Melissa Gibson
CEO of the Len Reynolds Trust
Co-Founder of the Waikato Women’s Fund - Te Ira Waahine o Waikato
Goal:
My goal is to empower my community, make a difference, share my skills, and be the change.
A Bit About Melissa
As the CEO of the Len Reynolds Trust, a family philanthropic trust, Melissa Gibson distributes funds to support children, young people, and the environment. She has created significant change within this Trust, simplifying and personalising the application process so that the funds can be used more effectively.
As a former lawyer, she served on several governance boards and was involved with the YWCA. Among her many roles, she co-founded the Waikato Women's Fund, which creates opportunities for women and girls in the Waikato. She mentors students at Fairfield College, and runs a social enterprise selling second-hand books to raise funds for various charities.
Melissa's dedication to helping others is rooted in her personal values. She believes that positive change starts in the home and she leads by example, raising her own children to be kind, caring individuals who value the environment and give back to society.
She emphasises that anyone can make a difference, and encourages people to use their skills, time, and resources to contribute to a better society.
Melissa sets a powerful example of how small actions can have a profound impact. She shows that generosity and kindness can shape the future and create a better Waikato community.
