Smita is a part-time HIPPY Data Administrator at Great Potentials Foundation. She enjoys doing life-changing work in the community and coming across people in the community who say, “I did HIPPY with my children” or “I was a HIPPY child”.

 

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Smita and I live in Counties Manukau with my children who are 6 and 3, my husband and my mum. After graduating from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Health Sciences, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do next. I landed at a youth development organisation where I spent 8 life-changing years providing triage and clinical support across the phone, text and email helpline services, as well as being involved in loads of other youth work and leadership opportunities. I started working at the Great Potentials Foundation around 5 years ago, as a HIPPY Data Administrator.  

 

What is a typical day at your job? 

The HIPPY Data Administrator is a part-time role. I work two days a week on projects supporting the HIPPY programme and sometimes the wider organisation. I have been involved in piloting the Pathways to Possibilities programme, which is a structured Tutor Development System that aims at strengthening the ability of Coordinators to explore possible future pathways with their HIPPY tutors. Some other projects include revising the HIPPY Logic Model, and currently the implementation of a Case Management System.

 

What do you love the most about your job?

My job is varied and gives me lots of opportunities to contribute what I have learnt from my previous work and life experience, as well as stretch and learn new things. I’ve really valued being able to meet and work alongside some amazing and highly skilled people who do life-changing work in the community.

 

Could you please share a special and/or unforgettable moment/ story during your time in your role?

I love coming across people in the community who say, “I did HIPPY with my children!” or “I was a HIPPY child!”. Hearing families identify so strongly and proudly with a programme they were involved in so long ago speaks to how significant HIPPY is in our communities.