Youth Leaders
Shahram Qasimi
Youth Leader
Shahram’s journey with Mixit began at our Auckland outreach workshop in July 2022. Coming from Afghanistan and fresh to New Zealand with no friends and minimal English, he found support and joy in the session. This positive experience nudged him to dive and commit into the core program, seeking to navigate this new NZ culture. Mixit swiftly became his second family, where he not only learned new things but also formed meaningful connections. Shahram cherishes being part of such a welcoming community, expressing gratitude to be a Youth Leader and for the friendships and growth opportunities it offers. As he puts it, "I am so happy that I am a Mixer.”
Jake Easterbrook
Youth Leader
At 13 years old Jake Easterbrook made his way into the Mixit programme, having been born in New Zealand with ancestry that traces back to South Africa and Europe. Jake joined Mixit because he was interested in meeting new people, and expanding on his worldview. In the future Jake would like to take what he has learnt through Mixit, and use his skills to help people do the best they can in all areas of their life.
Rana Dowlaty
Youth Leader
Our youngest, and most energetic, youth leader Rana Dowlaty is a huge football and theatre lover. As an Afghan born in Iran, Mixit has become for Rana a second home. She allowed herself to come out of her comfort zone, and embrace all aspects of being a Mixer, and now wants to use this new opportunity to develop her adaptability and embrace change.
Hanan Jama
Youth Leader
Hanan Jama born in New Zealand, with her families origins from Somalia, had heard about Mixit through her cousins, but in 2022 that all changed, when she decided to take the steps and become a part of the Mixit whānau. As a shy kid Hanan only had an interest in reading, but Mixit has since expanded her creativity- taking on dance, music and drama. She also has found her footing through meeting other Mixers, who she hopes to continue to grow with.
