Meet the Team
Chief Executive Officer
Rebekah Watts
Rebekah, a survivor of domestic violence, embodies the transformative power of education and unwavering determination. Her personal journey showcases the profound impact of continuing education, having earned her MBA in 2021 and embarking on her Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) in 2022.
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With a wealth of experience in leading and governing organizations, Rebekah has dedicated over a decade to shaping educational environments. Her expertise shines in school leadership, where she has spent more than 10 years nurturing learning spaces. Additionally, Rebekah has lent her insights to numerous boards, including those of two not-for-profit organizations, where her leadership has steered impactful initiatives.
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Rebekah’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of survivors and the boundless opportunities education can provide. Her presence at RAISE UP Foundation illuminates the path for others, reminding us all of the strength within and the transformative potential of education.
Board Chair
Elia Chan
Elia is a dynamic leader with a wealth of experience in guiding organizations toward success. For the past seven years, he has served as the CEO of My Rivr Technologies, a pioneering organization that is a proud member of the Institute of Violence, Abuse, and Trauma. Elia’s leadership has not only driven My Rivr’s growth but has also contributed significantly to the field of violence prevention and trauma support.
In addition to his corporate leadership, Elia is deeply committed to social causes. He has generously devoted his time and expertise to not-for-profit initiatives, serving on the boards of the Samoan Business Network and NZ Tech. His involvement in these organizations reflects his dedication to community building and supporting initiatives that create lasting positive impacts.
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Elia places a high value on education as a catalyst for personal and societal growth. He recently achieved a significant milestone by completing his MBA, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning. In his pursuit of knowledge, Elia embarked on his Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) in 2023, a testament to his dedication to academic excellence and intellectual advancement.
Board Member
Sean Watts
Sean brings a unique perspective and deep compassion to RAISE UP Foundation. As the son of a survivor of domestic violence, he has witnessed the profound impact of resilience and support.
Sean values education as a powerful tool for change and is set to embark on his academic journey at Auckland University of Technology in 2024. There, he will be pursuing a Bachelor of Communications with a focus on screen production, channeling his passion for storytelling and filmmaking.
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Driven by his personal experiences and a desire to create awareness, Sean aspires to use his skills in the film industry to shed light on the realities of domestic violence. His dedication to education and advocacy makes him an inspiring presence within our community, embodying the spirit of empowerment and resilience.
Board Member
Sarah Biel
Sarah is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in leadership roles within the vibrant hospitality industry across New Zealand. Her expertise extends beyond the daily operations, as she is well-versed in reporting to boards, demonstrating her acumen in the corporate realm.
In 2022, Sarah embraced a new role as a first-time mother, briefly stepping away from her professional endeavors to focus on her growing family. Her journey as a parent added depth to her perspective, emphasizing the importance of creating a better world for future generations.
Currently, Sarah serves as a dedicated Customer Experience Manager for a major New Zealand meat product producer, residing in the central North Island. In this role, she continues to demonstrate her commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, showcasing her ability to thrive in diverse and challenging environments.
Sarah's multifaceted experiences and her proficiency in leadership make her a valuable asset to RAISE UP Foundation. Her presence enriches our community, bringing with it a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics.
Board Member
Bev Aerenga
Bev is a dedicated Educator with two decades of experience, having worked in diverse communities ranging from those thriving effortlessly to those striving for a better future. Her unwavering passion lies in ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
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In her role as an Educational Leader, Bev takes immense pleasure in advocating for equity. She draws her strength from her role as a mother to two teenage boys, understanding the importance of building a world where every child has the chance to flourish.
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Beyond her professional pursuits, Bev is an active member on two significant school boards, leveraging her skills to create positive change within the educational system. Her dedication to fostering thriving communities and championing for every individual's success makes her a valuable asset to RAISE UP Foundation.
Board Member
Terri O'Neil
Terri brings a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to her role as a social worker. With a diverse career spanning various contexts, she began her journey at Child, Youth, and Family, where she honed her skills in supporting vulnerable populations. Terri then transitioned to working within schools, making a positive impact on the lives of students and families. More recently, she has ventured into the vital field of elder care, extending her compassionate care to the elderly.
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In addition to her impactful work as a social worker, Terri has demonstrated her commitment to community service through her governance roles. With four years of experience as a board member for a primary school, she has contributed significantly to shaping educational environments. In the past year, Terri has taken on the role of chairperson for the school board, showcasing her leadership skills and dedication to enhancing educational opportunities.
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Terri's multifaceted expertise, from social work to governance, makes her an invaluable member of RAISE UP Foundation. Her passion for advocacy, coupled with her leadership acumen, enriches our organization, furthering our mission of empowering survivors of domestic violence.