Tell us a bit about yourself

Kia ora! I’m Emily and I’m originally from Bali, Indonesia. I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in International Business at the University of Otago before coming to Te Herenga Waka to pursue a Master of Professional Business Analysis.

I have always loved engaging with communities—during my undergraduate studies, I was a student lead at the Social Impact Studio at the University of Otago, connecting students to volunteering opportunities. I also served as a Welfare and Equity Officer for the Otago International Students’ Association.

I’m very grateful to have been able to continue this mahi through my time doing the Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP). When I heard about WILP during orientation week, I was immediately drawn to it. It aligns perfectly with my passion for cultural diversity and social change, offering a unique opportunity to engage with global issues while developing intercultural competence through attending seminars and completing a range of activities.

What was one of your most memorable WILP experiences?

It’s really difficult to choose only one! I think the most defining experience of my WILP journey was serving as President of the Victoria International Students’ Association (V-ISA). Leading a diverse team of students from across the globe taught me that leadership is not about control, but about service—facilitating space for others to grow and thrive. I learned the importance of leading by example, managing interpersonal dynamics, and being transparent with communication.

During my role, I coordinated events like Cultural Week to celebrate diversity on campus and supported the signing of an MoU between the New Zealand International Students’ Association and Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association to secure more support for international students studying here. I was very honored to receive the Runner-up President of the Year award at the VUWSA Supreme Club Awards for my work!

I also got to serve as an International Student Ambassador for the international marketing team. I created content and engaged directly with prospective students, sharing insights about studying in Wellington and my program. I felt joy in offering guidance and reassurance, and I also made friends from other countries through the ambassador team. This reinforced that leadership can also look like peer support—being someone others trust for honest, experience-based advice.

What were some of the skills you gained through WILP?

Personally, I’ve grown more confident in my ability to lead with integrity. Through the activities I’ve done, I also realised that I have a tendency to avoid conflict and learned that good leadership sometimes requires confronting difficult situations with honesty and care. This shift is one of the most valuable takeaways from my WILP experience.

What are some of your key takeaways from your WILP journey?

My journey through WILP has been one of growth, self-discovery, and service. As an international student with a passion for advocacy, I joined WILP hoping to develop as a leader and global citizen. What I gained, however, far exceeded those expectations.

WILP pushed me to explore what leadership truly means, not just in theory, but in real-world contexts spanning from student governance to climate diplomacy. It helped me understand the ethical responsibilities of leadership, the value of cultural humility, and the power of listening.

Through WILP and my Master’s degree together, I’ve developed a richer understanding of the world, connecting the analytical, data-driven thinking from my studies with the cultural awareness and global perspective fostered through WILP. It has opened my eyes to global systems, cultural nuances, and the interconnected challenges we share as a planet.

As I continue my studies and step into future leadership roles, I plan to apply what I’ve learned through WILP in everything I do. I want to champion ethical decision-making, amplify underrepresented voices, and build spaces where others feel empowered. WILP has affirmed my long-term goal of working in global advocacy and cross-cultural collaboration.

Learn more
WILP and Wellington Plus have recently joined together to become the Kitea Impact Programme. This new leadership programme will be available from Trimester 1, 2026. Learn more about the Kitea Impact Programme here https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/students/student-life/kitea.