Ko Hikurangi a Kahuranaki ngā Maunga

Ko Waiapu a Tutaikuri ngā Awa

Ko Horouta a Takutimu ngā Waka

Ko Ngāti Porou a Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa a Hāmoa ngā Iwi

Ko Williams a Kerei a Aiomanu tāku Whānau

Ko Marcella-Jane Williams tāku Ingoa

Formerly in Human Resources, I bring over 15 years of experience into my academic and research journey, where I focus on uplifting wāhine Māori and whānau through culturally grounded business practices.

My doctoral research, Wāhine Wayfinders, explores how wāhine Māori entrepreneurs draw on Tikanga Māori to empower themselves in business and life. I proudly whakapapa to Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu and the Aiomanu whānau of Samoa. I am grateful to have worked with various Iwi, in various capacities including Ngāti Toa, Rangitāne and Ngāti Raukawa.

Alongside my studies, I work part-time as a Research Fellow with the Centre of Community Research and Evaluation at the University of Auckland. I also offer consulting, mentoring, and commissioned art services—each grounded in kaupapa Māori and designed to support Indigenous entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation.

I’m passionate about connecting Indigenous knowledge with real-world business and educational contexts, and I aspire to operate in a culturally sound, relational way that supports thriving Indigenous communities.

Let’s connect around Indigenous entrepreneurship, leadership, research, mentoring, and creative expression!