Who are we?

Voices of Hope (VoH), a mental health charity, was founded in 2017 by Genevieve Mora and Jazz Thornton, individuals who have personally battled mental illness. Using their past experiences and their passion for content creation, they built a new narrative around mental health. Over the years the VoH has grown into a community of people around Aotearoa and the world, who contribute to the ever evolving mental health conversation. 

Both founders actively engage in public speaking engagements at schools, corporations, and conferences, where they openly share their own lived experiences. Their aim is to inspire and educate others, fostering empathy and understanding around mental health.

Our mission

Our mission is to spread hope through the voices of lived experience.

Our why

To provide a safe place for people who may be struggling with their mental health, to feel inspired, supported and empowered.

Our values

  • Empowerment

    Creating spaces that empower individuals to share their personal journeys and transform their experiences into positive change.

  • Empathy

    Encouraging understanding and compassion towards those navigating mental health difficulties, to create a world where individuals feel heard and understood.

  • Inspiration

    Inspiring individuals through authentic storytelling, to promote positive action towards supporting their mental health.

  • Connection

    Connecting people through shared experiences, to foster supportive communities and remove the isolation often associated with mental health challenges.

OUR TEAM

  • GENEVIEVE MORA

    Co-Founder and General Manager

    Genevieve Mora spent most of her teenage years battling Mental Illness. As part of her recovery she has made it her mission to offer hope to those fighting mental illness. Genevieve co-founded Voices of Hope and through this uses her lived experience to show people that recovery is possible and that there is no shame in having a mental illness. Genevieve is the author of ‘Bite Back - a compassionate guide to navigating Eating Disorders’ and is the co-creator of Love your Kite, a global eating disorder resource app. Alongside Jazz she was named in 2023 Forbes 30 under 30 Asia and uses the power of social media to advocate and meet people where they are.

  • JAZZ THORNTON

    Co-Founder

    Having overcome childhood adversity and multiple suicide attempts, Jazz Thornton has now dedicated her life to speaking hope and creating change in the area of mental health. Jazz co-founded Voices of Hope and her unique experience and practical message has gained worldwide recognition, being shared through media, international speaking engagements and through documentary feature film, The Girl on the Bridge (directed by Leaane Pooley). Jazz is also the award-winning director of Jessica’s Tree and author of Stop Surviving Start Fighting, My Journey Starts Here and Letters to You. She also won the 2021 Young New Zealander of the Year award, was the winner of 2022 Dancing with the Stars and alongside Genevieve, she was named in 2023 Forbes 30 under 30 Asia.

  • MADDI MITCHELL

    Campaign Coordinator

    Supporting Gen behind the scenes is Maddi. Maddi comes with experience of working in mental health promotion and community development. Maddi is passionate about changing the way we approach mental health and illness, and creating communities that support collective wellbeing. When she’s not at VoH she’s hanging out with bees and teaching kids about soil.

  • EMMA MARTIN

    Administration and Operations Coordinator

    With many years of experience in administrative roles, Emma is our highly skilled Administration & Operations Coordinator dedicated to enhancing our organisation’s efficiency. Emma's attention to detail and proficiency in office management have been evident throughout her career in various sectors and she enjoys bringing all of those skills together to support Voices of Hope in their mental health awareness work.

    Emma is a mother of two, and when she isn’t supporting the VoH team, Emma can be found spending time with her family and her dog, Bella.

  • CLAUDIA ROSE

    Blog Manager

    Claudia Rose is a writer from New Zealand and has written for several online publications. When Claudia is not writing, she’s a tea enthusiast, enjoys reading and spending time with her dog, Wren, and cat, Crystal.

    She is passionate about the work that Voices of Hope do. Claudia shares her stories to inspire hope and wants to help others do the same

VOH Board Members

  • KIRSTEN (KP) PATTERSON

    Board Member

    Kirsten (known as KP) is the Chief Executive of the Institute of Directors. She is a lawyer and a Distinguished Fellow of Human Resources. KP is actively involved in supporting not-for-profit governance and is a Board Member of the New Zealand Rugby Foundation and Wellington Homeless Women’s Trust.

    KP is a mother of two and is passionate about teen mental health. She is committed to helping Voices of Hope provide love and hope to young people across New Zealand and the world.

  • CHRIS TAN

    Board Member

    Chris is a lawyer with extensive experience practicing in both private and public sector organisations and in governance roles for not for profit entities in New Zealand. 

    He is committed to seeing Voices of Hope develop and grow its reach to make a genuine difference to people of all backgrounds by spreading a message of hope and advocating for change.

  • STEPHANIE TAYLOR

    Board Member

    Stephanie is a General Practitioner who has worked in primary care for over 20 years. Stephanie is passionate about shaping the future of mental health care in New Zealand and has both the enthusiasm and experience to ensure that the Voices of Hope can continue to give hope to those that are struggling.

    Stephanie is also a mother of three, a Director of Genpro (General Practice Owners Association of NZ) and the Clinical Director of the medical division of Green Cross Health.

  • WAYNE HUIRUA

    Board Member

    Wayne is an international multi-award winning music producer, director of an Auckland performing Arts School, and an ordained pastor who has been caring for people of all ages for over 30 years. He is passionate about the mission of Voices of Hope, about mental health and seeing this generation of NZers rise to an unprecedented level of hope, life and wellness.