Hopefish proudly celebrates the progress Maya has made after receiving a $5000 Hopefish Grant to support her Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge study. The grant removed significant financial pressure, allowing her to continue her education with confidence while balancing work and whanau commitments.

With this support, Maya completed the first year of her two-year Master’s degree and stepped into a new leadership role within social work. Free from the need to take on extra work hours, she was able to focus fully on her study, deepen her learning, and experience real personal and professional growth.

Her new position enables her to share her knowledge with her team and reach more whanau across the community. The grant has also helped her model educational aspirations for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her journey reflects the purpose of Hopefish, enabling women to advance their education, strengthen their communities, and create opportunities for future generations. We are proud to support Maya and celebrate all she is achieving.