Sarah Macdonald

Head of Capabilities @Diversity Works New Zealand

🗿 HR🧮 EducationHR consultantTraining&Development SpecialistSoft Skills Trainer

Driving Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Initiatives in corporate and community spaces. With two decades of diverse experience spanning education, community development, refugee and migrant settlement, and presently focused on workplace DEIB, I'm dedicated to fostering inclusive environments. I'm also passionate about what it means to be Tangata Tiriti in our unique cultural context here in Aotearoa New Zealand, I've embarked on this enriching journey upon returning to Aotearoa New Zealand after many years away. 🔍 Passionate About Human Rights-Based 💡 Creating Brave, Knowledge-Infused Learning Spaces 🎨 Embracing Multifaceted Solutions 🔑 Key Attributes: Global perspective Grounded in real-world impact Curious about innovative solutions Creative problem-solving Dyslexic Thinker bringing unique insights Empathetic Communicator fostering understanding Trauma Informed approach for holistic support

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Work Background

Diversity Works New ZealandHead of Capability

Nov. 2023Auckland, New ZealandThe Head of Capability takes the lead in the learning and development area, playing a crucial role in spurring innovation within the DEI curriculum and learning strategy. In this role, the main focus is on finding, planning, and executing initiatives and partnerships that meet the needs of member organisations, uphold quality standards, and provide exceptional learning experiences.

Diversity Works New ZealandLearning and Development Advisor

Sep. 2022 - Nov. 2023Auckland, New Zealand

Arts Connections OceaniaCo-Founder

Apr. 2017Auckland, New ZealandOur mission at Arts Connections Oceania is to inspire intercultural dialogue and connection through the arts. We're dedicated to creating safe spaces where communities can come together, share, and learn from one another. Additionally, we focus on amplifying the artistic talents of individuals who may not have had traditional platforms or means to showcase their abilities. At the heart of our initiatives is Ethno New Zealand, the cornerstone program from which our kaupapa is derived. As a founding member of Ethno New Zealand, I am passionate about providing creative spaces that foster intercultural connections. The global Ethno kaupapa is to promote intercultural dialogue through traditional music, harnessing the power of peer-to-peer democratic learning within a safe and structured environment, aligning with global peace education practices. The Ethno Global movement extends its reach to numerous countries and has even garnered dedicated research. In Aotearoa, we have successfully run Ethno New Zealand for six years, witnessing the transformative impact of this program. We've organized powerful marae-based residencies and facilitated numerous international musical exchanges.

HOST International LtdCommunity Sponsorship Coach

Feb. 2022 - Sep. 2022Auckland, Auckland, New ZealandSupporting those who engage in the Community Refugee Sponsorship Programme in Aotearoa/New Zealand by developing a appropriate training packages, using coaching methodology and being a connector to the wider community and sector supports.

Intercultural Connections Aotearoa New ZealandFounder

Feb. 2017 - Sep. 2022Auckland, New ZealandOur one-to-one connections with each other are the foundation for change and building relationships with people from different cultures, often many different cultures, and is key in building diverse communities that are powerful enough to achieve significant goals. To enhance that exchange people need to have the correct tools to create an environment where such magic can take place. We offer an introduction to intercultural bridge building using a healing focused lens, were we can begin to empower and in turn strengthen the roots of our communities.

Refugees As Survivors NZStakeholder Engagement Coordinator

Mar. 2017 - Jan. 2022Auckland, New ZealandI focused on two key areas: Engagement and Programme Development. I built meaningful relationships with organisations both within and outside of the sector, while also managing and training volunteers. My role involved community training and advocacy, co-planning and supporting fundraising activities, and active involvement in groups like the Rainbow Working Group and Te Tiriti Partnership Group. On the programme development front, I played an instrumental role in creating initiatives such as the Befriender Programme for Asylum Seekers, a Corporate Volunteer Programme, a Wellbeing Programme at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre, and a Mental Health de-stigmatization project. I also served as a Research Assistant. My ultimate goal was to foster relationships, knowledge, and empathy within the wider community to better support those who had arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand as refugees.

Auckland Regional Migrant Services TrustProject Worker

Mar. 2016 - Aug. 2016Three Kings, AucklandWorkshop Development and Facilitation Quotes from participants: "I had a great experience attending the workshop with you, it was knowledgeable and interesting. If given an opportunity, I hope to attend more workshops with you in future." Kashif Ahmed (2016)

Freelance, self-employedEnglish Language Teacher

Aug. 2009 - Jan. 2012Spain

STARFISH COUNTRY SCHOOL FOUNDATIONTeaching Assistant/English Teacher/Mentor

Feb. 2007 - Oct. 2007Thailand

ATHENA MONTESSORI COLLEGETeacher Assistant/Student Mentor

Mar. 2003 - Dec. 2006Wellington & Wairarapa, New Zealand

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