Dr. Mahsa McCauley is Founder and Director of She Sharp Charitable Trust. As Chair of AI Forum NZ and Associate Professor of AI at AUT, she researches AI, machine learning, IoT and cybersecurity. She serves on boards of NZTech, EdTechNZ and World Summit Awards, advancing AI strategy, education and SDG projects. Appointed Communication and Information Commissioner for NZ National Commission for UNESCO in January 2026, she leads efforts to uphold freedom of expression, expand information access and foster ethical ecosystems. A recognised public speaker on AI, cybersecurity and future work, she has received honours for leadership, innovation and advocacy for diversity in tech.

Mike is a Digital Delivery Manager on the ICT Leadership team at Metlifecare, where he oversees the strategy and delivery of ICT solutions for new builds and property redevelopments. A dedicated advocate for women in tech, Mike has been a member of She Sharp since its inception in 2014. He oversees the charity's finances and physical assets, and is often seen taking photos at She Sharp events.Outside of his professional life, Mike enjoys time with his family, playing guitar, and has a passion for cooking and all things coffee.

Raquel is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) with a master’s degree in IT Project Management from AUT and over 12 years of experience in the IT industry. She has led network infrastructure, software development, and ERP projects across diverse industries in Europe, UK, US, and Philippines. Known for her adaptability, she strives for project excellence and fosters a collaborative, inclusive work environment. As an event manager at She Sharp, Raquel leverages her project management expertise to plan and organise She-Sharp-led conferences & events. Inspired by She Sharp’s mission, she’s passionate about creating a diverse environment where women can grow, learn, and overcome challenges in STEM.

Isha is pursuing her Master of Computer and Information Sciences degree at AUT, focusing on expanding her expertise in the field. With a background as a DevOps engineer at Persistent Systems in India, she brings real-world experience and technical insight to her academic journey.

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Isha's introduction to She Sharp came through her participation in various events organised at AUT by Dr. Mahsa. Sharing a common mission with She Sharp, Isha is dedicated to promoting gender balance within the tech industry.

Dr. Meeta Patel is an experienced scientist with over 20 years of research expertise. As a Senior Scientist and Sustainability Lead at NanoLayr, she developed and implemented the company's sustainability strategy, including eco-friendly packaging. Her PhD in science and background in biopolymers have been invaluable. Dr. Patel has built strong relationships with councils, universities, research institutes, community groups, and organizations, showcasing her collaboration skills. She is active in volunteering, organizing community sports, and promoting STEM education. As an industry lead ambassador for SHE Sharp, she leverages her experience in professional and volunteer roles to foster collaboration.

Kia ora! I’m Sara Ghafoor, an Electrical Engineer turned AI enthusiast passionate about inclusive tech. At Entelar Group, I support telecom site operations and major rollouts across NZ. I also help lead SheSharp’s events, mentorships, and community initiatives, collaborating with Google, Microsoft, Fonterra, and more. With a background in machine learning, medical imaging, and generative AI, I’m driven by tech that creates real-world impact—whether I’m mentoring at hackathons, managing projects, or running national events.

Full-stack developer and AI/ML specialist with expertise in React, Next.js, TypeScript, Python, and AWS. Currently Senior AI/ML Infrastructure Engineer at Sanicle and She Sharp Ambassador, building scalable AI solutions for workplace health and STEM education. UN CSW 69 speaker and AWS She Builds 2025 mentee, showcasing leadership in tech. Host of 4 Spotify podcasts including Decoding the Future and Future Turing, sharing insights on AI. Passionate mentor supporting 800+ women via Forward with Her and AI Forum NZ. Merges technical leadership with minimalist design to deliver elegant, inclusive solutions.

Marriane is a Marketing Specialist at PB Tech who loves bringing creativity and strategy together to make ideas come alive. With years of experience leading marketing programs across Asia-Pacific, she’s now happily growing her career in New Zealand. Passionate about giving back, she supports women in tech and uplifts communities where people feel welcome and inspired.Outside of work, Marriane is the full-time mediator between her two strong-willed boys and wife, a creative video professional—so her days are often filled with sibling banter, production talk, and the occasional strategic Costco run. Her energy is contagious, and she’s always ready to cheer others on and be the hype bud you didn’t know you needed.

Gurleen recently finished her Software Development degree at AUT and now plays a key role at She Sharp. As our Secretary, she manages the day-to-day tasks that keep us moving forward. On the creative side, she uses her design skills to make sure our mission looks great and reaches the right people. She is dedicated to mentoring others and making the tech industry a more welcoming place for everyone.

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Yesha is an AI/Software Engineer at Possibl.ai who brings both passion and real-world industry experience to the She Sharp community.  She enjoys building AI-enhanced solutions and working across a wide range of technologies, from full-stack web development to machine learning and data-driven applications. She's passionate about empowering and supporting women in technology. She contributes through mentorship and by helping develop and improve the She Sharp website, while sharing insights from her own journey navigating the tech industry. Through her work, she aims to help foster a more inclusive, collaborative, and supportive STEM community where more women feel confident to learn, grow, and succeed.

Nikita Kumari is a Project Leader passionate about creating meaningful digital experiences. Over the past 5+ years, she has worked across B2B SaaS and AI-driven products and projects, leading cross-functional teams and blending strategy, design, and technology to deliver solutions that genuinely help people. She enjoys simplifying complexity, empowering teams, and turning ideas into impactful, well-executed products.

Lesley Gao is a Product Designer at Watchful, a security-tech company building AI-powered monitoring platforms. With a background in journalism, web development, and UX/UI, she has worked on projects spanning SaaS products, onboarding experiences, and AI-enabled tools, including designing the She Sharp website.Lesley is passionate about gender equality and supporting programmes and events that empower and connect women in tech across Aotearoa. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking Auckland's trails, photography, and building with Lego.

​Len is a seasoned advertising leader with over a decade of experience in integrated media and strategic marketing. Currently an International Education Consultant, she leverages her Master’s in Management (Marketing) and a growth mindset to navigate complex global pathways for others. She is deeply honored to support the next generation of women in tech as a She Sharp Ambassador, fostering innovation and community. Outside of her career, Len is a full-time mom to an active preschooler whose boundless curiosity ensures her days are filled with hundreds of questions—keeping her on her toes and always learning!

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Prasanth is an experienced Information Technology and Management professional with over 23 years of global expertise. Originally from Delhi, India, he has lived in New Zealand for 17 years with his wife, two children, and their dog.

He currently serves as a Senior Business Analyst in the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), with prior experience in management and capability leadership roles across large organisations.

Beyond work, he mentors young professionals and contributes to the community through volunteering. He is passionate about making a positive impact and supporting future generations. In his free time, he enjoys badminton and creative writing.