Lushomo Thebe

Pronunciation: Lu-sho-mo | Te-be

Lushomo Thebe has built a multifaceted career spanning law, governance, international affairs, and social impact. A proud Zambian New Zealander, she weaves her African-Kiwi heritage into a bold, strategic, and people-centred approach to leadership.

Lushomo is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and a former PwC Scholar, with experience at some of New Zealand’s leading law firms. Her governance experience spans the commercial, tertiary and not-for-profit sectors. She currently serves as a company director and convenes the Constitution Committee of YWCA Aotearoa New Zealand, building on earlier roles on the University of Waikato Council (the governing body of the University), and as President and Board Chair of the Waikato Students’ Union.

An experienced public speaker, facilitator, Master of Ceremonies and mentor, Lushomo works across communities, civic and international spaces. She is a member of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network and has worked with World YWCA on community and engagement across a movement spanning more than 100 countries.

In 2026, she represented civil society at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York. While there, she was also invited to speak at the 20th International Helvi Sipilä Seminar, contributing to discussions on women’s leadership amid global uncertainty, conflict and challenges to women’s rights. She later attended Women Deliver 2026 in Narrm (Melbourne), Australia, joining advocates and leaders from around the world working to advance the rights of women and girls.

In 2022, she was named one of the Y25, an annual recognition celebrating 25 young women under 25 years who are creating change across Aotearoa New Zealand.