Mackenzie Koppel

Why the Women's Fund?

I’ve always been a proud feminist, but after finishing my degree in Women & Gender Studies I drifted (career-wise) into nonprofit fundraising. Whilst I find my career hugely satisfying, I wanted to reconnect with women's issues in a direct and tangible way. As soon as I stumbled on the Women's Fund, I felt like I'd found exactly what I was looking for.

How or where do you see the Women's Fund making a difference?

I love that the Women's Fund is all about supporting people and organisations who are making amazing things happen for women and girls… and I love that the way the Women's Fund does this is by providing funds so that the "experts" on the ground can do their thing. The reality is that most charities and community groups have skilled, passionate, qualified people on the ground who are working their butts off to make positive changes – and one of the best things we can do is offer them the resources get on with it! I might not have the time or skillset to directly support a woman or girl in need… but I can certainly offer a little chunk of my paycheck each month to someone who does – and my little chunk combined with other women's equals a significant impact.

Who is your biggest female role model/inspiration and why?

If I had to pick just one (aside from my mother, of course!) Frida Kahlo would be it. I admire the way she lived life on her own terms, and the way she created beauty out of the pain and trauma she experienced.

Finish this sentence: "In 10 years' time, I want women and girls in New Zealand to..."

"...not need a “Women's Fund” anymore, because we’ll live in an age where your salary, health care, reproductive choices, career direction and sexuality are no longer directly correlated to your gender identity."