AUT students selected for 2025 Y25 List
Two AUT students, Laya Rasooli and Ivy Lyden-Hancy, have been selected for the 2025 Y25 List which celebrates some of the country’s most inspirational young people.
Sponsored by AUT, the YWCA’s Y25 List brings together trailblazers aged 15-25 to connect with each other and provides access to support and networking opportunities from the YWCA Tāmaki Makaurau.
It celebrates the vision, leadership and impact of 25 young wāhine, whether far-reaching or community focused, with representatives from the indigenous, rainbow, neurodiverse communities and those who live with a disability.
AUT Chief Marketing Officer, Jayne Mayerhofler says, “As the most diverse and inclusive university in Aotearoa, AUT is very proud to support the Y25 List. Our partnership with the YWCA brings our shared values to life and we warmly congratulate all those extremely talented recipients on this year’s Y25 list.”
YWCA Tāmaki Makaurau CEO, Dellwyn Stuart, says, “This group’s Y25ers are using their youth as a superpower, showing us new ways to succeed in Aotearoa. However, they do need support, access to networks and resources, and a safe place to be themselves and connect with others. This is what Y25 does so well.
“We create the conditions for the Y25ers to build deep relationships based on who they are, not what they’ve done. We help them expand their perspectives and see the power of standing as their authentic self. They share wellbeing skills – managing boundaries and building resilience based around self-care.”
AUT Bachelor of Arts, History and Māori Media student, Ivy (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wairere, Samoa – Falefā, Tonga – Vava’u) is a proud wāhine Māori creative, leader, and advocate from Papakura, South Auckland.
The first in her whānau to attend university at AUT, Ivy is a recipient of the First Foundation Scholarship, which supports tauira into tertiary study.
“I’m honoured to have been nominated for the Y25 2025 cohort. AUT has provided a space to develop academically and creatively and I couldn’t have done it without the supports they have in place. I am specifically grateful for AUT Māori which has supported many Tauira transitioning into AUT.”
Ivy is deeply committed to the rights and wellbeing of Māori and Pasifika communities and uses both her mahi and her spoken word poetry to uplift and empower others. She currently works as a cultural practitioner at Te Whare Hinatore, supporting wāhine experiencing housing insecurity through mentorship and holistic guidance.
Her journey has not been without challenges, but they’ve shaped her into a powerful advocate for indigenous equity. Ivy shares her truth through spoken word, founding a poetry club to encourage others to do the same. She aspires to become a lecturer and filmmaker, continuing to tell stories that matter.
Currently pursuing a Master of Architecture at AUT, Laya is an emerging Afghan-Kiwi architect, artist, and entrepreneur dedicated to designing inclusive, sustainable, and culturally enriched communities.
Born in Afghanistan and forced to flee with her family, Laya experienced the hardships of displacement firsthand. Her journey from refugee to changemaker fuels her passion for using architecture and art for social impact.
Commenting on her achievement, Laya says, “Being recognised on the 2025 Y25 List isn’t just about me, it’s about the communities and people who have uplifted me along the way. AUT has played such an important role in helping me build connections and work towards meaningful change. I hope this recognition encourages others to believe in their own journeys and the power of collective action.”
Laya’s research explores hydrological architecture, ecological infrastructure, and responsive design, reflected in projects like her Orchard Oasis Community Hub concept, which sparks dialogue on sustainable, inclusive spaces.
Useful links
- About the Y25 Programme