Read real stories about inspiring women and be empowered to look after your mind, body and spirit through the good and bad times.
Read real stories about inspiring women and be empowered to look after your mind, body and spirit through the good and bad times.
Our team of Embassadors are the young people who guide everything Dear Em does. The Embassadors drive our projects, set our agenda, and inform all of our content, while being supported to become leaders in their own communities.
Stella Cranwell (She/Her)
Kia ora, ko Stella tōku ingoa. I use she/her pronouns and have been part of Dear Em for four years. My work here reflects my identity as a young pākehā woman committed to using connection as a catalyst for social change. Currently, I am a second-year student at Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland), pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Anthropology and Sociology. These studies inform my advocacy, where I explore power dynamics and the transformative role of positive social interactions. My family and friends are a constant source of strength, as well as filling my cup through watching movies, annoying my cats, or reading.
Taara Malhi (she/her)
Helluar!! I'm Taara :3 (she/her), I'm 16 years old and this is the first of my many years at Dear Em.
Through Dear Em I have been able to meet some of the coolest people EVER and been given unique opportunities to learn about new things and to be able to make a change. Besides being a part of the awesomeness at Dear Em, I’m always up to something interesting. I love to cook and bake, and more importantly CHOMP UP the food afterwards!! My favourite book is Tuesdays with Morrie and my favourite bands are My chemical romance and Bikini kill. I love all things creative, from art to writing and from silly DIYs to making videos.
Naina Manoj (She/Her)
Hey! My name is Naina (she/her). I am 19 and I am a BSc student majoring in psychology at UoA. This is my third year with Dear Em which I am super pumped and excited about. I am an anxious overthinker who would love to make a better and impactful change in the community we live in. Being a part of this team has made me realize even more that my voice, my feelings and my thoughts matter because let’s be honest as a South Asian woman, it is quite hard to find any kind of representation and to actually feel like you are “seen”. I am a huge movie and show geek. I love playing the guitar and vibing to 80’s music and my favorite - SZA. Finally, I just wanted to say for anyone who is reading this I hope you are having a good day and you are awesome! If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact the team. :)
Bhavini Parekh
Hi! I’m Bhavini. I am a student at UoA studying a Law and Psychology degree.
I’m passionate about human rights, advocacy, and using my studies to make a real difference in people’s lives. I’m especially interested in pursuing a career where I can support and empower others through the law. Outside of my studies, I love going to the gym, spending time with my friends and family, and hanging out with my adorable Pomeranian. My all-time favourite movie has to be Grown Ups—it never fails to make me laugh! I’m also a big fan of Afrobeats—there’s nothing like it to lift your mood.
Monica Missen
Hey! My name is Monica. I am 25 and this is my third year at Dear Em as an embassador. I work as a Travel Agent. Being in Dear Em has helped me gain confidence and put my feminist beliefs into practice. I am passionate about the empowerment and liberation of women, and educating young people about sexual violence and their rights. I want to turn my negative experiences in life into something good that will help other women. In my free time I like to crochet, read books, play cozy games, and watch procedural dramas for a little escapism.
Layba Zubair (She/Her)
Kia Ora! My name is Layba, I’m 20 and I’ve been at Dear Em for 6 years now. I’ve been around for a while (evidently), and every year that I am a part of the Embassador team I learn so much more, and truly feel so privileged to share this space with so many other amazing people. I’m in my final year of law at The University of Auckland, and I’m incredibly passionate about sexual violence prevention and intersectional feminism. Dear Em has truly allowed me to combine my love for the law and sexual harm prevention - in 2022 I launched the Consent Law Reform Campaign, which is built on the premise that our current laws are failing to keep rangatahi safe from sexual assault. In my free time, I love to sleep (I have a superpower for being able to fall asleep nearly anywhere), reading, and peach iced tea!
ennia zigon
hey yall! my name is ennia and this is my first year at dear em. i'm so excited that i get to share such a supportive and inspiring space with incredibly smart, empathetic and passionate people! i look forward to learning and growing with this beautiful bunch. mental health awareness (particularly ocd) and sexual violence prevention are both very important topics to me that i’ll be making content about this year. much of my time revolves around music, whether that be listening to it, playing instruments, singing or songwriting. i’ve been listening to a lot of gracie abrams, keane, lily allen, role model and bob dylan in recent months. i also love to play board games and video games, photograph scenery and loved ones on my film camera, thrifting, all things winnie the pooh related and the beach.
Thiyona Singh
Hey! My name is Thiyona and this is my first year as a Dear Em Embassador.
