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.
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’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of DearEm since 2018. The community here has shaped some of the core values I hold today. The coalition of our energies is unmatched; 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 lovely 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 currently studying software engineering and psychology, combining my love for problem-solving and people. I love being creative, and some of my hobbies include thrifting, music, and more recently, getting back into yoga and journaling.
Naina Manoj (She/Her)
Hey! My name is Naina (she/her). I am 18 and a BSc majoring in psychology student in UoA. This is my very second 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 - Brent Faiyaz. 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. :)
Charlotte Jones
Kia Ora, I'm Charlotte! This is my second year as part of the amazing Dear Em Team. I am 23 and currently a law and arts student at the University of Auckland, majoring in Criminology. My passion lies within the criminal justice/family law system and victim advocacy, I particularly want to bring exposure to topics that affect young people. The Dear Em space has allowed me to get involved in a range of exciting projects that align with my morals and viewpoints. I have had the opportunity to learn more about sexual violence prevention and advocacy and meet others who also endeavour for important change in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
A little about me, I love all things travel, adventure and experiencing new things! I have a big soft spot for animals and am lucky enough to work part time at a doggy day care.
Monica Missen
Hey! My name is Monica. I am 24 and this is my second 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 19 and I’ve been at Dear Em for around 4 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 third 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!
Nesil Satani (She/Her)
Kia Ora! My name is Nesil and this is my third year with Dear Em. I am from Gujurat, India, but I was born and brought up in New Zealand. Currently, I am based in Kirikiriroa, studying a management and crime science degree at the University of Waikato.
I initially joined Dear Em because I was really interested in supporting and educating around youth mental health, but my journey here has allowed me to explore so much more, consisting of family and sexual violence prevention, social change, and how we can use education as a preventative tool for these issues within our communities. I absolutely love and am so grateful for the team I have surrounding me at Dear em. The amount of love, support, and empowerment is something I strive to foster in all environments I am part of.
Harini Pushpakumar (she/her)
Kia ora koutou!
Ko Hakgala te maunga
Ko Te Kōmiti te moana
Nō Tāmaki ahau
Ko Pushpakumar tōku whānau
Ko Harini tōku ingoa
Kia Ora my name is Harini (she/her) and I have been an Embassador with Dear Em for three years! Being a part of the leadership team at Dear Em has fostered my drive to create a space of representation for South Asian communities. I am a proud Tamil, South Asian, feminist and I am grounded by my family, friends and my fellow Embassadors whom I am inspired by.
I am currently studying my second year of a Law and Criminology degree at Waipapa Taumata Rau. My passion for these topics are centered in my drive to repair our Criminal Justice system. I love binging tv, matcha lattes and reading. My current favourite artist is Anirudh Ravichander and my current favourite song is Runners by Stray Kids.
Nethasa Dissanayake (she/her)
Kia ora! My name is Nethasa (she/her). I am 17 years old and a high school student in Christchurch! I am super passionate about wellbeing and standing up for what's right. A concept in life that I love is we are all interconnected - so important that you make a positive impact! Dear Em has been an open door to opportunities to create positive change and let your voice be heard. Although this is only my first year being part of the team I have already learnt so much and made so many precious memories. My favourite artist is Frank Ocean and my favourite song at the moment is Power Trip by J Cole and Miguel, although it changes quite often!
Sanskruti Banerjee
Kia Ora and Namaste! My name is Sanskruti and I have been a part of Dear Em for almost two years now. I’m half Tamil, half Bengali raised Kiwi and am studying a Law and Commerce degree at the University of Auckland. My commerce majors are innovation and entrepreneurship and marketing. I love the Dear Ems space because it allows me to be surrounded and uplifted by individuals who believe in fostering tangible change. I have learnt a lot regarding the sexual violence sector, legal reform and how women can strive to be the best versions of themselves. My personal passions include human rights, international diplomacy and seeing more women taking up space in areas of leadership and power. I am optimistic in the power which the youth have and love chatting, mentoring and leading them to help unlock their potential and foster the changes we want to see within these spaces.
Aanya Shukla (she/her)
Hey! My name's Aanya (she/her), I’m 16 and this is my first year with Dear Em. After admiring it for so long, finally being part of the team is such a pinch-me moment. It’s so empowering and beautiful to unite with other young women, who bring so much unique passion and wisdom to the table. I love having little yap sessions during meetings, and feeling the immediate comfort of this space. What Dear Em fosters, is something I strive for everyone to experience.
Among many things, I love making Spotify playlists, conversing and any chance to be creative. I'm so excited to learn and grow with this community :)
Medha Baadkar
Hey there! I'm Medha, and I'm thrilled to be a part of the Dear Em Embassadors team. A bit about myself? I’m a Year 11 at CGHS, and I’d like to think I'm a curious soul with a love for exploring new ideas and connecting with people. One of the things I'm truly passionate about is empowering others through communication and self-expression. Whether it's through writing, public speaking, or engaging in meaningful conversations, I believe in the power of words to inspire, educate, and uplift. I'm a total bookworm and can often be found buried in a captivating novel. I also have a knack for languages and enjoy learning phrases in different tongues. Another thing that gets my adrenaline pumping is trying out adventurous activities like rock climbing and skydiving. You could say I have an adventurous spirit! As a Dear Em Embassador, I'm excited to connect with our followers, share my experiences, and provide support and guidance whenever needed. Together, we can create a positive and empowering community where everyone feels heard and valued. I can't wait to embark on this journey with you all, and I'm eager to make a difference in the lives of those around me.
Atia Irfan
Hi! I'm Atia. I've been a proud member of the Dear Em team for a few awesome years now., and Dear Em has become a second home. I'm super passionate about community safety and making a positive social impact, which is why I keep coming back to Dear Em year after year.
Not only do I get to learn about leadership here, but I also get to meet the most amazing peers with incredibly inspiring ideas. We all work together towards our common goals, and it's truly a beautiful thing. Even if I happen to be halfway across the world, the Dear Em family never fails to have my back and support me in achieving my dreams. Currently I attend Dear Em from Texas, USA and can’t wait to reunite again.
Rebecca D’Souza (She/Her)
Kia ora! My name is Rebecca and I have a part of Dear Em for almost two years. I am 23 years old and currently work as a law clerk, specialising in family law. I have loved every minute of working alongside such amazing women on exciting projects and I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate and educate others on topics I am passionate about including the law of consent. In my free time, I love to read, listen to music especially Taylor Swift and watching cheesy 2000s romcoms.
Abi Spence (She/Her)
Hi I’m Abi, I love cats (I have 3), I love music (punk rock, punk rap, Justin Timberlake), I love formula 1 (I will not shut up about it), and I love learning about flags. I love rambling, I just chat. When I’m in the Dear Em space I like that if I don’t feel like talking I don’t have to, but I also have a space to talk if I want to. Since joining Dear Em I’ve had the opportunity to learn about things that I wasn’t aware of, and I have learnt more about things I did know. I find it really important being open to different perspectives, and through Dear Em I’ve had the chance to hear different perspectives to things, and how different people experience it, even if we’ve experienced the same thing. I believe sometimes you just need to change one person's life to make a difference, so I like the idea that I’m possibly impacting someone else's life positively, even if it is just one person.
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.
Miriam Gioia Sessa (She/Her)
Chloe Jackman
Heather Golder
Oggy Nweke