From poets to Paralympians and policymakers, this year’s YWCA Y25 list celebrates some of Aotearoa’s most inspirational young people
Illustrations by Kerilyn Clarke.
Every year, the pool of nominees for Y25 grows bigger and stronger. In its six years, Y25 has championed over 125 young wāhine and gender diverse changemakers, and the team at YWCA are now ready to introduce the next group.
This year’s Y25 come from all across Aotearoa. They are advocates, activists, academics, athletes and leaders working to rectify past wrongs and help communities thrive. Their mahi spans advocacy for children in state care, LGBTQIA+ activism, indigenous storytelling, entrepreneurship, disability access, the arts and more.
“Given what is happening in our world, seeing and hearing from these leaders is more vital than ever,” says YWCA Tāmaki Makaurau CEO Dellwyn Stuart. “Young women and gender diverse youth are often mischaracterised by the media, by politicians and by their elders. They tend to be seen, but not to be fully heard. We want to change this.”
Zoe Dzapasi, who was selected last year, called Y25 a life changing experience. “I never thought I could grow so much in a year,” she said. “It was amazing. From the people I met to the real and compassionate connections, advice and support I got.”
Meet the Y25 for 2025 below.
Aalyana Teata Partsch, 23, hauora advocate, entrepreneur and māmā, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/her)
Aalyana is an entrepreneur and advocate. She is the founder of I Mahi Ora, an initiative that reimagines health and wellbeing for Māori and Pasifika young adults through indigenous frameworks. Her vision is to positively influence health statistics by creating resources that are culturally inclusive and accessible. With a whakapapa that connects her to Sāmoa and Tahiti, Aalyana recognises the systemic disparities in Māori and Pasifika health outcomes. Her own journey through personal and health challenges has shaped her mission to uplift others through culturally grounded, inclusive solutions.
Words of wisdom: “Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua – Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.”
Aarthi Candadai, 18, multidisciplinary changemaker and youth advocate, Te Whanganui A-Tara (she/her)
From a young age, Aarthi noticed a lack of representation in leadership spaces. As a South Asian New Zealander, she is now paving the way for that herself. Aarthi has many leadership roles and serves both as a Youth MP for Ōhāriu and as head student at Newlands College. At 17, Aarthi led a team of 25 students to bring TEDxYouth@Paparangi to life. This event celebrated the diverse voices of young people across Aotearoa. Aarthi sees young people as the leaders of today and the ancestors of tomorrow. She envisions a future in which their voices are at the forefront of all decisions.
Words of wisdom: “The future isn’t something we enter; it’s something we actively shape through the courage to speak up, and the will to lead.”
Aimee Lew, 24, STEM and storytelling trailblazer, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/her)
Aimee (刘凌华) was born in Guiyang, China and grew up in Manurewa, South Auckland. As a first-generation migrant daughter, she knows all about the balancing act between honouring her parents’ sacrifices and following her own path. She’s currently studying for a masters of mathematical modelling, while serving Aotearoa’s only student-run science magazine. Aimee loves working at the intersection of science and social issues and enjoys using practical tools to understand and tackle big global problems. This talented STEM superstar hopes to combine her hobbies and interests with academia in a fruitful, impactful way.
Words of wisdom: “Make more art! When you’re stressed and overwhelmed, it always calms you down. And you have more time than you think.”
Amber Cayley, 18, climate champion and STEM leader, Ngāmotu (she/her)
Amber is on a mission to help our planet and the humans who live on it. As a high school student in Ngāmotu, Amber is deeply connected to te taiao. Her goal is to become a leading environmental scientist, and she hopes to conduct climate change research around the globe while inspiring others – especially other wāhine – to find their voices and follow their interests. She is passionate about bridging the gap between Western science and indigenous knowledge and weaves her research into mātauranga Māori to support Aotearoa’s unique flora and fauna. Amber’s work is rooted in scientific rigour, cultural respect and community care.
Words of wisdom: “Try not to get caught up in what everyone else is doing, do what makes you happy, and use your strengths to make the world that little bit better.”
