Chairperson
Gaylene Hughes
Keeping us focused on the task at hand is Gaylene, our Chair and inaugural Trustee.
Gaylene first became involved with IYM when she accompanied a young woman (now an IYM alumnae) to Silicon Valley in 2019. This experience opened her eyes to the possibilities that the STEMM offered and sparked her passion to support more young women interested in this sector. As Chair, Gaylene brings a financial background, an eye for opportunity, and a vast network of local businesses. When something needs to be done, she knows the right person to ask! As a result we have a wide net of research and tertiary institutions, small businesses and individuals supporting IYM in various ways.
Gaylene’s advice for young people who are choosing a career path is to do something that they love to do and be open to opportunities and seize them firmly. It’s all about meeting people, stretching yourself, being confident and broadening your experiences. In the words of Dame Anita Roddick - “To succeed you must believe in something with such a passion that it becomes a reality”. Gaylene wholeheartedly agrees.
Trustee
Aleisha Amohia
Aleisha Amohia (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi) (she/her) is a passionate young advocate for diversity and equity in all spaces, sparked by her experiences as a young Māori-Asian woman in the technology industry.
Aleisha is the Koha Technical Lead at Catalyst IT, an open source software company, where she started out as an intern software developer in 2014. She is a Victoria University of Wellington graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Management and Information Systems).
Aleisha is also actively involved in community organisations, with past or present links to the National Council of Women New Zealand, Wellington Alliance Against Sexual Violence, InternetNZ, Victoria University of Wellington Women in Tech, YWCA Greater Wellington, and more. She's currently the President of the Wellington Branch for the National Council of Women New Zealand, where she facilitates conversations about local women's issues, works closely with Wellington City Councillors and Members of Parliament, and co-organises events to raise awareness about the gender equality movement in Aotearoa and encourage connections between Wellington women.
Born and raised in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aleisha is the eldest of four children, and their family has a dog named Cassie. Aleisha is extremely proud of her Māori-Asian whakapapa and is on active journey to explore her identity and heritage. She also loves sport, music, travel, food, and wine.
Allan Brown
Trustee
Allan Brown understands the value that technology and innovation bring to Hutt City.
He was there when the idea for IYM was formed at a Rotary meeting and was one of the visionaries that brought the programme to life.
As an inaugural trustee, Allan brings a wealth of experience and insight into the manufacturing and technology industry.
He enjoys seeing the growth in the young people who participate in the IYM programme and hopes to see it continue for many years.
Allan’s advice to young people is “to take every opportunity that comes your way, explore options and choose a path with long term prospects”.
In the words of Richard Branson - “You don’t learn to talk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.”
Trustee
James Lamb
Proudly a 'Hutt boy', James has a communications and marketing background. He is trustee representing IYM's co-founder, Hutt City Council and leads the Council's business and economy team working across Te Awa Kairangi / Lower Hutt to build business and enterprise.
As father to potential future engineers, scientists or creators, and with a grandfather who was head of the Department of Science and Industrial Research in Gracefield, Lower Hutt, James is keen to inspire the curiosity of the next generation through IYM's programmes.
James is excited about promoting local innovation and talent and inspiring young people to commit to a fulfilling future in the Hutt Valley.
Trustee
Zeena Khan
Zeena, Leader. Speaker, Author, joined the IYM team July 2023. From a young age Zeena’s Dad would often say “Learn the rules and play the game better.” Little did he know these words would shape her life.
Emigrating from Suva, Fiji to Mangere, South Auckland, in the early 80s, Zeena is of Chinese, Fijian, and Indian descent. Growing up, she often struggled to find her place, but inspiration from her dad, and the acronym DRIVE (Determination, Redirection, Insight, Vibe, Enthusiasm) guided her through. In time, she learnt to push herself, be open to trying new things and back herself in the world of work.
Her compass also includes a gem of wisdom gifted from the influential women in her life “Know who you are, where you come from and where you are going.”
Zeena’s superpower is communication. Her ability to bring people together and empower them to change their lives is second to none. She has solid experience in both private and public sectors, in roles ranging from customer service to governance. Her field of expertise includes leadership, change management, learning and development. Professional Development has been key to Zeena’s success, she leads with positivity and purpose combined with a growth mind-set, her unique background and experience speaks to her mission to uplift and guide the next generation of leaders and career professionals to find their flow and move with confidence.
As a trustee for Innovate Young Minds, Zeena is looking forward to positively contributing to the mahi (work) and learning from others along the way too. To find balance and zen in everyday life, she loves to visit art galleries, write poetry, and spend time with loved ones.
Darien Montgomerie
Trustee
Darien Montgomerie joined the IYM Board of Trustees in June 2024. Her professional background is in radiation therapy with over 20 years’ experience in healthcare spanning clinical, academic and work with professional organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Darien pursued a career in radiation therapy as it is the perfect blend of science, technology and human centred care.
A strategic thinker with strong attention to detail, she loves supporting high performing teams to be able to build meaningful connections with patients and their whānau as they navigate a cancer diagnosis. She is currently the Manager of Bowen Icon Cancer Centre based in Wellington and has several roles providing expertise to advisory panels. This experience provides motivation for supporting the IYM Board to empower the next generation of young wāhine to find a career in STEMM they too can love.
Trustee
Paul Newsom
Paul is a Yorkshire native who embodies a lifelong commitment to learning and growth. His recent achievements include a micro-credential in Leading Beyond Sustainability and anano-degree in Innovation.
Paul's unique perspective stems from his diverse experience across manufacturing, engineering, technical, and education sectors. In his early career he worked on solar power installations in Botswana and Kenya, experiences that not only honed his resilience but also ignited his passion for helping others.
