Our Founder
Rachel's 'why' is to empower and support so that we can make the world a more fair, equitable and kind place.
The Short
Rachel (she/her) is an optimistic pragmatist whose core values are kindness and manaakitanga. She deeply cares about individuals and the community at large. Rachel's a proud Aunt and a hilariously, random cheerleader!
The Long
Rachel Cleary (she/her) was born and raised in small town Aotearoa, but knew from her first visit at 15 that she was, and is, firmly a 'J.A.F.A'. As the eldest of five, Rachel has spent her life as a caretaker, fascinated by the human condition.
Being naturally curious with a knack for connecting less than obvious dots lead to Rachel launching We Love Phil(anthropy). The intention is to create space for givers (philanthropists, charities, volunteers) to organically connect and learn from each other.
Rachel is also an optimistic pragmatist whose core values are kindness and manaakitanga.
Since discovering her passion for the not-for-profit ecosystem, Rachel has been on a mission to do good better, striving to understand and overcome obstacles. With a firm belief in the power of collaboration, and a can-do attitude.
Rachel looks forward to taking others along on journeys of discovery and learning with a unique, aspirational outlook - partnering with Rachel is rarely dull.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangataka, he tangata, he tangata.
What is the most important thing in this world? It is people, it is people, it is people.
Career highlights
- Facilitating memorial gifts - helping families find peace and celebrate the life of wonderful humans, no longer with us, in a meaningful way
- Co-creating micro grants for our students to assist with mental wellbeing in financially challenging times
- Launch and implementation of AUT Foundation donor impact report, Manaakitanga