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.
Aanya Shukla (she/her)
I’m deeply passionate about fostering community and recognising the abundance within them as a driving force for change. My advocacy centres around Relationships and Sexuality Education– fostering collective conversations about the core aspects of who we are, with the goal of building communities rooted in openness and empowerment. I believe strongly in the power of education and connection, and I’m driven by the joy and impact that comes from bringing people together in these spaces (like Dear Em!).
I’ve been a crazy side-quester in the past year– from delivering a speech in Parliament, stepping into my final year of school as Head Girl, growing further into my advocacy and experiencing opportunities beyond my fathom. It’s been a wonderful rollercoaster of ups and downs, but I’ve always found grounding in returning to this space as I am <3
I’m so excited for more side-quests, yapping, and matchas with this team ;)
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.
Annabel Stewart-Graham
Kia ora koutou!!
Ko Motupōhue te maunga
Ko Te Ara a Kewa te tai
Ko Uruao, ko Tākitimu, ko Tairea ngā waka
Ko Te Rau Aroha te marae
Ko Ngāi Tahu te iwi
Ko Annabel tōku ingoa
Hi!! I'm Annabel (she/her), I’m 15 and so happy to say this is my first year as an Embassador :) I’m so excited to work alongside everyone this year!! It's already been so fun and engaging to share similar beliefs and ideas with so many smart and talented wahine, whilst also sharing our different perspectives. I love advocating for other women to have their voices heard, and am passionate about creating a world where no woman or girl feels like they have to ever be afraid. Aside from getting myself involved in every opportunity possible (even when I don't have time), I love hanging out with my friends, taking photos, playing Futsal and Football ,watching UKYT, reading and listening to music :) My favourite artists are Lorde, Oasis, The Smiths and the entire Love Actually soundtrack - I know it's not just “one” artist!!
Avnika Sharma
Hi, I’m Avnika (pronounced Uhv-nick-ca), I’m 17 and I was born in New Delhi. This is my first year as a Dear Em Embassador, and hopefully the first of many. I spend most of my time watching movies (particularly thrillers and cinematic masterpieces), going down rabbit holes of video essays and true crime, dancing (which I’ve been doing for 13 years), reading fiction, listening to music and sometimes sewing. Some of my top film recommendations are Omkara, Wake Up Dead Man, Heretic, and Woman of the Hour. They’re all stories that, in different ways, explore the abuse of power, morality, and the darker sides of human nature, which is probably why they’ve stayed with me.
Outside of that, I’m someone who cares deeply about the world around me. I’m passionate about gender equality, intersectional feminism, advocating for POC communities, raising awareness around sexual abuse, and the liberation of women worldwide. I joined Dear Em because its values aligned so closely with my own, and it gave me a space to channel my passion into meaningful advocacy. Dear Em holds a special place in my heart, not only for the impact it creates, but also for the incredible women I’ve met along the way that I get to work with. Being part of this community inspires me to contribute to positive change in society, no matter how big or small. I hope I can make a difference, along with the wonderful women I have met at Dear Em <3
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.
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 22 and Cambodian-Chinese. 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 that I am always drawn back. I’m personally passionate about women’s rights, mental health, education and empowering young people.
I’m currently in my last semester of computer science and psychology. In my spare time, I love creating, and some of my hobbies include thrifting, painting, gymming and journaling.
Florencia Gallardo (she/her)
Kia ora! My name is Florencia (she/her), I’m 17, Scorpio and enfp. I’m so happy and grateful to say that this will be my second year joining Dear Em. I’m originally from Buin, a small town in Santiago, Chile. I’m part of a band, and I’m currently in my last year of High School! I am very excited about starting uni and study to be a sign language interpreter. I’m pretty much passionate about everything, and I’m always open to learning new things.
I have mild cerebral palsy, which has shaped how I see the world in its own unique way. 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, empowering place, and I'm so grateful to be here.
I’m a pretty big fan of Jeff Buckley, currently trying to consume more media (movies, books, etc.), and I love collecting trinkets, thrifting and music. I’m so happy to be part of something this meaningful and excited for everything ahead!
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 fifth 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 informed spaces for South Asians and building a platform of representation. The variety of advocacy is the heart of Dear Em and I love being around so many passionate individuals who are all working to combat the various issues in our society.
I am grounded by my family, friends and my fellow Embassadors who inspire me. I love matcha, mystery books and re-watching disney channel movies (my favourite is Lemonade Mouth)!
Jemima Kaniki
Kia ora!
My name is Jemima Kaniki, I am 21 years old from the Republic Democratic of Congo, I am in my third 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 for the second year now and excited to work alongside 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.
Jessie Randles (she/they)
Kia Ora, I’m Jessie and I go by they/them pronouns. This is my fourth year at Dear Em as an embassador.
My passion lies within creative expression and how art aids in connecting to others and to ourselves.
I’m excited to embark with Dear Em’s creative pursuits this year with all these amazing women.
“Impossible is not a fact, it’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration, it’s a date. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing”
Mohammed Ali
Kiara Hauraki
Tēnā koutou katoa!
