Young Wellington women named as rising stars speak about their aspirations

Tuesday, 29 June 2021

Breila Mottram is one of 25 young women who have been chosen for YWCA’s Y25 list.

Young women across the country have been excelling in their fields during the coronavirus pandemic. Mandy Te speaks to four of them.

Four Wellington women have been named as young trailblazers for their work advocating for the environment, equality and mental health awareness and disability rights.

Along with 21 others, the four are on the YWCA’s Y25 list which highlights the achievements of 25 women, aged 25 and younger.

The women on the list, which was announced at a launch event on Tuesday, will all be part of a year-long programme tailored to support their goals.

Breila Mottram, 23, works at Te Hiringa Hauora.

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Gala Baumfield says sports like karate and skateboarding have helped with her self-esteem and confidence.

Breila Mottram is the youngest employee at Te Hiringa Hauora, a health promotion organisation. The 23-year-old was hired before she even graduated from university.

Mottram (Ngāti Maru and Ngāti Pikiao) said the organisation focused on equality and the space was uplifting to be in, especially as a young, Māori wahine.

“It's such a rewarding space to be in, and I want to help my people in some way.”

Mottram, who is mum to a 5-year-old, said she had always been a driven person, despite the boxes people may put her in.

“Even when you feel like you’re not going to do it, if you keep picking at it, you’re going to get what you want if you want it enough.”

Geoenvironmental consultant Soltice Morrison says she loves resolving complex environmental issues through the blending of western science and mātauranga Māori.

Mottram said she plans to to sit tight and keep figuring out the ins and outs of the health sector. “There's nothing wrong with staying put, chilling and learning. It’s quite rewarding.”

‘I want to help to make a cultural shift in the way we look at mental health and way system kind of acts around it.’ – Gala Baumfield

Gala Baumfield, 19, says without karate and skateboarding, she would be a completely different person.

Geo-environmental consultant Soltice Morrison has been named on the YWCA’s Y25 List.

“I struggled with a learning disability at school and I think those outlets really helped build my self-esteem and confidence,” Baumfield said.

Baumfield (Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāpuhi) was also focused on raising more awareness around mental health.

Alice Mander has a strong passion for disability rights.

“I’ve been working alongside some friends to make an organisation that will make information more accessible. It will be a bridge for people trying to help and for people trying to get help.”

Baumfield’s goal is to get that organisation up and running.

‘I wasn't the best at science in school, but I was passionate about it and that’s what drove me.’ – Soltice Morrison

Alice Mander along with others helped set up the National Disabled Students’ Association.

Raised in Rotorua, Soltice Morrison would cycle to school past geysers.

French artist Loren Pasquier spent two years developing the multimedia exhibition Wāhine, which features photographic portraits of Māori women as well as 12-minute “audio portraits'.

Her family had a photo of her grandmother swimming in Lake Rotorua, but this was something she was discouraged from doing due to its poor water quality.

“I always wondered, ‘how come I can’t do it and Grandma was allowed?’” the 25-year-old said.

At school, she did not get the highest grades in science, but she said her passion for the topic mean she kept trying.

Morrison (Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Maniapoto) works as a contaminated land consultant.

Morrison said she loved working towards resolving complex environmental issues through the blending of western science with mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge).

‘I believe we aren't disabled by our impairments but by society, which disables us.’ – Alice Mander

Alice Mander, 21, described herself as a proud, disabled woman with a strong passion for disability rights.

A student at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, Mander helped set up the National Disabled Students’ Association.

“One thing that keeps us at the association going is knowing how important this is and how important it is to get disabled students the education they deserve – they are completely underserved by the system,” Mander said.

Mander, who has Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, said she would not be where she was today without other disabled people raising awareness about disability issues and activists.

As for her long-term goal, Mander said she would continue to be an advocate for disability rights – ensuring that people were not disabling and being ableist to disabled people.