Wise beyond her 22 years, Allyssa Verner-Pula (pictured) says identity does not always feel like a point of stark difference and discomfort.
“Instead, your identity will become your power, with that power revealing a direct path to your communities and passions,” Allyssa says.
The proud Samoan was recently named on the Y25 list, in recognition for the many hats she wears in her South Auckland community.
From more than 100 nominations, 25 wāhine and iarere, aged between 15 and 25 were selected for their vision, leadership and their impact in the annual YWCA’s Y25 Leadership Programme.
The programme aims to connect the young leaders with other like-minded leaders, as well as role models and mentors, who can support them on their path.
Allyssa, who runs the Mayor of Manurewa blog and Island Roots, Auckland Ways podcast, cares deeply about her community and believes Aotearoa can value Pacific communities better – especially women and Rainbow communities.
She is currently studying towards her Masters in Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland, while also working on the newly established Pacific research platform, Fofonga for Pacific Research Excellence.
Allyssa is also a co-collector for Te Papa, gathering stories from within Pacific queer communities.
Her main goal in the mahi she does, is to show Pacific women all the ways to live proudly and confidently as a Pacific woman in Aotearoa.
“Additionally, everything I do, in any industry or capacity, is in the hopes of creating a better future for our people here in Aotearoa.
“Whatever that looks like, I hope I have contributed in some way.”
The inspiration to do advocacy work stems from leaders and champions within our MVPFAFF+/Pasifika Rainbow+ spaces, Phylesha Brown-Acton and Seuta'afili Dr Patrick Thomsen.
“I wouldn't have even a quarter of the knowledge I have about our communities without their guidance and generous teachings.
“I also deeply admire my friend and podcast co-host Mariner Fagaiava and his determination and drive.
“I feel lucky to work so closely with someone who occupies such an important position within our communities.”
With these individuals mentoring her, Allyssa aims to continue serving the community with Pacific people at the heart of her mahi, as well as commencing her PhD journey.
“I understand the importance and value of generating research and academic knowledge, in the pursuit of ‘better’ for our communities.
“I hope to be doing a PhD in a topic creating data which fills a need and highlights stories and experiences about our Pacific Rainbow+ communities.”
Allyssa says it has taken a while for the news of being included on the Y25 list to sink in.
“It did not hit me how meaningful this recognition was until the launch dinner – seeing the calibre of this cohort and the spaces we all occupy was deeply invigorating and exciting, and I feel so grateful to be standing shoulder to shoulder with such epic people.
“Being named on this list is fully a credit to my parents, and the sacrifices they each made for me to achieve - I would not be able to be in this position without them.
“It is also a credit to the communities I work with and am a part of, who also hold me up and share their patience, time and energy with me.
“Words are inadequate when expressing my gratitude.”