Congratulations to our Co-Founder, Kayla Fatima Schwalger, for being selected as part of the prestigious Y25 2024 Cohort by YWCA. The Y25 brings together 25 remarkable wāhine and tāhine between the ages of 14 and 25, each making a significant impact by challenging the status quo, raising their voices, and working toward a fairer Aotearoa. These leaders are doers, makers, shakers, and change-makers, driving positive change in their communities.
Since its inception, the Y25 program has highlighted over 100 extraordinary young women and those beyond the binary. For 2024, the cohort of 25 was carefully chosen from over 100 nominations, selected for their leadership, vision, and the tangible impact they’ve made in their communities.
“The Y25 showcases all the ways young people can succeed in Aotearoa. Many of these trailblazers have overcome challenges and built their strength and determination to improve our country. The platform offers them a space to speak their truth,” says Genna Hawkins-Boulton (Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Ruahine), associate YWCA Tāmaki Makaurau and Y25 Programme Lead.
At the Y25 launch event, Kayla had the honor of being the first speaker among the cohort. She shared her journey of co-founding Tapasa and her vision of fostering an intergenerational pathway to systemic change, where Pasifika culture is integrated into every aspect of life.
Kayla dedicated this recognition to those who came before her, acknowledging the sacrifices made by powerful women in her life:
"There is a line of powerful, strong, and intelligent women who have come before me, and their tautua (service) may not have always been recognized or celebrated. I don't see my selection into the Y25 2024 list as an individual achievement but am grateful to say it belongs to all the women in my life who have supported and allowed me the opportunity to serve in the area I love! I’m excited to be part of this program with so many inspiring wāhine and can’t wait to learn from them all."
During the weekend Y25 retreat, Kayla had the chance to connect with other participants, engage in panels that explored topics from Burnout and Boundaries to Beyond the Binary, and participate in meaningful workshops like flax weaving and zine-making. She described the experience as "cup-filling," which will profoundly influence how she approaches her future community work.
This experience not only enriches Kayla’s journey but also holds great promise for Tapasa. The learnings and connections made through Y25 will help fuel further growth and collaboration for the organization, with many positive outcomes likely to emerge in the future.
Learn more about Kayla’s journey and the Y25 2024 cohort:
YWCA Profiles: Kayla's Y25 profile
Spinoff Article: Meet the Y25 trailblazers
Coconet TV article: Five Pasifika wāhine highlighted in Y25 2024
Comments