Annabel MacKay, 19, inclusion and equity advocate, Te Whanganui a Tara (she/her)
Annabel is an advocate, storyteller and rare disease survivor who is deeply committed to inclusion and equity. At just seven years old, Annabel wrote to New Zealand’s Prime Minister about the lack of captioning in media. In 2017, she became the youngest person to present to a Parliamentary Select Committee, and in 2021 she was the New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Youth Champion for her work raising awareness of NZSL. A speech she did about ableism went viral online. Annabel is currently studying law and development studies, and she will be the first Deaf person to be admitted to the New Zealand Bar.
Words of wisdom: “Your voice (and hands!) matter and have the potential to transform. If you feel strongly about something, fight for it.”
Anne Joseph, 24, gender equity and global diplomacy activist, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/her)
Anne is a dedicated activist for gender equality, youth empowerment and global diplomacy. She is committed to international child protection and helps raise awareness about the pervasive harms of child trafficking worldwide. Anne has led the UN Women’s 16 Days of Activism and a mentorship programme for young women in Egypt. A former secretary of the United Nations Association of New Zealand, she champions youth participation in global governance. She has worked in advocacy and public diplomacy with Amnesty International, the French Embassy and the EU Delegation. Anne is currently finishing off a master’s degree in international relations and diplomacy.
Words of wisdom: “Your identity doesn’t have to fit into any box. Feel the strength in your individuality and the power of community.”
Aria Ngarimu, 23, community-based advocate, Te Whanganui a Tara (she/her)
Aria (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Rongomaiwahine, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) is an emerging researcher in her final year of a law and science degree at Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka. There she advocates for tauira Māori and Te Tiriti-based collaboration in tertiary education. Her mahi, grounded in her whakapapa and a commitment to empowering Indigenous perspectives, spans indigenous food sovereignty, climate change and mental health. With legal scholarship published in the Māori Law Review, Aria is dedicated to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and empowering indigenous and marginalised communities in Aotearoa and globally.
Words of wisdom: “Trust in yourself, you are everything your tūpuna dreamed of and more!”
Ashley Vaotuua, 24, Pasifika and community champion, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/her)
Ashley, a proud tamaitai Samoa from South Auckland, is a passionate storyteller dedicated to uplifting her communities with a special focus on the experiences of Samoan women. Raised in Ōtara, Ashley has roots in Afega, Matatufu, Fasitootai and Vailuutai. She holds a master’s in Pacific studies from the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau. Ashley explores indigenous knowledge and helps communities reconnect with their cultures through Siva Samoa workshops. As a journalist and active South Auckland community member, she aims to embody the Samoan proverb, “E au le Inailau a Tamaitai Samoa,” which tells us that a Samoan woman’s strength allows her people to unlock their potential.
Words of wisdom: “Take your time and don’t be afraid to try something, maybe suck at it and then pivot. That’s where the magic happens.”
Buua Redfern, 24, rangatahi and community changemaker, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/her)
Buua is a trailblazing I-Kiribati advocate for Pacific youth. She aims to ignite opportunities and amplify voices and has led nationwide initiatives for youth leadership, climate change, governance and financial empowerment. Through Ara Maneaba and Rotin Manukau Youth, Buua delivered free driver’s licence programmes to Kiribati youth, opening doors to jobs and education. She has also led mental health workshops and fostered healing through anonymous letter exchanges between youth and parents. As events lead for Multiethnic Young Leaders NZ, Buua runs spaces that celebrate diversity and empower rangatahi. Inspired by her mother and community, she is driven to break cycles of hardship and champion collective growth.
Words of wisdom: “Hold yourself to your values and don’t let your light be diminished.”
Ceilidh Brown, 22, indigenous and rainbow trailblazer, Kerepēhi (she/her)
Ceilidh is a proud Niuean academic passionate about indigenous knowledge and history. She is dedicated to revitalising Niuean narratives and fostering pride in heritage and language. Grounded in her whakapapa, she advocates for indigenous and queer Pasifika communities, drawing on her own experiences at their intersection. As Pasifika programme coordinator for Rainbow Hub Waikato, Ceilidh helped establish one of the first Pasifika MVPFAFF+ Rainbow spaces in Waikato which provides vital support for queer Pasifika individuals. Inspired by her parents’ commitment to community, Ceilidh works to create inclusive spaces where identities are celebrated and people can embody the dreams of their ancestors.
