Auckland - I.Lead

NAOMI VAILIMA

COMMITTEE CHAIR

Talofa Lava! It’s your girl Naomi here. I’m a Samoan who has been involved with the disability sector since high school. Since then, I’ve been able to accomplish my certificate in social work and have 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, and I am 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 deputy chair of I.Lead and I have been part of the committee since 2019.

To learn more about Naomi, click here.

JADEn MOVOLD

COMMITTEE DEPUTY CHAIR

Jaden is a 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.

Amy clements

COMMITTEE SECRETARY

My name is Amy. 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 scepticism 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.

FAITHLEEN TOU

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Hello, my name is Faithleen Tou. My disability is Femoral Hypoplasia Facies Syndrome, which practically means I was born with no knees, and my right arm is fused. I am half Samoan and half Cook Island.

To learn more about Faithleen, click here.

Lachlan nagle

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Heyo! My name is Lachlan Nagle. I’m a multifaceted artist and a downhill skateboarder. I’ve been working in support for 3 years, and I’m a very happy and proud I-Lead committee member!

I believe that everyone deserves more than just a chance for love, that sort of love being love from your communities and peers. A friendly love! One of the biggest things that brings me joy as a support worker is to see the clients I work with finally get truly accepted by the people they surround themselves with. This sort of the community helps anyone to pull themselves through the hardest parts of life.

I hope I can help break away the stigmatizations that people hold against others in my life time on earth; The sort of stigmas that take apart or stop a community from coming together & stigmas that single out others. I believe people shouldn’t have to worry for themselves about the things they can’t change! You could be LGBTQ+, you could be of a specific race, you could have a mental or physical disability. Who ever you are isn’t just defined by those titles, and I strongly believe that you deserve more than just a chance for love!

ASHE BLACK

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Kia ora!

My name is Ashe. I’m a transgender man, and I live with Septo-Optic Dysplasia. This means that I’m partially blind and have some learning and processing delays.

I’ve worked in the youth space since late 2020 as a facilitator for Rainbow Youth and now work as a Youth Worker for Shore Junction, a youth hub that runs under YES. I’m also a member of the Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel for Auckland city!

I’m passionate about making the LGBT and disabled spaces more accessible and mainstream, and love to write, play video games, and draw in my free time!

To learn more about Ashe, click here.

jordan kareroa

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Kia Orana, my name is Jordan Kareroa, and I am from Cook Island. I have a learning disability called Global developmental delay. My hobbies are playing sports ten pin bowling and basketball for Special Olympics i like to hang out with my friends and family and eat some good food.

To learn more about Jordan, click here.

NATASHA ASTILL

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Hi, my name is Natasha. I have an Invisible disability called Fetal Valproate Syndrome. I am also neurodiverse and have experienced living with anxiety.

I have been a part of some consumer groups, where I shared my lived experiences and knowledge.

I am a Youth Ambassador for FACSNZ, where I share my lived experiences with others. I am also the founder of a Disabled Youth Forum in Auckland.

Back in 2021, I shared my story at the ATSNZ expo.

In my spare time, I like doing jigsaw puzzles, ballet dancing and CrossFit.

To learn more about Natasha, click here.

HAYDEN CLEMENTS

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Hi, my name is Hayden. I am very glad to have been given the opportunity to be a part of the I Lead committee; I am passionate about both education and employment. In my spare time, I enjoy going out with friends, going on road trips and photography.

To learn more about Hayden, click here.

GRACE LEE

COMMITTEE MEMBER

My name is Grace Lee. I have been part of the disability sector since I was 15 years old. I was born with cerebal palsy-spastic diplegia and my passion is to create a more accessible future for other young people living with impairments. Despite living with an impairment, I am your typical young person. I enjoy traveling, listening to music and being with my friends. I also hold a full-time job outside of the sector, so am always keeping busy!

To learn more about Grace, click here.

ELLA SMITH

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Hi there! My name is Ella. I have CMT (I’m a toe walker), and over my life so far, I have had a lot of positive amazing experiences (like joining I.lead!) and also some much harder challenges resulting from my disability. I struggled with an eating disorder for a few years as a result, and I am still learning from my experience. Nonetheless, I want to do whatever I can to make it easier for any youth following in my footsteps (well, toe prints) so they don’t have to face so much negativity from disabilities. I love dancing, sailing, and sewing and aim to help create a better, more accepting, and embracing society wherever possible.