GWO News – Meet the Team 2024-2025
I started my journey into academia later in life completing an MBA and BCom (Hons) at Victoria University of Wellington in the early 2020s moving to Ph.D. study with Otago University in 2021. My thesis explores the perceptions of older female gamblers and their assessment of gambling risk. Since commencing my Ph.D. study, I have presented at four international conferences in the fields of gambling, aging populations, and social marketing. My research interests lie in aging populations, behavioural economics, ecology theories, as well as social marketing, and housing. When not studying, I enjoy walking along the beach, cooking, socializing with friends, and watching documentaries. I also support several Bali Dog Rescue agencies and organise Inspired Women'’s Symposiums in New Zealand and Bali.
Nadja Smith, Vice President and GWO Advocacy Representative
I joined GWO in late 2023, however, I have worked with Graduate Women Otago through their Regalia business since 2020. I am honoured to have been voted in as Vice President. I look forward to joining our Community Awards committee and working with our Public Affairs Committee to help promote the wellbeing of women, youth, and young children in New Zealand. My excitement for advocacy work is driven by my passion for promoting gender equity and empowering women through accessible education.
I started my tertiary education immediately after high school, travelling to the other end of the country, to complete my BA majoring in English and History and minoring in classics. I spent seven years in high school studying Latin, which I continued for two years through my Classics minor. I continued my studies at Victoria, University of Wellington, graduating with a Masters in Information Studies, focused on library science, in December 2024.
My interests include playing and umpiring hockey. I also enjoy skiing, reading, playing board games, role-playing games, and spending time with friends & family.