Ara Alam-Simmons is a parent, educator, researcher, facilitator, and strategic practitioner in anti-racism, culturally sustaining practice, and wellbeing. She recently submitted her PhD in Māori and Indigenous Studies. Ara has worked within the Aotearoa, New Zealand education system as a teacher, a Specialist in Learning and Behaviour, and a professional learning facilitator, working alongside schools, leaders and teachers across the country. Her work centres on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, relationality and solidarities across racial differences and systemic change.