Allyn “Aliya” Danzeisen is the National Coordinator of the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand
and previously served in various roles for the organisation including leading its government
engagement for the last nine years. Over the past four years, Aliya built up the IWCNZ community
development programme and has overseen the leadership development of over 40 female Muslim
leaders.

A recognised advocate for diversity and inclusion, Aliya has extensive experience in law, education,
community development, and successful youth engagement. Aliya was recently appointed to the
New Zealand Order of Merit for her contributions to the Muslim community and women. She
founded a youth programme for Muslim females, recognised as a best practice both in New Zealand
and internationally.

Aliya has participated in six global summits, including the Inaugral UN Global Congress of Victims of
Terrorism and the 2023 Global Summit of Women, alongside leaders from over 100 countries. She
has twice been a finalist for the New Zealand Women of Influence Awards in Diversity and Public
Policy and was a finalist for the Women on Boards Governance Awards in the not-for-profit category.
Additionally, she served on the Kāpuia Ministerial Advisory Group, formed after the Royal
Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch mosque attacks on 15 March 2019, and in 2022, she was
a finalist for the Ann Dysart Kahukura Award for outstanding community leadership
Aliya runs a consultancy business focusing on culturally responsive approaches, youth development,
and leadership. She holds a BA, JD, LLM, and is pursuing a degree in educational leadership.
Originally from the USA, Aliya had lived in South America, the Caribbean, and Japan before moving to
New Zealand in 2006.