Youth Leaders
Basma Omar
Youth Leader
Basma travelled to NZ from Somalia and joined Mixit in 2024 after hearing about the Saturday core programme when the Mixit Alumni facilitated outreach workshops at Avondale College. She decided to give it a try instead of staying home on weekends, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions Basma has made. Mixit has helped her grow in confidence, meet new people, and express her creativity in different ways. As a youth leader, Basma is developing her leadership skills, stepping outside her comfort zone and becoming a role model who more supports and encourages other young people.
Disumi Nanayakkara
Youth Leader
Disumi was introduced to Mixit by a friend in 2025 and then performed in the 2026 Summer Show HOPE. Straight away the team recognised Disumi as highly capable and motivated to become a youth leader. Being part of the leadership programme has already helped her strengthen time management skills by balancing school, Mixit, and other activities. She is growing in confidence and communication, learning how to start conversations, introduce herself, and connect with others more naturally. Disumi approaches each experience with focus, positivity, and a willingness to learn, always aiming to become the best version of herself. Outside of Mixit, Disumi enjoys volunteering at a hospice shop, swimming, dancing, and watching movies.
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.
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.
Masiel Lagos Fernandez
Youth Leader
Born in Maipú in Chile and spent most of her life in Curacautín - far from Santiago. When Masiel moved to New Zealand and suddenly found herself far from her family, food, dancing, and drawing - all the things she loves most. First Masiel's mum was introduced to Mixit by an alumni squad member. Soon after, Masiel and her younger sister started attending the core programme sessions together. Now a youth leader, Masiel is an important part of the Mixit family - whether she’s owning the dance floor with her energy and confidence or showing her skills in the kitchen while cooking team lunches. She takes her role seriously and understands the responsibilities that come with it, while staying eager to learn, grow, and embrace every challenge that comes her way.
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.