I am so incredibly grateful to be part of a team of some of the most inspiring women. I am a Law and Arts student, majoring in Criminology and Politics, so it’s no surprise that I have a great passion for social justice and the empowerment of women. I am an advocate for uplifting the voices and experiences of young people of colour in New Zealand (being a brown girl from South Africa myself) and being part of the Dear Em team allows me to put my love for intersectional feminism into practice to achieve this. I love going to the gym, coffee (I am actually obsessed) and I will almost never miss watching a Springbok match:)
Harini Pushpakumar (she/her)
Kia ora koutou!
Ko Pushpakumar tōku whānau
Ko Harini tōku ingoa
Kia Ora my name is Harini (she/her) and this is my fourth year as an Embassador for Dear Em. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Criminology. Being involved at Dear Em has empowered me to make change in my community by advocating for sexual violence prevention and by working together to uplift youth advocates. As a Tamil woman, I am also passionate about creating more spaces for South Asian representation which is seen through our project ‘Jhumka Journey’. I am grounded by my family, friends and my fellow Embassadors who inspire me everyday. I love matcha, a good yap, concerts and an addicting crime novel.
Jemima Kaniki
Kia ora! My name is Jemima Kaniki, I am 20 years old from the Republic Democratic of Congo. I am in my second year at The University of Auckland studying a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and Politics in International Relations. I am incredibly honored to be part of the Dear Em team this year and excited to work along many incredible people.
I am passionate about gender equality, women’s rights and safety, racial justice, God, Congo, and the importance of sisterhood. In my free time, I love to watch movies, especially action movies. I love to read, I love listening to music, especially RnB, I love hanging out with my family, and educating myself more about my African heritage.
Aanya Shukla (she/her)
Hi! My name is Aanya (she/her), I’m 16 and this is my 2nd year in Dear Em :)
Growing through this space has been so wonderful— I’ve been guided in finding my true voice and channeling my scattered passions into something tangible. It is THE MOST fulfilling feeling seeing your work + experiences uplift, empower and validate another individual, which is exactly what this community strives for. A little bit about me— I love connecting with others, a good playlist and getting lost in a yap session!
When I first joined, I never thought I’d gain “sisterhood” from this space; something I always yearned for, and find abundantly with these wonderful women. I’m so excited to spend another year with my team of sisters, and together drive more change <3
Medha Baadkar
Hey! I’m Medha, a Year 12 student at Christchurch Girls’ High School and one of the Dear Em Ambassadors this year. I’m someone who loves deep conversations, connecting with others, and finding ways to make people feel heard and supported - that’s what drew me to Dear Em in the first place. I’m really into writing and public speaking, and I’ve always found words to be a powerful way to express ideas and bring people together. I’m also a big reader (I pretty much always have a book with me), and I love challenging myself to learn other languages and explore different cultures - I absolutely love to travel! Outside of that, I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie - I’m always down to try something new, especially if it involves a bit of adventure. I’m really looking forward to being part of this space, sharing stories, and hopefully make the world a brighter place.
Kareena David
Tēnā koe
Nō Īnia te whakapapa mai engari
Ko Tāmaki makaurau te whenua tupu
Ko Himareira tōku maunga
Ko whau tōku awa
Ko David tōku whānau
Ko Kareena tōku ingoa
Kia Ora, my name is Kareena (she/her)! I am so excited to be a part of the Dear Em team this year alongside such incredibly inspiring wāhine. I am a second year student at The University of Auckland studying a bachelors of Law & Global Studies, majoring in Human Rights and Global Politics, with my chosen language being Te reo Māori. I have a passion for social justice, particularly within Aotearoa, and would love to use my passion one day to help minorities and Indigenous individuals feel at home within the law. I am continuously learning to embrace my own identity as a young brown woman and finding opportunities to use my voice, like Dear Em. I love reading my Bible, going to concerts, being musical, gyming, hanging with my Nani and going on mandatory Maccas runs!
Riley De Vaal (they/them)
Tēnā koutou katoa
Nō Āwherika ki te Tonga ahau
Kō Tāmaki Makaurau te whenua tupu
Ngāti pākehā toku iwi
Kō Riley tōku ingoa
Abi Spence (She/Her)
Kia ora, I’m Abi. This is my third year as an Embassador at Dear Em.
My top 4 things:
1. house md.
2. f1
3. astronomy
4. the spicy chicken sushi by my house (the staff know my name)
I joined Dear Em to be a part of a space that wants to make change and advocate for young women. I’m really into Formula 1 and I’m really passionate about getting women interested in sports that are primarily male dominated and women get backlash for enjoying. I love music - I absolutely cannot play an instrument - but I love all music from jazz to rock, to Justin Timberlake to $uicideboy$. I’m really into 2000’s club hits atm. My two ginger cats are my absolute world. I’m a real dork about geography (love sporcle). I am constantly learning, growing, and can truly be myself in the environment that Dear Em has created. I hope that my part in Dear Em positively impacts even just one person.
