Our Board

Molly Kennedy is an experienced consultant supporting organisations with leadership, strategy and performance. She has worked with a diverse array of public, private and not-for-profit organisations, including Hato Hone St John, Ministry for Primary Industries, Civil Aviation Authority and Volunteering New Zealand.
Molly has held roles of Chief Executive for KiwiClass and National Refugee Services Manager for New Zealand Red Cross. She began her work in the sector as a volunteer, supporting resettlement of former refugees from Myanmar and Sri Lanka. This led to an enduring commitment to refugee and migrant support, which she is happy to continue with through Interpreting New Zealand.
Molly has a Master of International Relations degree from Victoria University of Wellington, where she received the Mike Moore Prize, and has lived and worked in Kenya, South Korea and the United States. She also received the COVID-19 Response Recognition Award from the New Zealand Government for her work with MIQ during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She has held governance roles in three organisations, including co-chair in a waka hourua board at Wellington and Hutt Valley Community Law, and is a member of the Institute of Directors.
Outside of her work and volunteer commitments, she enjoys spending time with her three kids and husband in Wellington.
Her full experience to date is on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollykennedyconsulting/

As the child of a migrant family, I've firsthand experience with the challenges of communicating with migrants. I grew up being my parents' interpreter, so I have a real affinity with the services INZ provides. I'm excited to contribute to this cause

I have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Interpreting New Zealand's members, being an interpreter and translator myself. I'm committed to leveraging my expertise to support them effectively. Additionally, I bring experience in transforming organisations to bolster cultural capability. I believe these skills will be instrumental in contributing to the growth and success of INZ, ensuring it serves its members even better and thrives in the future.

Cecily was born in China where she trained as a language teacher before settling in New Zealand and building a successful career in the public sector. As a migrant, Cecily has personally experienced the challenges of adjusting to a new culture. She understands the importance of interpreting services, not only in giving non-English speaking people a voice, exercising their right to be understood, but also in helping government and community services reach all parts of NZ’s diverse population. 
 

Cecily has completed governance training at the Institute of Directors. She is keen to use her experience, skills and networks to ensure Interpreting New Zealand thrives and continues to minimise the language barrier for the people, communities and businesses that make up Aotearoa New Zealand. 

I understand the intricacies of cultural nuances and the challenges of integration, having experienced them as a migrant. My goal is to contribute to bridging that gap and fostering an environment where individuals can communicate freely.

Farah Khosravi serves as the Staff Representative on the board, bringing a unique combination of commitment and firsthand expertise to the organisation. With seven years of experience as an interpreter and over nine years of active participation and volunteer work with various migrant and refugee service providers such as Shakti Ethnic Women's Support Group, English Language Partners, New Zealand Red Cross, Christchurch Resettlement Services and Purapura Whetu, Farah possesses a profound understanding of the requirements and challenges faced by these organisations.

Mona Hannouche has been a dedicated Arabic interpreter at Interpreting New Zealand since 1995. Her extensive experience and commitment to bridging language barriers have made her an invaluable asset to our organisation. In 2022, Mona was elected to our board, where her expertise continues to inspire and guide our initiatives.Mona's passion for music and helping people is evident in her work. She brings a unique blend of empathy, cultural insight, and enthusiasm to her role, positively influencing both our board and interpreter staff. Her background not only enhances the quality of our interpreting services but also contributes to a vibrant and supportive working environment.With nearly three decades of service, Mona's dedication and positive energy help drive our mission forward, ensuring effective communication and understanding for all those we serve

Rula Talahma has been an integral part of Interpreting New Zealand since 2016, serving as a skilled Arabic interpreter. Elected to the board in 2022, her strong academic background and insightful perspectives are vital assets. Rula's dedication and balanced approach enhance our organisation's capability to deliver high-quality interpreting services, making her a cornerstone of both our interpreter team and our board of directors.