Miss Le, 23, was proudly nominated by the network to attend the recent Aspiring Leaders’ Forum (ALF) in Wellington, where she joined more than 100 young people from across the country.
The Dunedin ALF delegation, which also included University of Otago student Holly Pool, was sponsored by the Dunedin Mayor’s office and the Otago Community Trust.
Greater Green Island Community Network (GGICN) manager Ben McKenzie and community development worker Lee-Anne Michelle were behind Miss Le’s ALF nomination.
"Brianna is a very impressive young woman. Not only does she work with schools and lead our after school Youth Action Group, she is also involved in Red Frogs, church youth groups, and other community organisations," Mr McKenzie said.
A University of Otago bachelor of arts graduate in psychology and film-media, Miss Le is also completing a diploma in youth work through the Praxis training organisation.
"Her growth in the leadership space has been amazing, and she has a real passion for leadership, so we are thrilled she had the chance to attend the Aspiring Leaders’ Forum."
Each year, the leaders forum brings together a diverse group of young people with the aim of inspiring and teaching them leadership skills.
Young people aged from 18-26 years are nominated by a broad range of organisations for the forum, including the community, arts, business, politics and sport arenas.
The four-day programme, which ran from June 25-28 in Wellington, included a day at Parliament House, small group forums, keynote speakers, community service, a sports tournament and a barn dance.
Miss Le was honoured to have the opportunity to participate in the leaders programme, to meet other young leaders and learn from some of the country’s top leaders.
"I feel very fortunate to have had that experience," she said.
In her work for the GGICN, Miss Le runs "Wheako" programmes in association with five local schools for children about to make the move to intermediate or high school, providing support and non-curriculum based programmes.
In addition, she and fellow youth worker Ilai Manu are in charge of the network’s Youth Action Group, which involves rangatahi mostly aged 11-18 years from across the south coast and Taieri areas.
Miss Le said the Youth Action Group operated like an information youth council for the greater Green Island area, planning and running projects, including leading kids zones at large community events, clean-ups, movie nights, talent shows and more.
They also turn their hand to broadcasting through the Greater Green Island Youth Action Group podcast on Oar FM.
GGICN Youth Action Group members Bella Yeoman and Ruby-Mae Inch enjoy participating in the group’s mix of after-school activities.
"It’s really fun to be part of it — it’s a positive space to be in," Ruby-Mae said.
"The activities we do, like beach clean-ups or movie nights, are also really fun — it’s good to do something for the community," she said.
Bella said Miss Le was an "amazing" group leader.
"She works hard and makes everyone feel welcome, and that they are doing a good job," she said.
The Youth Action Group recently received a $2600 grant from the Otago Community Trust. They are brainstorming ideas for projects to tackle in the coming months.
Mr McKenzie said the GGICN was gearing up for a large-scale event in October to mark International Day of Older Persons, in association with Age Concern Otago. The Youth Action Group will play an active role in the event.
"We are planning to bring local people and organisations together for a really special event," Mr McKenzie said.
