Together, We Rise
Sometimes all it takes is one conversation, one shared experience, and one person who believes in you. That’s the power of mentorship.
If you need a mentor or would be keen to mentor someone register below
Meet our Mentors
Noor Syed
Chief Technology Offer, Health Sector NZ – Microsoft
Noor is a senior technology strategist at Microsoft, working at the intersection of technology, health, and public sector transformation. Originally from Pakistan, she grew up in Dubai and has spent the past decade building her career and life in New Zealand. Her journey across countries, cultures, and systems has shaped how she sees leadership, success, and belonging.
Coming from a deeply multicultural background, Noor has navigated the challenges of breaking down cultural barriers, adapting to new environments, and finding confidence in spaces where she didn’t always see herself reflected. These experiences have taught her that growth is rarely linear, and that resilience is often built quietly — through persistence, curiosity, and learning on the job.
Despite working in complex, high-impact roles, Noor describes herself as grounded and relatable — an everyday woman figuring things out as she goes. She believes strongly that success in tech doesn’t require fitting a mould, but rather trusting your own perspective and staying open to learning.
As a mentor, Noor brings a practical, honest, and human approach. She is passionate about supporting women and under-represented voices in tech — helping them build clarity, confidence, and the courage to take up space, even before they feel ready.
Dr. Helena Bahrami Ph.D
AI & ML Lead Expert, Founder – Helium AI Solutions
Dr Helena Bahrami is an AI and Machine Learning Lead Expert in the industry, a Research Associate at IBTech, AUT, and the Founder of Helium AI Solutions, where she is commercialising her research into next-generation intelligent systems. She specialises in brain-like and quantum-inspired computational models, integrating quantum computing, generative AI, and deep learning to build adaptive architectures that emulate the efficiency of the human brain.
Her interdisciplinary expertise, spanning AI, quantum machine learning, neurobiology, genetics, and biochemistry, enables her to develop healthcare innovations for neurodegenerative and mental health disorders, including early diagnosis, personalised therapeutics, digital twins, and AI-enabled drug discovery.
She also serves as an industry advisor to the Canterbury Institute of Management and as an industry supervisor at New Zealand Skills and Education, mentoring and supporting learners in New Zealand and internationally. At the intersection of AI, neuroscience, quantum computing, and the life sciences, she is committed to creating transformative technologies that advance scientific understanding and human well-being.
Pip Klenner
Senior Leader – Connecting Strategy Technology & People
At my core, I’m driven by three principles: courage, curiosity, and connection. They anchor how I live, lead, and show up. My passion has always been people and the worlds we move through — the workplaces we shape, the communities we belong to, and the relationships we foster. I believe deeply in leaning in, learning loudly, laughing often, and recognising that every interaction is an opportunity to be part of someone else’s story just as they become part of mine.
Over the past few years, my focus has been on growing capability through connection — in myself, my teams, and with my whānau. Whether it’s creating space to find purpose, enabling others to thrive, or finding balance through genuine human moments, connection is the thread that ties it all together. For me, that balance often comes from time with family and friends, coastal walks, and the simple joy of a good coffee or a glass of wine — grounding myself in the people and places that refill my energy.
I’m energised by how technology enables our world, and I hold a conscious curiosity about how I can contribute to shaping a future where tech elevates humanity rather than replaces it. My ongoing focus is to help others understand their strengths, build confidence, and grow with a mindset grounded in curiosity, purpose, and possibility — always continuing to learn from others with an open mind along the way.
Jeevan James
Head of Digital & Insurance Applications – Fidelity Life
I have over 20 years of experience in technology and business leadership, with a strong foundation in capability development and digital and technology transformation. My expertise includes building and leading high-performing engineering teams, driving enterprise-scale change, and partnering with senior leaders to align technology strategy with business goals. I am passionate about developing talent, optimizing delivery, and fostering cultures of continuous improvement and innovation.
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that true transformation is about people as much as it is about innovation. My journey from engineering roles to business leadership has taught me the power of empathy, clarity, and trust in building teams that thrive and deliver real impact.
I’m passionate about mentoring because I believe diverse perspectives fuel the best ideas and solutions. Supporting others to find their voice, grow their confidence, and navigate the challenges of tech leadership is deeply rewarding. I’ve seen firsthand how inclusive cultures unlock creativity and resilience, and I strive to foster environments where everyone feels safe to contribute and grow.
As a mentor, I’m here to listen, share insights, and help you chart your own path. My goal is to empower you to lead with authenticity and make a meaningful difference in your career, your teams, and the wider tech community.
Nikhita Amin
Product Owner, Data Governance – Auckland Council
I came to New Zealand almost a decade ago as a student, with zero NZ work experience and no network here. I have always been in Tech, I studied Tech , started my career as an iOS developer, then moved into Automation Testing, and now I am in Product. I have held Product roles across different industries and I am currently the Product Owner of Data Governance at Auckland Council.
I know first-hand how tough and confusing it can feel breaking into the NZ job market, especially when you are new here or just starting out. It took me a lot of learning, experimenting, trying different roles, figuring out my strengths, and building confidence along the way.
I am genuinely passionate about helping people who are early in their career journey, sharing what worked for me, how I prepared for interviews, how I moved between roles, how I approached networking, and how I carved out my space in Product in NZ.
Happy to support, guide and chat with anyone looking for clarity, direction, or someone who gets what it is like to start from scratch in a new country.