Making your voice heard and standing up for what you believe in isn’t always easy to do, but for these finalists, it’s second nature.
Our Miss FQ Maybelline Influence Awards are back for 2019, with one of our favourite categories ‘Social Change’ showcasing the remarkable talent and inspirational young New Zealanders that are paving the way in a variety of fields.
This category acknowledges those who aren’t afraid to push the boundaries, who make a change in their local community (and further afield). Who not only recognise things can be done better but put the action behind it too.
Pushing for change and striving for a better world whether advocating for sustainability, social issues, female empowerment or body diversity, these finalists (nominated by you guys remember!) are doing awesome things and are all very deserving of being in the final five.
MAGGIE HEWITT
@maggiemarilyn
Maggie Hewitt is the name and designer behind global fashion sensation Maggie Marilyn, whose first collection in 2016 was picked up by luxury online retailer Net-a-Porter – no small feat for any designer but particularly for a young Kiwi who had just graduated from Whitecliffe College. The talented designer strives to make a difference and incorporate sustainable practices from pre-to-post production when manufacturing her clothes. A champion for sustainability, this label designs thoughtful clothes that are kind to the planet and are transparent with their customers.
JOSIE OLO’ITO’A
@sose.fina
If you’re looking to be lead down the path of empowerment, Josephine Olo’ito’a is your girl. Always fearless when discussing topics from racism to equality on her social media channels, when Josie speaks, she’s heard. Josie keeps it real and revelatory with thoughtfully chosen words, incredible relatability and above all else, plenty of humour.
TAKUNDA MUZONDIWA
@takunda101
Takunda is a year 13 student and head girl at Mt Albert Grammar who spoke passionately and eloquently about assimilation and belonging at the Race Unity Speech Awards, with her speech going viral at over 1 million views. Takunda’s speech at the Awards showcased bravery and courage to speak up about problems within the education system, race relations in New Zealand and about forming identity, from her own personal experience.
DANIELLE FRANCE
@themustardjumper
Danielle promotes sustainability on her website The Mustard Jumper by selling vintage finds that’ll you want to add to your wardrobe ASAP. She donates 10% of profits to Prepair NZ (a support system and resource for navigating relationships and emotional abuse) and also has a blog discussing her own experiences with emotional abuse.
NOPE SISTERS
@nopesisters
Brittany and Johanna Cosgrove are the badass duo who run social enterprise the Nope Sisters. They have a clothing label that is sustainable and organic, and their range promotes social issues including #MeToo and Breast Cancer Awareness with a cut of the profits going towards these foundations.
Stay tuned to see who has taken out their category, announced September 26, 2019.
