Title: Chief Executive Officer
Company: Good Seed Trust
Location: Mangere, Auckland, New Zealand

For the past decade, Grace Ikiua has spent her time working in government departments with social services and education. She is motivated by her belief that education has the potential to change the outcomes for people, and that improved education means better job opportunities. This, in turn, brings in more resources and builds a person’s self-esteem and hope for the future. Additionally, Ms. Ikiua believes that strong families mean a strong community, which is why she co-founded Good Seed Trust with her partner, Raewyn Paapu, in 2006. They currently operate an 80-space early childhood center, a free community playgroup, and an after-school and school holiday care program. Additionally, they work in partnerships with other groups on various community development projects, and host community events. As an organization, Good Seed Trust values strength, excellence, empowerment, dedication, and sincerity.

The biggest challenge Ms. Ikiua had to face is self-doubt, but, with the help of her very supportive husband, she overcame it. Her greatest strengths lie in being humble, strategic, and collaborative. She is also great at networking and delegating, and can work with and relate to different people in different cultures, as she herself is part of a mixed-culture marriage. Looking forward, Ms. Ikiua would like to be able to afford more administrative staff so that more time can be spent building people and programs to meet goals faster. She was inspired in her career by her parents, who also served the community, and by being a Christian. She believes that life is about reaching her potential, living as God planned, and leaving a legacy. Ms. Ikiua hopes to be remembered for leaving the world a better place and for making a difference.

Contact Grace Ikiua: