About Aleisha

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Ruapehu te maunga
Ko Whanganui te awa
Ko Aotea te waka
Ko Te Ātihaunui-a-Papārangi te iwi
Ko Ngapuwaiwaha te marae
Nō Te Whanganui-a-tara ahau
Ko Amohia tōku whānau
Ko Aleisha tōku ingoa

Summary

Aleisha Amohia (Te Ātihaunui-a-Papārangi) (she/her) is a passionate young advocate for diversity and inclusion in all spaces, but especially the technology industry.

Aleisha is a Victoria University of Wellington graduate with a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Computer Science and specialising in Artificial Intelligence) and a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Management and minoring in Information Systems), and now works as software developer for global open source project Koha, at Catalyst IT.

Aleisha has volunteered for years in the advocacy and community sector. She is the Wellington Branch President for the National Council of Women New Zealand, is on the Establishing Board of the YWCA Wellington, and is on the Board of the Wellington Alliance Against Sexual Violence. Aleisha was also the President of Victoria University of Wellington Women in Tech for two years, and served on the Victoria University Netball Club in various roles for multiple years.

Born and raised in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aleisha is the eldest of four children, and their family has a dog named Cassie. Aleisha is extremely proud of her Māori-Asian whakapapa and is on active journey to explore her identity and heritage. She also loves sport, music, travel, food, and wine.

Experience

Establishing Board Member, YWCA Wellington (voluntary)

Since April 2021

Aleisha is helping to reestablish the YWCA Wellington, with plans to set up a community fund for local women's groups and initiatives.

Board Member, Wellington Alliance Against Sexual Violence (voluntary)

Since March 2021

The Wellington Alliance Against Sexual Violence (WAASV) is a coalition of community organisations and individuals who are advocating for a city free from sexual violence.

Aleisha helped to organise the rally that launched the WAASV campaign, particularly with social media and communications. She continues to support the organisation through looking after administrative tasks and managing social media.

President, Wellington Branch, National Council of Women New Zealand (voluntary)

Since November 2019

NCWNZ is an umbrella organisation working towards true gender equality in Aotearoa New Zealand. Established in 1896, NCWNZ have 14 branches and more than 200 organisations, as well as individuals, as members.

Aleisha has held various roles on the Wellington Branch Executive since joining in November 2019. She was Secretary for a few months, then elected as Vice President, is now elected President. Her role involves representing NCWNZ Wellington Branch at stakeholder events and in media, speaking publicly at events, chairing monthly Branch meetings, overseeing and leading Branch projects and initiatives, and organising events and campaigns to support sister organisations and relevant causes.

Koha Developer, Catalyst IT

Since December 2014

Catalyst IT is an open source software company that provides open source solutions and training. Koha is an open source library system that originated in New Zealand in 1999, and is now used in over 15,000 libraries around the world.

Aleisha's role involves maintaining and developing Koha for Catalyst clients, contributing to the global Koha open source project, and mentoring high school students at the Catalyst Open Source Academy every Summer.

Secretary, Victoria University Netball Club (voluntary)

November 2017 to November 2019

The Victoria University Netball Club (Team Vic Netball) is the largest club in the Wellington Netball Competition with over 200 members.

Aleisha held various roles over the years, including Social Officer, Club Captain, and Secretary. She organised many events for the club, managed their social media channels and communications, and managed all administrative tasks.

President, Victoria University of Wellington Women in Tech (voluntary)

August 2017 to November 2019

VUWWIT is a group that improves support, representation and opportunities for women and gender diverse folk studying and working in Engineering and Computer Science at Victoria University of Wellington.

Aleisha's role involved overseeing the day-to-day operations of the club, facilitating the organisation of events, and ensuring the Committee is working to satisfy the needs of members and maintain strong relationships with industry partners and sponsors.

Education

Victoria University of Wellington

2015 to 2019

Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) - Management & Information Systems

Wellington East Girls' College

2011 to 2015

Technology Prefect 2015

Awards