Episode 131 - Carrying Community, Everyday activism with Zoe Dzapasi

Recently, we had the honor of speaking with Zoe Dzapasi, an 18-year-old student at Victoria University of Wellington, who shared her incredible journey of growth, self-discovery, and advocacy. Despite moving to New Zealand from Zimbabwe at 18 months old, Zoe has maintained a strong connection to her roots while navigating the challenges of belonging in a new country. During our conversation, Zoe opened up about encountering racism as a teen and how it shaped her view on identity and resilience. Her TED Talk, where she addressed the expectations placed on her as a black girl, became a powerful platform for expressing her experiences.  Zoe’s passion for storytelling doesn’t stop there—she founded the board game "Ngano," inspired by Zimbabwean folklore. She’s also part of Create Happy Media, a youth-driven content platform where collaboration and youth empowerment take center stage. As a recent member of the Y25 cohort, Zoe continues to advocate for young girls, helping them find their voices and amplify their stories. Her journey is a reminder to all of us that the power of storytelling and believing in ourselves can create real change.