Words of wisdom: “Rejection is simply redirection. If something is meant for you, it will find its way to you!”
Eleanor Dunn, 23, systems change and medical student, Ōtautahi (she/her)
Eleanor is a medical student, researcher, science communicator and community leader dedicated to bringing healthcare, research and community service together. She is currently studying medicine at the University of Otago Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka and previously completed an honours degree focused on emergency department care. Eleanor is a published researcher and has presented internationally. As President of the Student Volunteer Army Otago, Eleanor leads high-impact volunteering and also mentors aspiring medical students. She has worked with Nanogirl, Khan Academy and Science Alive to make science accessible. Driven to improve healthcare and community well-being, Eleanor is committed to lifelong learning, leadership and creating meaningful, evidence-based impact through her work.
Words of wisdom: “Break that glass ceiling!”
Ivy Lyden-Hancy, 19, storyteller, poet and indigenous advocate, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/her)
Ivy (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wairere, Samoa – Falefā, Tonga – Vava’u) is a wahine Māori creative, leader and advocate from Papakura, South Auckland. She uplifts Māori and Pasifika communities through her mahi and spoken word poetry. As a cultural practitioner at Te Whare Hinatore, Ivy mentors wāhine facing housing insecurity. Her community work includes supporting health access at Talavou Village and Village Collective. The first in her whānau to attend university, Ivy is studying history and Māori media at AUT Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau. She hopes to become a lecturer and filmmaker to continue telling stories that matter.
Words of wisdom: “Pour love into yourself the way you pour love into others – service without reciprocity is a strain on one’s hauora.”
Katie-Rose Ruana Pemberton, 19, neurodiversity advocate and actor, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/her)
Katie-Rose, a proud wahine of Samoan and Pākehā descent from South Auckland, is an emerging advocate for neurodiversity, gender equity and cultural inclusion. As a founding member of Young Neurodiversity Champions, she has influenced national policy and supported over 500 families. Now in her second year studying environmental science and psychology at the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau, Katie-Rose blends her academic work with lived experience to drive systemic change. Recognised with awards like Young East Aucklander of the Year, she also channels her activism through performing arts. This multifaceted trailblazer uses every platform available to create meaningful and real impact in her community and beyond.
Words of wisdom: “Difference is not a flaw but a beautiful by-product of evolving humanity.”
Lauryn Maxwell, 22, te ao Māori and health equity champion, Tauranga Moana (she/her)
Lauryn (Ngāti Pūkenga ki Waiau, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Kiorekino) hails from Tauranga Moana and is dedicated to uplifting indigenous voices and advancing health equity. She holds a BSc in psychology and a diploma in Māori development from the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau and is now pursuing postgraduate study in public and Māori health. Lauryn is passionate about dismantling systemic barriers for marginalised communities and recently completed a six-week public health internship in Mumbai, India. Her journey has been rooted in reclaiming her reo, whakapapa and tikanga, and active leadership in Māori and Pacific communities. All of this drives her commitment to accessible, culturally grounded healthcare.
Words of wisdom: “Don’t be afraid to challenge societal expectations, use your voice, and remember that mistakes are part of growth and haerenga.”
Laya Rasooli, 25, artist, architect and refugee advocate, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/her)
Laya is an emerging Afghan-Kiwi architect, artist and entrepreneur dedicated to designing inclusive, sustainable and culturally enriched communities. Born in Afghanistan and shaped by her refugee experience, she uses architecture and art for social impact. Laya is now pursuing a master’s in architecture at AUT where her research focuses on hydrological architecture and ecological infrastructure and is being used in projects like Orchard Oasis Community Hub. Laya has received the TEAM Architects Scholarship and Prime Minister Scholarship and represented Auckland University of Technology Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rauin in Chile. She mentors students, advocates for refugee and migrant communities, creates art that explores migration and resilience, and enjoys shaping spaces that foster belonging and sustainability.
