Ramon has worked with young people for the last twelve years in many different capacities from facilitating groups, leading youth advisory and participation processes, mentoring to coordinating events and developing youth development tools and models. In 2010 Ramon took on the role of Action Education Manager, which has seen him facilitate and develop several programmes including Drama Toolkit, the Breakdown DJ Programme, and spoken word poetry workshops, while supporting a team of youth workers and facilitators.
Ken Arkind
Ken Arkind is an American National Poetry Slam Champion, Tedx Speaker, Nuyorican Poets Cafe Grand Slam Champion and published author who has performed his work in 49 States, 6 countries and at over 200 colleges and universities. He is the founding Program Director of Denver Minor Disturbance, an independent literary arts organization dedicated to helping Colorado youth find voice through the mediums of poetry and performance. Ken has recently completed his Bachelor of Creative Arts at Manukau Institute of Technology specializing in creative writing.
Stevie Davis-Tana
Stevie (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Porou, Te Arawa) works as a youth development worker and spoken word poet for Action Education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Māori Development and Social Sciences, and a Masters of Human Rights from AUT. Stevie’s poetry often reflects her Māori identity, and her journey of reconnecting to her Māoritanga. She is passionate about young people, culture, creativity, education, and community. Stevie also sits on the Ministry of Youth Development Partnership Fund Board.
Julia Rahui
Julia comes from a large Irish/Maori whanau and is passionate about culture, art, music, social justice and community. She says “ I feel very privileged and proud to work for Action Education as I know personally the amount of aroha the youth workers put into their mahi, and I see all the time the opportunities that are taken by young people to thrive. I am interested in the intersection between the arts and youth development, so this job really gives me an insight on how this can be done safely and successfully”. Julia works as Action Ed’s funding Coordinator. She has worked for Ngo’s for the past 17 years and her career has included project management, working for in Vanuatu for an indigenous music and arts trust, youth development work and coordination for a community radio station and art gallery.