Jessie Randles (she/they)
Kia Ora, I’m Jessie and I go by she/her and they/them pronouns. This is my third year being involved with Dear Em. I found Dear Em during my search for a required uni internship where my placement would support my budding art practice. Dear Em allowed me to delve into my beliefs and art, which is strongly centred around intersectional feminism. Having completed my internship, I chose to stay with Dear Em because I found a profound sense of security within its supportive community. It's been a wonderful journey this far.
Art holds a significant place in my life—it acts as a fluid journal, constantly evolving and providing glimpses of my inner world to those around me. It effortlessly adapts to my mood and routine, embracing the sudden shifts that life brings.
Beyond my art practice and involvement with Dear Em, I have a penchant for discovering cozy cafes, indulging in their hot chocolates, all while people watching. Additionally, I find solace in the quiet moments spent at home with my dogs, even though they tend to bark if a leaf falls to loudly.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I'm excited to share more of my journey and creations with you.
Erica Ngin (She/They)
Kia ora koutou!
Ko Maungawhau te maunga
Ko Te Kōmiti te moana
No Kamapōtia ahau
E noho ana au ki Tāmaki Makaurau
Ko Erica tōku ingoa
Hi! I’m Erica (she/they) and I’m 21 and Cambodian. I’ve
been a part of DearEm since 2018. The community here has shaped some of the core values I hold today. We hold so much space for each other to learn and vent in one of the safest environments I’ve experienced. I’ve loved growing with and alongside the young women at DearEm. I’m always learning from everyone in the team, and there's so much passion in our advocacy towards creating a better society. I’m personally passionate about women’s rights, mental health, education and empowering young people.
I’m currently studying computer science and psychology. In my spare time, I love creating, and some of my hobbies include thrifting, music, art, and more recently, gymming and journaling.
Florencia Gallardo (she/her)
Hi!! I’m Florencia (she/her), I’m 16, scorpio, infp and I’m so proud to say that this would be my first year joining Dear Em. I'm originally from Chile, I have a band (which I love very much) and I really want to study psychology one day because I care a lot about people feeling heard and understood. I’m pretty much passionate about everything and always love learning new things.
I have mild cerebral palsy, which has shaped how I see the world in unique and meaningful ways. Since joining Dear Em, I’ve learned so much, lessons that stick with me every day and help me grow without ever feeling judged or making me feel less than. It’s honestly such a kind, empowerful place and I'm so grateful to be here.
I’m a pretty big fan of Jeff Buckley, currently watching Brooklyn 99, and I love collecting trinkets, thrifting and music. I’m so happy to be part of something this meaningful and excited for everything ahead!
Our coordinators are responsible for the day to day operations of Dear Em, and supporting the Embassador’s throughout their journey on our Leadership Programme.
Imogen Stone (She/Her)
Acting Programme Lead - Dear Em
Kia ora koutou!
Ko Ngāpuhi tōku iwi
Ko Te Mahurehure tōku hapū
Nō Tāmaki Makaurau ahau
Ko Imogen tōku ingoa
My name is Imogen, and I am the acting programme lead for Dear Em. I have had the pleasure of working for Help Auckland supporting the Dear Em programme since January 2021. I first wanted to work with Dear Em because of my roots as a proud feminist, and my passion for uplifting young leaders. Since then I have had the opportunity to learn more about sexual violence prevention and advocacy, and have been able to meet countless incredible young advocates striving for positive change in Aotearoa. Being involved with Dear Em is such an empowering experience, and it helps me to feel hopeful about the change we can achieve when we come together. I love getting creative and playing around on canva, I am a libra, a plant mum, and I am obsessed with cats.
Ashleigh Gibbons (She/Her)
Dear Em Youth Development Worker
Kia ora, my name is Ashleigh, I’m a youth development worker working with Dear Em alongside Imogen. I have been a frontline worker in the sexual violence field for more than a year now, but prevention is something that speaks strongly to me. I am a current psychotherapy student and want to continue working in the mental health sector full-time once I graduate. I’m really passionate about this programme and all of the topics Em touches on. I was a youth mentor in the past and find that Dear Em operates in a way that speaks true to my creative roots. I am a Taurus, I love animals and have three cats. I fill my cup in my spare time with art, reading, and writing.
Our Mentors volunteer up their time and expertise to support our team. They are there to explore and foster our Embassador’s ideas, share their knowledge and experience, and support the growth and development of our team and their projects.
Chloe Jackman
Heather Golder
Oggy Nweke