Words of wisdom: “You are more powerful than you know, and your journey, your culture, your experiences are not barriers, they are strengths.”
Lisa McLaren, 25, rangatahi champion and broadcaster, Ōtautahi (she/her)
Lisa is an advocate for care-experienced young people at VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai. She’s all about youth-led kaupapa and presents workshops on suicide prevention, self-harm, burnout, inclusivity, diversity and trauma-informed care. Born in Ōamaru, Lisa has been involved in the 6 Promises Petition and the Save 7AA Campaign. She has spoken up multiple times in the media in regards to the Ram Raid Amendment Bill and proposed cuts to Oranga Tamariki and is currently working on the State of Care in 2025 report for the 2026 Care conference. Lisa is also a staunch advocate for local music on RDU 98.5fm and has twice been voted Te Waipounamu Regional Youth Council Chair.
Words of wisdom: “Don’t be afraid to hear the word ‘no’, also don’t be afraid to say the word ‘yes’ to new opportunities out of your comfort zone.”
Mairātea Mohi, 25, Māori publisher of people, place and story, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/her/ia)
Mairātea (Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Te Arawa whānui, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) is a publisher and writer committed to bridging cultural divides through printed word. Raised by Lake Rotorua, Mairātea grew up surrounded by orators, storytellers, holders of ancestral knowledge and discovered that her tongue was ink, her thoughts paper, and her stories vessels for whakapapa, identity, and memory. As the maiden te ao Māori editor of Craccum, she launched Taumata Rau: Māori and Pasifika-led issues. This led her to the prestigious Columbia publishing course at Oxford. As te reo Māori publishing associate at University of Auckland, Mairātea elevates indigenous, Pacific, Asian and migrant stories that speak to identity, decolonisation and diaspora.
Words of wisdom: “Constant worrying will not keep the storm from coming. Know when to let your cards fall, know when to let your mind rest. And maybe – just maybe – embrace a little absurdity on the way there.”
Malak Tamimi, 15, community activist, young leader and Palestine voice, Ōtepoti (she/her)
Malak is a Palestinian-Kiwi passionate about youth empowerment and human rights. She moved from Hebron to Ōtepoti and is always navigating the space between cultures – as a hijabi, Muslim and Palestinian woman, Malak often finds herself ‘the only one in the room’. She feels driven to challenge stereotypes of oppression and show all that young Muslim women can offer. This Queen’s High student is also involved with Gen-Z Aotearoa, Create Happy Media, Make It 16, Pūawai Project, Amnesty, UN Youth and her family’s Rozana for Palestine fundraiser. As the former liaison officer for Dunedin Youth Council, Malak co-hosted a podcast and helped lead bus safety campaigns.
Words of wisdom: “Stay proud and be yourself – never hide your culture and who you are.”
Manuella Sanches Pedrosa, 17, local leader and climate trailblazer, Tāhuna (she/her)
Manuella is a Year 13 student at Wakatipu High School. With whakapapa linking back to Brazil, she has helped create solutions for local issues like drought. She is the 2024 student board representative and head girl for 2025 and is passionate about supporting young people in her community. Manuella coaches beginner skaters through KiwiSkate and contributes to the Girls Who Grow programme, where she helped develop a project that won the Rising Star Award at the Wakatipu Community Awards. Outside of school, Manuella plays ice hockey and is a member of the U18 Women’s New Zealand Ice Hockey Team. She plans to pursue a career in law.
Words of wisdom: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
Mary Ieremia-Allan, 21, environmental/Pasifika advocate and fashion designer, Kirikiriroa (she/her)
Mary operates at the intersection of environmental justice, Pacific knowledge systems, creative practice and intergenerational engagement. She is studying fashion and textile design at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University. Mary is grounded in the wisdom of her ancestral communities: Sapapalii, Aleipata, Falealili, Isle of Raasay Pietermaritzburg and more. She has served as a UNESCO youth representative, led World Vision campaigns on climate justice and global food insecurity, and sits on university academic boards to advocate for curriculum reform and Pacific ancestral knowledge. Mary’s story is rooted in resilience: from funding her passions at 13 with part time jobs, to leading NZ Open Women’s Touch Rugby Team, to having her music performed by NZSO members.
