Meet the 2026 Velocity CEO

Tell us about your background and what led to your interest in innovation and entrepreneurship.

My interest in innovation actually started much earlier than university - I won an invention competition during primary school after coming up with a product idea of my own. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but looking back, it was my first experience of identifying a problem and trying to solve it creatively.

After moving to New Zealand and later studying at the University of Auckland, that early curiosity really came back to life through the CIE's Summer Lab programme in 2024. Summer Lab opened my eyes to what innovation and entrepreneurship look like in Aotearoa. Not just as business, but as a way of thinking, collaborating, and creating impact across different disciplines. That experience sparked my desire to be more involved in this space and ultimately led me to Velocity.

Since then, I’ve become deeply interested in how innovation can bring people together, lower barriers to participation, and empower individuals to take action, values that strongly shape how I approach leadership today.

How did you first get involved with Velocity?

I first joined Velocity in 2024 as an Outreach member, which was actually my first club experience at university. What drew me in was the energy around the events and the idea that I could actively contribute to innovation and entrepreneurship, rather than just learning about it from the sidelines.

I loved being able to connect with and encourage a diverse range of people to engage with Velocity through Outreach. That curiosity and commitment naturally led me to take on the Outreach Lead role the following year, and now the CEO role.

Velocity quickly became more than just a committee role for me, it became a community I wanted to grow with and give back to.

What are you most looking forward to for Velocity 2026?

This year, I’m most focused on strengthening connection and belonging across the University of Auckland. I want Velocity to feel open and accessible to students and staff from all backgrounds - regardless of discipline, experience, or whether they already have an idea. By creating welcoming, low-barrier spaces, we can ensure more people feel comfortable stepping into the innovation ecosystem and forming meaningful connections.

I’m also greatly looking forward to working alongside an incredible committee. Being surrounded by driven, thoughtful people who genuinely care about the community creates a strong foundation for collective impact. Together, we have the opportunity to turn ideas and energy into action by strengthening collaboration, amplifying diverse voices, and delivering outcomes that matter for both students and the wider University.

Ultimately, success for me this year looks like empowerment in action and more people feeling confident to walk into our spaces, engage with our programmes, and take ownership of their innovation journey. When individuals feel supported, capable, and connected, Velocity can continue to be a platform where curiosity turns into sustained participation and meaningful impact.

What is your elevator pitch for reasons to get involved in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship?

A lot of people think innovation and entrepreneurship aren’t for them. I was once one of those people too! It’s easy to assume you need a business idea, technical skills, or a particular background to get involved, but that’s really not the case.

Innovation is about curiosity, problem-solving, and learning how to turn ideas into action. Entrepreneurship is simply one pathway that can emerge from that mindset. Whether you’re testing your first idea or just starting to discover, Velocity offers a supportive, low-pressure environment where anyone can explore, learn, and grow.

If you’re looking for a place to build confidence, meet inspiring people, and take that first step into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship, Velocity is a great place to start.

What is an interesting fact that readers might not know about you? 

Something people might not know about me is that I’ve been doing taekwondo from a young age and hold a black belt! And during my final year of high school in New Zealand, I even started a taekwondo demonstration team, which was a really fun and memorable experience.

What is your dream job?

In the long term, I see myself working in roles that sit close to early-stage ideas and emerging ventures, where analytical thinking and structured problem-solving play a key role. With my academic background and skillset, I’m drawn to opportunities where complex problems can be broken down and addressed with clarity. Being able to combine my technical and analytical skill set with the creativity of entrepreneurship is what excites me most.