For many years, Paul has been inspiring New Zealand's youth through his work with YoungEnterprise Trust, spearheading initiatives in entrepreneurship education, innovation, and financial literacy. Paul believes entrepreneurship and innovation is for everyone. We can all reap the benefits to create our own future and make a difference for others, however big or small, and whatever our pathway in life.Paul has been part of the IYM team since the beginning, leading the innovation challenge component of the programme. He also became a Trustee in 2024.Paul is a proud father of two inspirational sons and calls Lower Hutt home. He's deeply involved in his local community through Rotary and his contributions have earned him recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow with sapphire pin.Paul’s happy place is with nature, whether at the beach or in the bush, and he loves getting out for a run.
Communications & Funding Manager
Emily Macnee
Emily is the youngest of three girls, with a father who encouraged his daughters to take an interest in science. Emily's insatiable curiosity led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in physics at Otago University.
With more than a decade of experience working in the energy sector, Emily is interested in the complex challenges of working towards a sustainable energy future, balancing the tension between technical solutions which are both sustainable and economic, and work for the communities they serve.
Emily is a natural communicator who enjoys making the complex simple. She is driven to make STEMM subjects more accessible and diverse. She is delighted to be part of an organisation which encourages and inspires young women to follow their curiosity and interests in STEMM.
Programme Manager
Olivia Pilalis
Organisation is a way of life for Olivia who gets great satisfaction from creating a plan and implementing it.
Joining us from the banking sector, Olivia has worked in senior roles in financial crime for almost a decade. While her focus has previously been on financial crime and security intelligence, one thing she has remained passionate about is helping people. In recent years her desire to provide encouragement and support to others has led her into training and development.
As our Programme Manager, Olivia’s positive, relaxed demeanour and strong communication skills put people at ease. She is approachable and supportive and loves ending a day feeling fulfilled and accomplished. Above all, she is inspired by the purpose of IYM, to help young women explore careers in the STEMM sector.
Outside of work, Olivia prioritises family time, enjoying outings to the park with her husband and two young children. You’ll also find her walking and running the hills of Wellington and researching the latest restaurants as a self-confessed foodie.
IYM Alumnae Council
Sienna Mitchinson
Hi, I'm Sienna, and in 2024 am completing my second year of a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology (which is largely fuelled by iced coffees). I absolutely love my studies, learning all about the impacts of microbes on human health and the ecological environment. In 2021 I attended IYM and it was one of the best experiences I have had. It opened my world up and broadened my horizons to a level I never thought possible. I had the best time, and maintain contact with several others from my year, to this day. I'm still super involved with IYM as an Alumnae Council member - I'm often the one behind the scenes of the social media posts and marketing work, which I love!
If you're considering applying for an IYM programme, you should just give it a go, as it's so worth it in the end. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and take hold of opportunities - that's how you grow and change!
Sophie Miller
Currently working in the construction industry as a Junior Quantity Surveyor, Sophie enjoys being involved in a constantly evolving workforce based heavily across all STEMM sectors. The construction industry is subject to ever-changing design and adaptability requirements, particularly through current climate and social challenges, hence the requirement for new and diverse solutions. Sophie believes there are not enough women working in the construction industry, whether it be through trades, management or even manufacturing design, and wants to inspire future IYM participants that the construction industry is so much more than wearing a super cute high-vis!
Sophie's involvement in IYM started with the first residential programme in 2017 and she was privileged enough to attend the IYM trip to Silicon Valley in 2019. Since then, Sophie has been active in the IYM community often attending networking events and volunteering her time on both residential and online programmes and in the fundraising space. Through IYM Sophie has made life-long connections and has been encouraged to take every opportunity offered to her as, "you never know what might suit you perfectly!"
Since IYM, Sophie studied a Bachelor of Building Science at Victoria University of Wellington, fostering a passion for sustainability in construction. When not crunching the numbers as a Quantity Surveyor, Sophie enjoys balancing her time out by going to the gym, spending time with friends and family, and a relaxing painting by numbers.
Wendy Su
Wendy's family emigrated from China in 2008. Raised by parents who endured financial hardship in their childhood, she was instilled with a profound curiosity about the world.
Wendy began her postgraduate diploma in Science (Psychology) at Auckland University in 2024. She is interested in exploring the impact of culture on mental health in her academic career.
Wendy's involvement with IYM began in 2018 when she participated in the residential program. The following year, she went on IYM's trip to Silicon Valley. Over the years, Wendy has played a role in facilitating IYM's programme, and she joined the Alumnae Council in 2024.
Nina Brown
Nina is passionate about education, opportunity and empowerment. She studied for her commerce degree in finance and economics at Victoria University and is pursuing her Chartered Financial Assistant (CFA) designation. She is currently working as a consultant to give evidenced-based, numbers-oriented answers to various questions.
Nina wholeheartedly believes in Innovative Young Mind’s mission to encourage young women into the STEMM field, foster lifelong connections and boost their confidence to unlock their full potential. She participated in the IYM programme in 2018, which provided the perfect amount of self-belief and industry exposure she needed. Nina hopes to be able to give back to the organisation and contribute to their meaningful outcomes.
Freya Bacon-Bootham
Freya is passionate about making STEMM accessible to everyone. She primarily pursues this through experimenting with various communication mediums and finding the best way to get science and research out to the most people.
She completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology in 2022 and completed a Master of Science in Society with merit in February 2023 from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. For work, Freya is an Advisor, research and knowledge management in the Evidence Centre at Oranga Tamariki.
Her first interaction was with IYM during is inaugural programme in 2017. "I found it a brilliant experience, which just added to an ever growing list of STEMM instrests," she says. Freya is excited to connect back with the programme and be involved in further connections with other alumni.
In her spare time, Freya enjoys writing, constantly listening to music and seeing as many gigs as possible.