Judy Christie
Judy jokes she has been referred to as ‘Aunty Judy’ in past roles, and this is a perfect endearment for someone who truly works every day to make you feel welcome and comfortable. It’s a superpower we wholeheartedly believe suits her role as Communities Manager for both The Mind Lab and Tech Futures Lab. That comprises being the central point of contact for Alumni, TFL’s Converge community as well as managing graduation and student community events.
Judy has a long connection with tertiary education, working at the Whanganui School of Design and the Media Design School. That's where she made her first connection with our Founder & CEO Frances Valintine. When Frances called Judy to ask if she’d be interested in joining Tech Futures Lab, Judy did not spend any time thinking about it - it was an instinctive ‘yes’. She’s so glad she did - and so are we.
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata - life for Judy is all about people. Our learners often tell us it's the community and the conversations that make learning with us a life changing experience, so as the Communities manager Judy relishes the opportunity to focus on nurturing these connections, collaborations and conversations between and across all learners at The Mind Lab and Tech Futures Lab.
Despite a brush with fame in 1983 when Judy performed on stage in front of Prince Edward, during his ‘gap year’ in NZ, at the Whanganui Opera House in a Scouts and Guides ‘Gang show’ production, she’s humble and accessible as ever. The values we hold dear at both of these organisations place our learners at the centre of all that we do - and Judy is delighted to be the one who fosters and delivers a sense of community for them.
