Proud Sāmoan educator and Pacific peoples champion Hollyanna Ainea (pictured) is a manifestation of her ancestor's wildest dreams.
And at the core of who she is, are her people.
The 24-year-old says it is because of their thoughtfulness and acknowledgement of the mahi she does that she was included on this year’s Y25 list.
From more than 100 nominations, 25 wāhine and iarere, aged between 15 and 25 have been selected for their vision, leadership and their impact in the annual YWCA’s Y25 Leadership Programme.
The programme aims to connect the young leaders with other like-minded leaders, as well as role models and mentors, who can support them on their path.
Auckland-based Hollyanna says being part of the programme honours the journey women and non-binary people have taken to get to where they are today and recognises the villages we come from.
“To be named as a member of this year’s Y25 cohort is a massive and humbling honour I never thought I would experience,” she adds.
Hollyanna is the first in her family to graduate from university, and recently submitted her Masters, exploring the influence of race politics on the Vā in German Sāmoa.
She currently works as the Careers Advisor for Tangaroa College and prior to this, worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Auckland, tutoring Pacific Studies and History students.
Hollyanna has been involved with several community projects aimed at enhancing the health and wellbeing of Māori-Pacific communities across the motu, and last year served as the Postgraduate Representative for VA’A - Village Arts Association, the first student association for Pasifika Arts, Global Studies, and Communications students at the University of Auckland.
She has also dedicated her time to mentoring NCEA Level 2 and 3 Statistics students in predominantly Māori-Pacific schools.
“These are very exciting times for me as I will soon be graduating with my Master’s degree from the University of Auckland,” Hollyanna says.
“It’s an absolute blessing to be here and to witness how far I’ve come in my personal journey, fulfilling my ancestor’s dreams for me, and the growth of the communities I live among.”
Inspiration to teach and work in the education sector has come from Hollyanna’s teachers who have provided mentorship throughout her McAuley High School days and tertiary studies.
In 10 years’ time, she says she hopes to be teaching History and serving the community, helping to overcome the challenges faced in an education system which does not necessarily accommodate Pacific or Māori peoples in Aotearoa.
“I aim to be in a space where I encourage and mentor our rangatahi to challenge the patriarchy, unpack colonisation, advocate for human rights, and to be absolutely proud of the communities they represent,” she says.
"I hope my impact on Pacific people encourages them to critically engage and challenge the way our stories are told and interpreted.
"Pacific history is neither secular nor individualistic, it inherits thousands of years worth of knowledge that is living and breathing today.
In the work that I do, I anticipate the next wave of young Pacific scholars - we need you and our future needs you.
“Humans remember people based on how others make them feel - I hope I become a teacher that leaves a positive impact on my students.”