Valentino Wichman, a New Zealand GLBT young leader will be recognised by the Queen at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace tomorrow.
Wichman will be awarded the Queen’s Young Leaders Award which recognises her contribution to changing the lives of her community. She is a supporter of GLBT rights in the Cook Islands and the Secretary of Te Tiara Association, the Cook Islands’ only GLBT association.
Wichman is representing New Zealand among winners from 45 other countries in London. During this time, these young leaders will experience a range of high-level engagements designed to encourage their important respective work.
“I am really looking forward to the opportunity of learning and networking so that I can progress my project,” says Wichman. “It is going to be awesome meeting like-minded individuals who are trying to make this world a better place for all. This award is already starting to change peoples’ mind sets in the Cook Islands.”