"Opportunity where you least expect it"

Freshly back in Aotearoa New Zealand after her OE and job hunting for full-time work during the Covid pandemic, Lauren McInnes started volunteering with New Zealand Red Cross as a refugee support volunteer. 

“I was trying to fill time, and the former refugee social group I was working with was mostly Colombians, so I thought I'd learn some more Spanish.” 
 
But although she soon landed a paid job, Lauren stuck around. Three years later she was invited to participate in a national Youth Hui to bring volunteers together to learn about Red Cross governance.

Lauren McInnes (left) with Michelle Chew, chair of IFRC Youth Commission

“Long story short, I asked too many questions, such as ‘What does governance actually mean?’ and I ended up on a governance group, known as an Area Council. Since then, I haven’t looked back.” 

These councils support Red Cross people in their area, helping motivate, inspire and empower them in their humanitarian work. They’re responsible for governance and leadership, communication and relationship building, planning and monitoring, and protecting the integrity of the organisation – reporting to the National Board. 

Now Lauren serves as Chair of our Central Area Council, which encompasses Kāpiti, Wellington, and the Wairarapa. Soon after moving into the role, she travelled to Japan for a GLOW Red meeting – the global network empowering female leaders across the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. 

“I had an amazing time in Tokyo at GLOW Red. It really reminded me - curiosity opens doors you never imagined.” 

“One of the most interesting things I learned from speaking to all these leaders was the variety of activities they tackle, a diversity largely shaped by their countries’ unique geographical and contextual challenges, but we are driven by the same mission.” 

The secret to her success? 

“I’ve stayed curious, I’ve stayed involved, but mostly I just follow my nose. The thing I keep coming back to is: There is opportunity where you least expect it if you just keep showing up, asking questions, and saying ‘Yes’ even if you don't feel ready. I think it’s not too bad for someone who just wanted to practice their Spanish.”