Alumni squad
Ilknur Ozbal
Alumni squad
Ilknur joined the Youth Leader programme in early 2019, and the Alumni squad in early 2021. When she's not studying at University you'll find her keeping active through playing sports and going to the gym. She is also interested in promoting the value diversity and encouraging people to be happy with their differences.
Izadine Ahmat Abdallah
Alumni squad
Izadine joined Mixit as a teenager who was shy and un-confident but wanted to find positive ways to step up in his life. Mixit gave him the platform to find his voice and he quickly started to fly. He’s a great ambassador for Mixit, always encouraging other young people to come along and join the crew. Izadine loves Spoken Word Poetry and is always up for a dance. He finished his study in Business Development and has his sights on making his entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Currently, he works at Mixit as the Programme Leader taking charge of Core Saturday Sessions and the Youth Leadership Programme.
Kaviesha Abeysinghe Perera
Alumni squad
Kaviesha read about Mixit in her local paper as a teenager and ventured into the project determined to find opportunities for herself and her sister. She has always been involved with traditional Sri Lankan dance and discovered at Mixit the stimulation of different kinds of contemporary art forms and never looked back. She initially thought she would go into the sciences, but after a degree and time working in a lab decided it wasn’t for her. She has worked as a Primary School teacher for 4 years and now works as Outreach Leader at Mixit. Kaviesha brings focus and commitment to the Mixit floor along with her own unique brand of inspiring creativity.
Laya Rasooli
Alumni squad
Laya is a Mixit Alumni who began participating in the Mixit project in late 2020. She loves Mixit's energy and cosy atmosphere. The friendly environment encourages activity and creativity. Laya has a graduate degree in BSC in Architecture and a minor degree in Creative Technologies. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Architecture (professional) from The University of Auckland. Additionally, she works as a product marketing designer. Laya says "Mixit has become a second home for me, and each session is extremely valuable and jam-packed with memorable experiences"
Mu Nyay
Alumni squad
Mu Nyay has been actively involved with Mixit since 2013. In 2018, she was appointed as a Youth Leader, and in 2021, she became a member of our Alumni Squad. Reflecting on Mixit programs, Mu Nyay expressed, "I cherish the moments on the floor because it's all about enjoying ourselves, and I believe everyone shares that sentiment." She graduated from St Dominic's in 2020 and currently Mu Nyay is a skilled chef, having served as the head chef at the Mixit Summer project 2024: I AM ... and I Am.
Oscar Arnold
Alumni squad
Oscar, who joined Mixit in 2012 as a Mixer, later became a Youth Leader and Alumni, forming lasting friendships and finding creative inspiration. He is graduate in BSC in environmental studies with a minor in Māori studies, earning a scholarship for his research on cross-cultural groundwater management. Professionally, he transitioned from hotel work to science communication at Wellington's Space Place, with Mixit playing an important role in his development. Oscar volunteered in sustainable living communities in Thailand and participated in lioness rescue efforts in South Africa. Recently, he's focused on developing climate dynamics workshops through physical theatre, while enjoying dancing, skating, and flow arts outside of work.
Rana Arif
Alumni Squad
Rana's Mixit journey began during the 2018/19 summer project at age 17. Based in Hamilton, she became a vital youth connector for Mixit and only after moving to Auckland, she officially joined the Alumni Squad. She cherishes the vibrant energy, the giggles, and dances that define the Mixit experience. With a degree in Human Development and Human Resources from Waikato University, Rana's career has span from community and youth development to Human Resources. Outside work, she enjoys time with friends, indulging in good food and believes passionately believes that “No matter how old you are, you will always have inner creativity and play within you. Mixit will always find a way to tap into that.”
Ray Santiago
Alumni Squad
Ray joined Mixit in 2020 as a creative intern during the "In a Curious Garden" summer project while completing his final year at university. Since then, he's become an integral part of the Alumni squad, facilitating Mixit-style sessions nationwide and engaging in youth-related activities. Originally from Philippines, he was drawn to Mixit's heartfelt approach to creativity and has made lifelong friendships through his involvement. With a Bachelor of Performing & Screen Arts, majoring in Contemporary Dance, he teaches and choreographs in Auckland, contributing to projects like the recent Mixit Summer Project, "I AM... and I AM...". Additionally, Ray is undergoing Krumper training with LH Combine, and in his free time, he enjoys sightseeing, gaming, beach outings, reading, learning, photography, and spending time with friends.
Younis Ahmat Abdallah
Alumni squad
Younis Ahmat Abdallah enrolled in our Youth Leadership initiative in 2018 and progressed to become a member of the Alumni Squad by the end of 2020. Following his completion of an apprenticeship in building, he now works as a builder and has founded his own company. Alongside his professional endeavors, he remains engaged in creative pursuits through Mixit Outreach during his free time. Younis actively contributes his building expertise to benefit Mixit, recently adding a sail shade to Mixit HQ for everyone to enjoy the sunshine.
