Meet 25 young people changing Aotearoa and the world

In a celebration of youthful innovation and leadership, twenty-five young individuals from across Aotearoa New Zealand have been named in the 2026 YWCA Y25 list, recognizing their contributions to society through activism, creativity, and community service. The annual program, organized by YWCA Tāmaki Makaurau, highlights the achievements of young women and gender-diverse people aged 15 to 25 who are working to address societal challenges and drive positive change. This year's group was chosen from over 165 nominations and represents a wide range of fields including healthcare, environmental advocacy, arts, science, and education. The Y25 initiative aims to foster leadership among young people while promoting equity and inclusion. It offers participants a six-month leadership program that includes mentorship, professional development, and well-being support. Additionally, each recipient joins a growing alumni network, allowing them to connect with other young leaders across New Zealand and build long-term relationships. The program emphasizes collective transformation rather than focusing solely on individual accomplishments. Among the notable figures included in the 2026 Y25 list is Abby Golden, a 25-year-old ICU nurse based in Ōtepoti. Raised in a small town, Abby initially did not see herself as a leader. However, her involvement with the anti-bullying organization Sticks ‘n Stones helped her recognize the value of empowering young people to take action in their communities. She co-founded the Te Ara Tīrama Charitable Trust, which connects rangatahi across Aotearoa through co-designed online learning initiatives. As an ICU nurse, Abby provides critical care to patients during their most challenging times, demonstrating both compassion and resilience. Another standout figure is Alesha O’Connor, a 23-year-old wearable art designer from Tāmaki Makaurau. After experiencing the devastation of a house fire and enduring significant personal loss, Alesha found solace in design as a means of processing her emotions and rebuilding her sense of self. Her social enterprise, To Hold, To Heal, To Protect, To Honour, focuses on creating bespoke wearable art that helps individuals navigate grief, trauma, and healing. Utilizing techniques such as 3D scanning, motion capture, and welding, Alesha produces innovative pieces tailored for vulnerable communities, including burn survivors, amputees, and those dealing with child loss. Her work has garnered attention from prestigious platforms like TEDx, the RED Awards, and the Best Awards. Also featured in the list is Angela Fang, a 19-year-old advocate for women's health and safety from Tāmaki Makaurau. Angela is dedicated to ensuring that no woman faces inequality in isolation. Her efforts focus on raising awareness about issues affecting women's health and safety, aiming to create supportive networks that empower women to speak out against injustice and seek help when needed. Through her advocacy, Angela seeks to build a community where women feel heard and supported in their struggles. The selection of these individuals reflects the diverse ways in which young people are contributing to their communities and addressing pressing social issues. From healthcare to wearable technology, each recipient brings unique skills and perspectives that enrich the fabric of Aotearoa. Their stories highlight the importance of youth voices in shaping a more just and inclusive society. The YWCA Tāmaki Makaurau continues to emphasize the significance of nurturing young leaders who are capable of driving meaningful change. By providing resources and support, the organization aims to cultivate a generation of leaders who are equipped to tackle complex challenges and contribute positively to their communities. As the 2026 Y25 recipients embark on their journey, they carry with them the responsibility of inspiring others and continuing the legacy of impactful leadership within Aotearoa.