After four and a half years, Gemma Major is stepping down as CEO of Seed Waikato.
During her time at the helm, the co-founder and youth advocate has had a hand in creating 12 community-led projects, reaching thousands of Waikato youth both online and in-person.
Major says she is proud of what Seed has grown into since launching in 2017.
“Seed is a safe space to talk about the things that matter, and it’s been a privilege to see just how powerful young people are in changing their world from the inside out when they own their gifts and strengths.”
Major has also been a critical driver in the partnerships created between Seed Waikato and community funders, business sponsors and event partners which enable the charity to reach and inspire Waikato youth.
“I am so excited for the future of Seed Waikato. In the last six months alone, we have doubled our staff numbers and doubled the funding received from supporters,” says Major.
Seed Waikato chair Greg Johnston says the charity is in a strong position to continue its long-term strategy to support young people in the community.
“The impact that Gemma has made through Seed Waikato and alongside youth is incredible and speaks to what the organisation was set up to achieve – creating safe places and spaces for personal growth opportunities for young people in the Waikato,” says Johnston.
“Seed Waikato has fantastic, dedicated staff and volunteers, and a diverse and well-respected board who will continue to serve the aspirations of young people in the region.”
Seed Waikato has recently secured a multi-year funding pipeline from Hamilton City Council, Trust Waikato, Len Reynolds Trust, and the Ministry of Youth Development to the tune of $660,000.
Major will officially step down on 31 July to spend more time with her son and study trauma while continuing to mentor self-starters on the side.
Tania Pointon has been appointed as the organisation’s new leader. Pointon has co-led Hamilton Multicultural Services for the last 12 years and was seconded to Seed Waikato in March.