Kia ora, my name is Kiara. I’m 17 years old and I’m really proud to share that I’m one of Dear Em’s newest embassadors. In the short time I’ve been part of this space, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible young wāhine from all walks of life, coming together to uplift, support, and empower one another. Depending on the setting, you’ll quickly learn that I can be quite the talker. Though funnily enough, I don’t always enjoy talking (strange, right?).
Among other things, I’m currently in my final year of high school (AHHHHHHHHH) and hoping to study film in the near future (DOUBLE AHHHHHHHH). Film and cinema have always been deeply special to me, purely because they’re about connection. Much like Dear Em, film creates space for conversations around topics that bring people together.
Layba Zubair (She/Her)
Kia Ora! My name is Layba, I’m 21 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 a law graduate from 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!
Mira Arif
Marhaba! I’m Mira. I am 21, but look 14. I whakapapa to Iraq, Syria and Egypt. I was born and raised in the UAE before moving to Aotearoa when I was 12, which probably explains why I’m endlessly curious about the world and the communities we build within it. I graduated with a Bachelor of Law, minoring in Political Science, and was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand this year. I currently work as a Governance Graduate at Auckland Council. I am passionate about advocacy, justice, and supporting work that helps people feel safer, more empowered, and more connected. I am thrilled to be a part of Dear Em because it allows me to tap into a space, and hopefully create positive change around topics which are still quite taboo in my community. Random facts: I am down bad for strong matcha, dates (the fruit duh :P), long walks, intellectual conversations, and really good hugs.
Naina Manoj (She/Her)
Hey! My name is Naina (she/her). I am 20 and I am a BSc student majoring in psychology at UoA. This is my fourth 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. :)
Olivia Hardyment
Hello!! I’m Olivia (she/her), I’m 16 and this is my first year as a Dear Em Embassador! I’m extremely grateful to be a part of such an amazing group surrounded by incredible people with similar interests as me! Already this group has helped me explore my passions and introduced me to topics I may not be familiar with. I am extremely passionate about mental health and social justice and I can’t wait to explore and advocate for these topics in the Dear Em space. I am an only child and I love spending time with my Miniature Schnauzer Archie. In my spare time I love to listen to music (at the moment my favourite artists are Lorde and Chappell Roan), read, sew, thrift and run.
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
Sukaina Sheikh
Kia ora koutou
Ko Himalayas te maunga
Ko Okura te awa
No India ahau
E noho ana au ki Tāmaki Makaurau
Ko Sukaina toku ingoa
Hello! My name is Sukaina (my friends call me Suki!), I am 22 and this is my first year at Dear Em. Beginning my journey as a Dear Em Embassador has been nothing short of a dream come true.
For as long as I can remember, I have had an innate passion for working with people in the mental-health sector. Growing up as an immigrant, this passion has stemmed into working with tamariki and rangatahi in the psychotherapy space - allowing them to feel seen, understood and safe. Hence, I am currently pursuing my Masters in Child and Adolescent psychotherapy :P, with backgrounds in psychology, sociology and psychotherapy.
In a short time, the Dear Em space and the amazing people in it have allowed me to feel valued and heard, boosting my self-growth and knowledge. Working alongside the powerful community of Em, I hope for all people to experience and live in a world rooted in empathy, empowerment and embrace - regardless of societal structures that wish to shape and dictate the life of many individuals and groups.
In my free time, you can find me yapping away with my loved ones or soaking up my creative outlets! I absolutely love to read, thrift, gym, journal, letterboxd movies and more recently pilates <3.
Taara Malhi (she/her)
Kia ora! My name is Taara (she/her), and this is my second year with Dear Em. I am a Global Studies student, majoring in Global Politics and human rights. I love to be whimsical, you’ll find me with unconventional hair clips and silly eye make up. I love making people smile. In my free time I love cooking, making art, writing, and going on walks. The beach is one of my favourite places. I live laugh love Nana!! My favourite music artist is Gerard Way, and my favourite colour is red. I love to do my mehndi, I always have it done.
Thiyona Singh
Hey! My name is Thiyona and this is my second 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 in my final year of my Bachelor of Law and Art conjoint, 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 running, the gym, coffee (I am actually obsessed) and I am a die-hard Springbok and Man utd fan :)
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)
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 programme lead for Dear Em. I have been working for HELP Auckland supporting the Dear Em programme since 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.
Ashleigh Gibbons (She/Her)
Dear Em Youth Development Worker
Kia ora koutou,
Ko Maungarei te maunga te rū nei taku ngākau
Ko Tamaki te awa e mahea nei aku māharahara
Nō Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa, ahau
Ko Ashleigh tōku ingoa
E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o Aotearoa, e noho nei au
My name is Ashleigh, I’m a youth development worker and behaviour therapist. I have been working in the sexual violence field for over 3 years now, but prevention is something that speaks to me the most. I’m passionate about this programme and all of the topics Em intersects with, but neurodiversity, mental health, and behaviour analysis hold special places in my heart.
Dear Em operates in a way that speaks true to my creative roots. I fill my cup in my spare time with art, reading, and writing. My favourite colours are green and orange. I love all animals; I have three cats and a pet pigeon of my own. I am a current MBehAnalysis student working in the pigeon lab, but have degrees in psychology, youth development, criminology, and psychotherapy.
Our Allies 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
Oggy Nweke