strengthening healthcare systems through data-driven decision-making. Responsible for leading the strategic design and implementation of MEL frameworks across all of Maluk Timor’s programs, Missella ensures that health interventions are guided by robust evidence, aligning with both donor requirements and national priorities.
Excellence rooted in experience
Missella’s passion for the importance of data-driven public health programs comes from her own personal experiences. Growing up in Timor-Leste, she saw first-hand how a lack of access to critical healthcare can negatively impact families and communities.
‘That experience inspired me to work in public health and focus on strengthening health systems,’ shares Missella. ‘At Maluk Timor, I’ve been leading our MEL work – helping programs use data to make better decisions and deliver stronger services. This role has allowed me to contribute meaningfully.’
As a part of her area of expertise, Missella’s hard at work building the organisation’s capacity in data literacy, reporting, and continuous improvement. She also provides crucial technical support to program teams, manages complex data systems, and facilitates staff training to promote a culture of learning and accountability.
The Future Healthcare Leaders Scholarship
The Future Healthcare Leaders Scholarship forms a key cornerstone in Maluk Timor’s mission to empower our local staff members.This scholarship provides financial support for a team leader who’s been recognised as carrying high potential, enabling them to undertake graduate-level studies in a field that’s relevant to their work.
As part of the program, recipients commit to remaining on staff with Maluk Timor for a minimum of three years after they complete their studies, providing direct benefits to local Timorese communities as a result of their newly developed expertise.
In 2025, Missella was awarded a Future Healthcare Leaders Scholarship in recognition of her exceptional contribution to Maluk Timor’s monitoring and learning culture.
‘Thanks to your support, I am now studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Epidemiology through the University of London,’ Missella details in a recent note to the scholarship’s donor base. ‘This course will help me improve my skills in understanding disease patterns, analysing data, and supporting programs with evidence-based advice. It will also help me grow professionally – opening up opportunities for future academic growth and leadership roles.’
Empowering local women leaders
Missella’s journey with Maluk Timor speaks to the very core of what we stand for as an organisation: investing in local leaders who can transform their communities from within. The Future Healthcare Leaders Scholarship allows us to support local professionals to further expand their professional skills and capacities, equipping them with the knowledge and support they need to contribute to lasting, systemic change.
‘We can only do what we do because of the extraordinary commitment and professionalism of our Timorese staff,’ says Michelle Wilson, Managing Director, Maluk Timor Australia. ‘Our vision is to continue investing in the professional development of our team so they will sustain the impact we have on the provision of primary health care in Timor-Leste.’
Missella’s hope for the future of Timor-Leste
For Missella, this scholarship represents much more than an academic or career opportunity – it’s another step towards seeing her hope for the future of Timor-Leste become reality.
‘This scholarship will allow me to give more back to my community. I plan to use this knowledge to train others, build local capacity, and contribute to a stronger, fairer health system in Timor-Leste – especially for people living in rural areas,’ reflects Missella.
‘Your support means a lot to me and my country. I will work hard to make the most of this opportunity and to honour the trust you have placed in me. Thank you for believing in me.’
While every staff member who walks through Maluk Timor’s doors receives personalised mentorship and learning opportunities, we know just how powerful strategic, personalised investment can be in building Timor-Leste’s future healthcare leaders.
You can support a talented Maluk Timor staff member to expand their work’s impact by making a financial contribution to the annual Future Healthcare Leaders Scholarship. With scholarships covering items such as tuition fees, flights and accommodation and incidentals, this is a powerful way to multiply the impact of your contribution long into the future.
Conclusion
Through her passionate professionalism, Missella has already made a long-lasting difference on Timor-Leste’s healthcare system. Her work speaks to the fact that the future of healthcare in this country depends not just on access to key resources and infrastructure, but on the local leaders who are empowered to lead with knowledge, integrity, and insight.
Through the Future Healthcare Leaders Scholarship, Missella’s impact will only continue to expand, directly strengthening Maluk Timor’s capacity for evidence-based care. Congratulations, Missella – we can’t wait to see what’s next for you!