Wynnis Armour

Why the Women's Fund?

I believe the Fund is effectively focused and very professionally-run, and its support goes where it makes the biggest difference – this is important to me. I also believe in both its leadership and its reach.

How or where do you see the Women's Fund making a difference?

Having observed the decision making around choosing the recipients of the initial grants, I was delighted to see those supported were real change makers and were active 'where the rubber hits the road'.

Who is your biggest female role model/inspiration and why?

Golly I’ve found so many women to be fabulous role models.

Most recently I've come to know and been hugely impressed by New Zealand-born philanthropist Audette Exel (now living in Australia). Audette founded the Adara Foundation, which is proof that the power of business can be used to improve the lives of people in poverty. She has been the recipient of many awards including Forbes 'Hero of Philanthropy', and 'Global Leader for Tomorrow' by the World Economic Forum, amongst many others. The thing I find most compelling about her is how she introduces into the (usually male-dominated) commercial world the ‘female’ values of empathy compassion and a demand for social change.

Finish this sentence: "In 10 years' time, I want women and girls in New Zealand to…"

"...assume - correctly - that their talents, drive and strength will be the qualities that impact their choices and success in life. I'd like them to be able to take for granted the social changes so many of us are working hard to bring about now."