Our Ambassadors
We are honoured that four highly regarded leaders in their field have committed to be Ambassadors for the Grace Street Project and to continue their involvement when the hub is operating through ongoing mentoring and education.
Jason Paris
Jason Paris, CEO of One NZ (formerly Vodafone) describes himself as a proud Southlander and family man who loves competitive and fast-changing industries that make a positive impact. He’s a vocal One New Zealand Warriors and Highlanders supporter and says his love of technology has helped shape his career.
Growing up in south Invercargill, Jason says that The Grace Street project is an initiative close to his heart. He believes that the two most important things for young people are having a space to feel safe and having at least one person in their lives that believes in their potential. That's why, he says, The Grace Street Project is such an important initiative to support, because it's all about creating a space for everyone to be at their best.
Chris Mac
Many know Chris Mac as the charismatic drummer from SIX60, one of New Zealand’s most popular and high profile bands, but his connection with Invercargill is less well known. Chris moved to Invercargill as a teenager and says it is the place he feels most connected to and that he considers himself a Southlander.
Having spent time working in alternative education for the local YMCA , he understands the need for The Grace Street Project. Chris believes it’s important to have kids connected to something positive and to help them find a pathway in life to contribute to society. He is excited about the project and thinks it’s long overdue.
Dale Pfeifer
Invercargill born Dale Pfeifer has a hugely successful career in America. She is the Founder and Chair of Goodworld and CEO of Giving Compass. Dale has a lengthy list of achievements including being recognised as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in DC by the Washingtonian magazine, one of Washington Business Journal’s ‘Under 40’ business leaders and runner up in the 2016 New Zealand Woman of the Year awards.
Dale feels that offering support and pathways for people to achieve their dreams is essential for a healthy, thriving community. She is excited to join us and eager to support people to make impactful change.
Dr Danielle Jones (Dr Mama Jones)
Dr Danielle Jones, also known as Mama Doctor Jones to her 3.4 million, was born in Texas, USA. She arrived in Invercargill in 2021 and works in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Southland Hospital.
An adopted Southlander now, Dr Mama Jones is a global star creating ‘edu-tainment’ in the field of reproduction and sexual health. She has amassed millions of followers across social media, using these platforms to educate and explain research and science in simple terms.
She is passionate about Invercargill, a city that has become home to her family. Danielle is thrilled to be involved with the project and has the opportunity to give back to the community that welcomed them with open arms mid-pandemic and continues to support her whānau.
