Our team

Leonie started work at the AWC in 2001 as the Projects Coordinator and shifted into the Centre Manager position at the end of 2005. She has a Diploma in Social Work and an MA in Social Policy. Leonie has worked in community work for many years including the unemployment rights movement and many different campaigns for women’s rights. Her two main concerns are finding solutions to violence against women, and poverty amongst mothers and children in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Kaitlin is our Centre Manager – Programmes. She holds a Master’s degree in Critical Health Psychology and comes from a background of working in maternal health promotion. Kaitlin is a passionate intersectional feminist, striving to create a better tomorrow for everyone. In her spare time you can find her crocheting up a storm, exploring Auckland’s hiking tracks, or cuddling up with a book.

 

“Radical simply means ‘grasping things at the root‘” – Angela Davis

Mary is our Women’s Services Coordinator. She holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Criminology.  She is passionate about Women’s rights and empowering women in all aspects of their lives. Mary is an intersectional feminist and wants to break down the barriers and stigma that exist within seeking help. Mary is excited to be working with a team that is committed to making resources more easily accessible for all wāhine in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Sophie has over 10 years experience Coordinating Fundraising Campaigns in the not-for-profit sector. Passionate about people power and grassroots campaigning to affect change, Sophie is excited to be part of a strong feminist organisation.

Drawn to the Auckland Women’s Centre after attending our fabulous Clementine Ford forum, Chris started volunteering soon after. Now a part of the AWC team she is focused on fundraising. Chris has a background in advertising and her passion is social justice and feminism.

Emily Phillips (Te Rarawa, Ngā Puhi) has a BA in Education and has spent the last 12 years working in a range of Early Childhood Education roles as well as journeying through motherhood, with her two boys. She is passionate about practices, policies and understandings that support whānau and tamariki.

 

This year I am starting my studies at the University of Auckland doing a conjoint degree with Law and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology and Politics. I am passionate about encouraging more rangatahi to get involved in social justice spaces with a focus on young wahine in intersectional feminst spaces.

“Ina aro atu ana te oranga ki ngā mea pai, ka rere te wairua, ka taea ngā mea katoa”

Ko Takitimu te waka.

Ko Mauoa te maunga,

Ko Tamatea-pōkaiwhenua te tangata,

Ko Tauranga te moana,

Ko Ngāti Ranginui te iwi,

Ko Ngāi Tamarawaho te hapu,

Ko Huria te marae.

Ko Leah tōku ingoa.

He uri ahau hoki nō Kotirana me Ingarani

Kia ora, I am a third-year student at AUT studying Māori development. I hail from the mighty Tauranga Moana, Scotland, and England. I am passionate about rangatahi, identity and mana wāhine.