| Building Momentum Together: Pathways into Tech |
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What a month!  May took me all the way to Vienna, Austria for the World Summit Awards (WSA) Global Congress, where I had the privilege of facilitating a session on digital divides in an AI-powered world alongside changemakers from 80+ countries. The conversations were bold, honest, and deeply needed - and I came home more energised than ever about the work we do here in Aotearoa.
Back in Auckland, we wrapped up our “Make Your LinkedIn Work for You” event - and honestly, seeing every single one of you so engaged and fired up reminded me exactly why I started She Sharp. 
June is all about our Youth!
This June, my focus - and She Sharp’s - is on the next generation. I am so excited to share that we are running two workshops for young people aged 12–18. These sessions are designed to inspire, build confidence, and open doors for the future women of tech in our community. 
If you know a young person who deserves to be in that room, please share this with them. Every girl who walks through our door is one step closer to changing the world.
Watch this space for details - I can’t wait to see you there. |
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Spotlight: Inspiring the Next Generation with AI & Electronics! 🚀 |
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We always love sharing the community initiatives happening behind the scenes at She Sharp! This June, we are incredibly proud to partner with Peyvand Academy, Ministry of Education, and Little Engineers to host a special, two-part weekend workshop series.
(Just a quick heads-up: this is an exclusive, invitation-only event for a specific cohort of young learners, but we are too excited not to share what they’ll be up to!)
Designed for students aged 12 to 18, this series is all about taking emerging technology out of the textbook and putting it directly into their hands. Our goal is to spark their curiosity, introduce them to engineering concepts, and help them build real confidence through practical experimentation.
Here is what our invited cohort will be exploring over the two weekends: 🗓️ Part 1: AI & Electronics Discovery Date: Saturday, 13 June 2026 | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM The Focus: Students will dive into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence, explore how AI and electronics are shaping our future together, and enjoy interactive, real-world tech demonstrations.
🗓️ Part 2: Hands-On Circuit Building Date: Saturday, 20 June 2026 | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM The Focus: A deep dive into how things actually work! The cohort will learn basic electronic concepts, understand the functions of different components, and jump right into hands-on circuit-building exercises.
📍 Venue for both sessions: Fruitvale Primary School (40 Fruitvale Road, Auckland 0600) |
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Making LinkedIn Work for You |
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On 15 May, She Sharp teamed up with the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to host an insightful evening dedicated to mastering professional networking: Making LinkedIn Work for You.
Led by Stuart Little (Creative Strategist and Director of Agency8), the workshop provided a practical walkthrough on how to build a LinkedIn profile that attracts the right career opportunities. Stuart emphasized the power of authenticity, showing participants how to confidently showcase their skills, personal brand, and evidence of learning—like portfolios and project videos—to stand out to industry professionals.
The session also featured Janelle Wright, who shared valuable insider tips on the recruitment process, strategic job hunting, and exactly what employers are looking for when they scan a digital CV.
Key Takeaways from the Evening: Your profile is your digital first impression: Authenticity and consistency are the fastest ways to improve your professional visibility. Show, don't just tell: Adding multimedia (like projects or videos) provides tangible proof of your technical capabilities and personal strengths. Engage to grow: Actively sharing your learning journey and interacting with others’ content is crucial for building a meaningful network.
Overall, the attendees left feeling inspired and equipped with actionable strategies to take control of their online presence and career development. |
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Cybersecurity Awareness: Building Resilient Digital Workplaces |
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The HER WAKA – Navigating Pathways into Sustainable Employment session, held on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, at academyEX in Auckland, formed the May edition of the event series. Delivered by She Sharp in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development, the programme brought together up to 25 participants in a structured, high-impact environment focused on strengthening pathways into employment. The session emphasised building job readiness, confidence, and practical understanding of the New Zealand labour market.
Participants gained a clearer understanding of the evolving job market, with a specific focus on cybersecurity awareness and the growing demand for skills that support safer and more resilient digital workplaces. The session provided practical insights into employer expectations, recruitment trends, and the challenges within the broader tech employment landscape. Participants were supported with practical skills and employer guidance to better position themselves confidently and competitively.
The session fostered a supportive and inclusive environment where participants engaged in open conversations and shared experiences. A panel discussion featuring industry experts Paula Gair, Swapna Soni, and Prasanth Pavithran, alongside contributions from Sian Clements and Jenny Martin representing RCSA, provided real-world perspectives on hiring expectations and workplace trends. By sharing their career journeys and key lessons, the speakers created a space where participants were able to build confidence, develop communication skills, and gain clarity on their employment pathways.
The programme included a combination of panel discussions and a 45-minute structured networking activity designed to translate insights into action. Three dedicated discussion tables were set up, allowing participants to engage directly with recruiters and panel speakers, ask questions, and practice real-world professional conversations. The session concluded with this engaging networking segment, enabling participants to build connections and leave better prepared, informed, and confident in navigating their next steps towards sustainable employment. |
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| | Mentorship Programme Update |
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| | The first cycle of the 2026 Mentorship Programme is well underway and enthusiasm is running particularly high. At present, there is a pressing need for additional mentors. If you have ever considered sharing your experience, now is the time to make a most immediate and lasting difference for women in tech.
Express interest here: |
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AI is No Longer “Experimental” – It is Becoming Core Infrastructure
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly evolving from an experimental tool into core infrastructure, with Deloitte’s 2026 Technology Trends report highlighting its integration across all business operations. Driven by skilled labour shortages, an ageing workforce, and rising cyber threats, the biggest transformation is now organizational rather than technological. As businesses redesign workflows for human-AI collaboration and prioritize digital resilience, want to dive deeper into the forces shaping this digital shift? Read more… |
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NZ Digital Transformation is Slowing: Are We Facing an Innovation Gap?
While New Zealand boasts strong digital infrastructure, the TUANZ Digital Priorities Report 2026 reveals that our national rate of technology adoption is plateauing, particularly within SMEs and mid-sized organizations. This widening innovation gap risks impacting national productivity and global competitiveness, shifting the focus from simply accessing technology to rapidly accelerating the speed and depth of its adoption. Read more… |
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Upcoming Event: NZCryptoCon 2026 – Blockchain & Web3 Innovation Summit
New Zealand’s leading blockchain gathering, NZCryptoCon 2026, is coming to the Auckland NZICC this 6–7 June to connect local innovation with international Web3 expertise. The summit will dive deep into blockchain infrastructure, decentralized finance (DeFi), and crypto regulation, highlighting She Sharp's insight that these technologies are rapidly evolving into core digital infrastructure shaping finance, ownership, and data systems. Read more… |
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Upcoming Event: Electrify Aotearoa 2026 – Startup & Founders Summit
Returning to the Auckland NZICC this 9–10 June, Electrify Aotearoa 2026 is a major innovation summit designed to connect early-stage founders with the investment networks, scaling strategies, and mentorship needed to build scalable businesses. Celebrating the convergence of funding and big ideas, it represents a vital step forward for diversity, inclusion, and growth in New Zealand's startup ecosystem. Read more… |
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| | | | P: +64 020 4188 9241 E: info@shesharp.org.nz www.shesharp.org.nz |
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