Serena Lal

Serena Lal (she/her) is a dynamic leader and social innovator, serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Kites Trust since 2024.

Serena holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences and a Master of Public Health with Honours from the University of Auckland. She brings extensive experience across charities, governance, start-ups, government, and education. Serena has led design teams in these sectors, tackling complex challenges with creativity and collaboration.

As a disabled Fijian Indian woman and Tāngata Whai Ora, Serena draws on her lived experience to shape inclusive and accessible services. She specialises in public health, co-design, indigenised design, and social innovation, creating solutions that centre on equity and community empowerment. She is also the founder of Sevā CoLab and IndigiShare, initiatives focused on hauora-centred innovation and justice-led system redesign.

Committed to effective Tangata Tiriti leadership, Serena emphasises honesty, community, and restoration in her leadership. Beyond her professional life, she is passionate about dragon boating and has a keen interest in sharks, reflecting her determination and adaptability.