Amy clements
COMMITTEE CHAIR
My name is Amy and I am 24 years old. I am studying a Bachelor of Communication and I’ve been involved in the disability activism space since I was a teen. Having grown up with an invisible physical disability, I have faced a lot of discrimination and skeptism of my disability status; both from medical professionals and members of the wider community. My mission is to improve things for future generations of disabled tamariki, so that they never have to experience the struggles that I had.
To learn more about Amy, click here.
JADEn MOVOLD
COMMITTEE DEPUTY CHAIR
Jaden is an 18-year old university student, competitive athlete, leader, advocate, and community contributor. He lives with Spina Bifida and has a strong belief that we all have the ability to make positive contributions to society. He is passionate about advocating for young New Zealanders, in particular, those who live with a disability so that their voice is heard. Aside from being on the National I-Lead committee, Jaden also serves on the Ministry of Youth Development Youth Advisory Group, the Halberg Foundation Youth Council and is a youth ambassador for the YES Disability Resource Centre.
To learn more about Jaden, click here.
Taylah Rasmussen
COMMITTEE SECRETARY
Libby McDonald
COMMITTEE SECRETARY
My name is Libby McDonald, and I am 24 years old. I have lived in Dunedin for 6 years now.
I have a Bachelor of Science and am now in my final year of a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, hoping to represent disabled youth as a healthcare professional. I live with invisible physical disabilities and chronic illness, so I am an ambulatory wheelchair user and a huge advocate for accessibility.
In my spare time, I teach piano and singing. I also love to get outdoors, go to the gym and play adaptive sports. I have a little golden retriever, Maisie, who has half of my personality!!
I am so excited to help establish I.Lead in Otepoti, and can’t wait to help bring down some of the awesome initiatives the Auckland team have championed.
NIAH LOVO
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Niah is a major advocate for pasifika youth with disabilities. She has been a part of many different pasifika projects within the disability sector, and is a resounding voice when it comes to the nature of pasifika youth with disabilities and how they fit into their families, aiga, communities and cultures. She helped found Phusion, an all-abilities pasifika dance group that advocates for inclusiveness and cultural identity for.
To learn more about Niah, click here.
NAOMI VAILIMA
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Talofa Lava! It’s your girl Naomi here. I’m a 23 year old Samoan who has been involved with the disability sector since my high school years. Since then I’ve been able to accomplish my certificate in social work, had a great number of opportunities working alongside some really cool people breaking barriers amongst other things. I am one of the few founders of Phusion, as well as being part of a few board committees and projects. I have a passion of supporting our pacific people and our youth. All this may sound boring, but if you meet me in person you’ll see I’m just a regular shy person who is ready to see more of the world. Oh and I’m also the secretary of I.Lead and I have been part of the committee since 2019.
To learn more about Naomi, click here.
MEGAN LYSTER
COMMITTEE MEMBER
I am passionate about diversity and inclusion and ensuring people receive the support they deserve. I have a background in community peer support in a volunteer role and then as a coordinator for peer support volunteers. I live with invisible disabilities and chronic illnesses. I believe in the strength of community building and the value of lived experience input in all forms of decision-making.
When I’m not doing mahi for I.lead or working as a Peer Support Worker, I can be found reading, spending time with friends, and binge watching the best shows on Netflix.
Oak Roberts
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Kia ora, my name is Oak, and I am a 21-year-old. I live in Dunedin (Ōtepoti). I have two disabilities: Hydrocephalus and Autism.
I am passionate about social justice and inclusivity and making sure people are heard and respected.
In my spare time, I love going for walks, drinking coffee and hanging out with friends.
ELEANOR RAWSON
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Kia Ora,
My name’s is Eleanor Rawson. I am 27 years old, and I was born and raised in Dunedin/Central Otago but currently living in Waikato. I descend from Kai Tahu/Kati Mamoe, and I live with invisible disabilities, AUDHD and C-PTSD. Due to these, I have had health issues for my entire life.
I graduated with my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in 2022 and have been spending the last two years volunteering for Xabilites, another sister charity, where I sit on a committee board while I figure out what I want to do with my Bachelor’s. I just completed the Empowered program through I.lead and am excited to contribute alongside future change-makers within the disability space.