If you’re interested in joining our team then please send your CV to: ayp@ayp.co.nz

Our Committee Members

CLARISSA HIRST
CLARISSA HIRSTPresident
Riss joined the AYP Committee as Professional Events Manager in December 2022, executing our successful International Women’s Day event and sold out Boardroom Bootcamp workshop before stepping into the President role in April 2023.

A purpose-driven leader, Riss is passionate about connecting like-minded people, creating platforms for diverse voices to be heard, and contributing to meaningful change.

In her previous role as Head of Content, Communications and Marketing at the Financial Services Council (FSC) New Zealand, she led a small, high-performing team to deliver industry-leading research, events and campaigns to grow the financial confidence and wellbeing of New Zealanders. Right now she’s engaged in marketing and communications consulting and is exploring behavioural psychology and neuroscience as part of an ICF-certified coaching qualification.

Outside of work, she enjoys getting outdoors, running, playing squash and finding great places to eat. She’s an active member of the Institute of Directors (IoD) and is a mentor for the purpose-driven mentoring platform for women, She Mentors.

SAMUEL CHEN
SAMUEL CHENTreasurer
Joined AYP in Apr 2022, Samuel’s key focus is to strengthen and improve the financial stability and sustainability for the community via cost analysis and setting up new financial policies. Samuel’s goal is to help AYP to recover from the impact of the pandemic; assisting the leadership team to understand the financial environment and to make strategic decisions on projects and social and professional activities.

Samuel has the accounting background and practices in the public sector once he graduates from the university. Then he moves to the financial service (banking sector) working in the treasury finance area. He also recently completed his chartered accountant program. Samuel loves meeting new people and enjoy travelling for holidays.

HANNAH GALLAGHER
HANNAH GALLAGHERSecretary
Hannah is a welcomed addition to the team as Secretary. Her impressive background within the non-profit sector brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Her interpersonal skills are second to none, making her an excellent team player and communicator.

Hannah’s enthusiasm to see growth and development within the community is a core reason for her joining the team. During her free time Hannah enjoys Yin Yoga and social gatherings.

ALLA RULL
ALLA RULLSocial Events Manager
Alla joined the AYP committee in 2022 as the Social Events Manager after enjoying AYP events over the past few years. Alla’s goal is to ensure more people have the opportunity to have a place to socialize with like minded individuals and meet new friends as she did through AYP.

Alla’s background is in Shipping Operations, working for a RoRo Shipping Line for the past 4 years. In her spare time she enjoys sailing on yacht, gardening and meeting new people.

JUSTIN VANAUSDALL
JUSTIN VANAUSDALLBrand Manager
Justin joined AYP in April of ’23 as our Event & IT Manager after being in New Zealand for only a year, and has now stepped into the role of Brand Manager. After attending a few events he was hooked and wanted to help AYP grow. Justin’s background in technology, business growth, and community engagement help AYP to create incredible events for our Tāmaki Makaurau whānau.

Justin is currently an IT Manager for T`ātaki Auckland Unlimited and recently became a NZ resident after living in the states, recently finishing an MBA from the University of Utah. His passion is in helping people and organisations grow to meet their best potential.

In his downtime he enjoys hiking, playing music, cooking, and meeting new people. Justin is always attending events across Auckland and never stops moving.

SOPHYA GUIMARAES
SOPHYA GUIMARAESMarketing Manager
KANE BATCHELOR
KANE BATCHELORSponsorship Manager
ANNA SMALL
ANNA SMALLGeneral Committee Member
Anna recently joined the committee in May 2022. After moving to Auckland 3 years ago with very few local contacts, Anna learnt the value in getting out of her comfort zone. She enjoyed attending AYP social and professional events, connecting with new people and learning what Auckland has to offer.

Anna works in healthcare where people are the centre of everything she does. You can find Anna at AYP events, always keen to chat, hear about your professional journey and connect you to other like minded Auckland Young Professionals.

DANIEL PARRYSponsorship Manager
Bio coming soon
AMBER LEFinance and Events Coordinator
Bio coming soon
CHANDRAMOHAN BETTADPURAWebsite Content Manager
Bio coming soon

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