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 from HR, I am an emerging academic aiming to support empowered whānau, hapū, and iwi, contributing to thriving Indigenous communities. I focus on uplifting women and whānau while exploring identity, colonisation, culture, and Indigenous models, especially in Business, Research, and Education. My PhD in Innovation & Entrepreneurship studies how Wāhine Māori Entrepreneurs use Tikanga to empower them in Business and Life.  

I am grateful to be able to pursue my PhD with the support of my whānau, my pāpā, aunties and uncles, cousins, professional colleagues and friends. I want to thank my supervisors, Dr Kiri Dell, Dr Billie Lythberg and Professor Christine Woods. I also wish to thank University of Canterbury - specifically, Associate Professor - Jeanette King, Professor Rangi Mataamua and Jamie Hape. Alongside my Iwi - Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Kahungunu, and Ngāti Toa - who have supported me in my journey.