Our Story

Girls Mean Business (GMB) was founded in 2023 by a group of University of Auckland students as part of the Women in Entrepreneurship course (INNOVENT 310). The idea was brought to life under the guidance of Professor Christine Woods, the Dame Teresa Gattung Chair of the Aotearoa Centre for Enterprising Women (ACEW).

Our Vision

We envision an Aotearoa that fosters an environment of equitable entrepreneurship. A significant gender gap still exists in the workplace, particularly in business, and we are committed to bridging this divide by proving that women are equally capable in the world of business. We aim to expand throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand, partnering with schools nationwide to empower young girls. A key focus for us is working with Māori communities to inspire the next generation of wāhine Māori entrepreneurs. 

Students sitting at tables in a large classroom or auditorium, some wearing bunny ears, engaging in activities and socializing.

Our mission is to empower the next generation of young women in entrepreneurship by educating Year 7-8 girls (aged 10-12) across Aotearoa, New Zealand. We aim to inspire and equip them with the skills, confidence, and support needed to thrive as entrepreneurs. By creating early opportunities to engage with entrepreneurship, we seek to break down barriers and challenge gender norms in the business world. Through mentorship, education, and real-world experiences, we strive to empower the next generation of female leaders and innovators.

Our Mission

Group of students in a classroom presenting while others are seated at tables working on projects, with a whiteboard and a screen displaying smartphone app images in the background.

Meet the Team

  • A smiling woman wearing a white t-shirt with pink text that says 'gmb.' in a brightly colored indoor setting with people in the background.

    Professor Christine Woods

    Mentor, Co-founder

  • Young woman with long brown hair wearing a pink knitted sweater and a starfish necklace, standing indoors by a large window with a city view and cloudy sky outside.

    Sophie Bradly

    Director, Co-Founder

  • A young woman in graduation attire, wearing a black gown, with long dark hair, traditional jewelry, and a happy expression, standing inside a historic building with stone columns.

    Pooja Venkataramani

    Assistant Director

  • A woman with long dark hair, wearing patterned earrings and a blue animal print blouse, standing against a plain light-colored wall.

    Shamaea Parore Baker

    Director of Mentorship

  • Girl holding a tabby cat indoors

    Jasleen Bains

    Programme Coordinator

  • Anika Batra

    Director of Finance

  • Young woman smiling and holding up a peace sign near a river, with buildings and trees in the background.

    Sydney Yang

    Director of Marketing & Design

  • A young woman with long brown hair smiling and leaning against a beige wall, wearing a dark blue top.

    Leah Fisher

    Co-Director of Outreach

  • A woman with black hair and a slight smile standing outdoors in front of green foliage.

    Lyna Prum

    Co-Director of Outreach

  • Young woman with dark hair making a peace sign with both hands, wearing a black shirt, standing against a plain light-colored wall.

    Elsa Ajish

    Director of Logistics

Girls Mean Business

Girls Mean Business