Our Stories

Future Leaders' Danielle Fuemana's speech at our 125th Gala Dinner 2010

Fakalofa lahi atu and good evening. I'm Danielle Fuemana, I'm 17 years old and in my last year of school at Auckland Girls Grammar.  I'm the second eldest in my family, with an older brother and two younger twin sisters, plus mum and dad.

I've been on the YWCA Future Leaders programme since I was 14, and it's truly been a huge part of my journey through high school.

When I first got on the programme I was really just in it for all the activities and possible opportunities and of course- all the free food! I wasn't too keen on the mentor side of it, having to talk to someone who would initially be a stranger every two or so weeks-I found that weird and I didn't really need one. But after a couple of months into the programme, I was majorly proved wrong by my amazing mentor, Gael! Being provided with a mentor has had such huge value in my life and many others I know of thanks to the YWCA Future Leaders programme. It's nice to have someone outside of your group of people; they bring a whole new perspective on life and create openness to different ideas and ways of seeing things, which I think is important because you need to be open to people if you want to have influence on them. I admire all of you who mentor people, and support mentors and mentoring, you really do bless the lives of others.

Knowing I have this huge support from my mentor and the YWCA and people on my back about doing my best, has really helped me keep going through rough patches and I'm so thankful for that! Being on the Future Leaders programme has had a strong contribution to the development of me and who I am becoming.

Over my 4 years on the programme, I've been able to do activities such as surfing and rock climbing; I participated in the amazing race which by the way was amazing! I've been on camps and been part of leadership forums where given the opportunity to step up and step out of my comfort zone.  I have also made strong friendships which i have benefitted from that I possibly wouldn't have if not on this programme. Because many of us are on the same page in terms of wanting to lead, wanting to help others and wanting to be the best we can, we've been able to keep each other accountable too, to be that encouragement when things are flat.

The experiences I've had on the programme have taught me many things that I think are key aspects to equip young people for life. I have learnt the different kinds of leadership and being involved in team challenges has taught me commitment- despite other factors that may have a discouraging impact and how to rise up and take responsibility. It's given me a different outlook on what leadership is and has humbled me. You don't necessarily need a title to lead because everyone has an influence, I have come to learn that leadership isn't always from the front and up on stage, it's the little things you do that matter, it's a lifestyle. I believe understanding these important aspects of leadership were needed for me to get to where I am today. I am Deputy Head Girl at my school, I've been able to help so many people, because of this role and I'm receiving amazing opportunities like this one.

From being on the programme and putting what I've learned into practise has not only impacted myself but has had a ripple effect on others around me. My younger sisters see me as a role model-because I'm involved with things like this, they now go for every opportunity that comes along. I'm the group leader of the yr 8 girls at my church and I love that I'm able to use these skills i've learnt and influence them in a way that they gain confidence in who they are and their type of leadership, the whole empowering women aim YWCA has, has rubbed off on me, I also want to empower these young girls, there's so much potential around that just needs to be tapped into, and that's what I love about Future Leaders, they activate that potential in so many young women.

Next year I plan on studying Law and politics and the University of Auckland.  I really want to keep the momentum of leadership going after school, it'll be interesting going from top of the school (oldest) to the bottom of the pit at uni, turd form once again-exciting. I want to graduate from university and be someone who has that authority to make things happen and to be heard, I really want to give back and be able to support organisations like the YWCA and also become a mentor myself.

The YWCA Future Leaders programme really opens up door ways for young girls to take up opportunities and to gain confidence in whom they are. I'm extremely grateful for all this programme has done for me and I'd like to genuinely thank you all for supporting it, it wouldn't be possible without you. You're support has touched the lives of many young women, including myself. I'd like to thank my family, my mum and dad for always being there, no matter what where or how drastic, I love you mum. And to my mentor Gael, thank you for you're never ending support and belief in me, you've taught me so much, you're amazing and you don't know how thankful I am for being paired up with you. Also, thank you Mrs Hatch for coming tonight and supporting me.

I'm excited to see the YWCA take on more students and to hear all the successes! I am looking forward to see the YWCA increase their support into tertiary training. Next year YWCA Auckland will be empowering young women through the next years of their lives through a new peer mentoring and network programme MANA. This is awesome as it means the Future Leaders will stay connected to the YWCA. On behalf of all the Future Leaders, thank you again and God bless.