Ko Lisa Kenny tõku ingoa. He uri ahau nõ ngã iwi o Ngãti Tuwharetoa i te taha o toku matua, a, nõ Waikato rãua ko Rangitaane i te taha o toku whaea. Tënã rã koutou katoa.
My name is Lisa Kenny, and I am thrilled to have been awarded a Graduate Women New Zealand scholarship for 2021.
For the past 6 years I have worked in the New Zealand Army in the Medical Corps managing soldiers. Prior to that I left an 8-year career as an accountant. As a high-school leaver I attended undergraduate studies at the University of Otago and completed a double degree in Physical Education and a BA in Maori Studies. After working odd jobs in Australia I landed a finance role, and consequently pursued a Master of Professional Accounting through Central Queensland University.
As you will see, my study and work history reflects the whakatauki above. I am always seeking new ways to learn and apply that learning to the work I enjoy. I applied for the Susan Byrne Memorial Award because my next ambition for both study and career objectives is as a diplomat. I have a passion for service to Aotearoa and am excited to pursue this new journey. I am currently completing a Master of International Security through Massey University and this scholarship helps immensely towards success in my pursuit. I am also excited to be a member of the Graduate Women New Zealand fraternity and be surrounded by a network of other like-minded women.