Words of wisdom: “Purpose over potential.”
Sabreen Islam, 22, musician, poet and equity advocate, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/her)
Sabreen is a Muslim Bengali wahine, passionate about using her voice, both through advocacy and art, to create change. A talented songwriter, poet and musician, she explores identity, belonging and resilience by weaving together her experiences as a young woman of colour, her Muslim faith and her love of storytelling. Alongside her EP, she has also published a poetry collection book, Spring Clean, which captures the quiet ache of growing up as a person of colour. Sabreen is not afraid to speak up and does so with grace, honesty and raw vulnerability that inspires many wāhine in Aotearoa.
Words of wisdom: “You’re here for a reason, and your ancestors are proud of you. Do what you love for them and no one else!”
Sarina Todd, 22, STEM champion and equity innovator, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/her)
Sarina is a mechatronics engineering graduate who is dedicated to creating equitable access to STEM. Inspired by the barriers her Japanese grandmother faced, Sarina’s goal is to challenge societal norms around education. She is a co-founder of Women in STEM NZ, which creates accessible opportunities for youth to thrive in STEM. Last year, Sarina was approached by NASA to lead an event for Opportunity Rover’s 20th anniversary. She created ‘Exploring Opportunity’, which brought 200 students from across Aotearoa together. She has also represented Aotearoa at UNITE 2030 in New York and moderated a United Nations panel on turning vision into tangible change.
Words of wisdom: “No one can tell you you’re doing it wrong if nobody knows what you’re doing.”
Te Ahipourewa Forbes, 21, rangatahi advocate and media visionary, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/her)
Te Ahipourewa (Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Naho) is a Māori multimedia journalist at Re: News. Her storytelling offers insightful perspectives that challenge mainstream narratives, celebrates Indigenous identity, and brings authenticity and depth to issues that matter to Māori communities. Grounded in whakapapa and tikanga, Te Ahipourewa sees journalism as an extension of traditional Māori storytelling that bridges past, present and future. This talented wahine toa wants to see Māori voices lead, educate and empower. Through storytelling rooted in whanaungatanga and mana motuhake, she inspires rangatahi, celebrates Tangata Whenua and is reimagining the future of media in Aotearoa.
Words of wisdom: “Your whakapapa is your strength. Your tūpuna walk with you every single day – their strength is your strength.”
Ellathea Tia Fleming, 22, māmā, indigenous and community changemaker, Ōtepoti (she/her)
Tia Fleming (Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa; Vailoa Aleipata, Fasito’o Uta, Moata’a, Manono Tai, Sapapali’i, Falelima – Savai’i) is a 22-year-old māmā, Otago University student and community leader. Her tama has been a powerful inspiration in her journey. Becoming a mother at 18 deepened Tia’s drive to create positive change and build a nurturing village for her whānau and wider community. Tia is actively engaged in a range of kaupapa including The Hive, Talavou Village and university-based networks. Her passions span rugby, cultural arts and her faith. Tia centres her mahi on uplifting others. She wants her leadership to be an example of the strength and commitment to service of young wāhine Māori and Pasifika.
Words of wisdom: “Your life may look nothing like the one you imagined and everything like the one you were made for.”
Tupou Neiufi, 24, Paralympic sports and mental health champion, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/ her)
Tupou is a New Zealand Tongan Paralympic swimmer who aims to showcase the strength and resilience that define Pacific cultures. Born in Māngere East, a life-altering accident at age two left Tupou with left-sided hemiplegia. Even so, she found her strength in swimming, which became her path to self-expression and success. Tupou won silver at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championship, gold at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and feels swimming has created many opportunities for her: “It’s cool getting to travel the world and be able to share my culture and put us on the world stage.” Tupou is passionate about inspiring others. Her own self-doubt has fuelled her advocacy for mental health and self-acceptance.
Words of wisdom: “BElieve in YOUrself.”
Y25 is supported by generous partners: Mecca M-POWER, Kiwibank, Bell Gully, Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust, Mediaworks Foundation, Aurecon, Foundation North and AUT.