I’m Madeleine. Born in Palmerston North and raised in South Auckland, I am a soft-spoken yet determined person.
I have a love of Maori and Pacific art and am a past awardee scholar, 2014’s Top 30 Fine Arts students in Auckland, studied Architecture and Visual Arts at Unitec Institute of Technology and have worked in art galleries in South Auckland including Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki.
Two years ago, I found my passion sharing my difficult experience with unemployment, moderate-severe hearing loss and depression. I want to make a change and raise awareness of social issues in New Zealand.
Being amongst the 12 Be. Leaders this year has really been a great opportunity to meet mind-liked individuals with unique journeys and mental or physical issues, but who have a shared purpose to make a change within our community and New Zealand.
We are halfway through the Be. Leadership programme, and personally I have learnt many new things about society and myself. Giving back to my community in Manurewa is one of my aspirations and to evolve into a better version of myself each day.