Q&A with Shania Fox, 20Twenties Young Alumni Award winner 2025
During her time at Otago, Shania distinguished herself both academically and through leadership and service. She was President of Te Tai Tuarā (TTT), which supports Māori Commerce students, and championed a vibrant, supportive community for tauira Māori.
Shania graduated with a BCom in Management in 2021 and has rapidly excelled in her field. She is now Group Human Resources (HR) Manager at VIP Group in Christchurch, overseeing HR across 17 entities and more than 500 employees. Her professional achievements include becoming a Chartered Member of the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand (HRNZ) in 2025.
Shania has also mentored young professionals, offering encouragement and guidance to those at the start of their journeys.
Giving back to the community, she has volunteered for organisations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Camp Quality.
Q: How did you react when you heard you had received the award, and what does it mean to you?
I was really shocked, I often don't think of the work I do as out of the ordinary. I had heard about the award but didn't think I was at the same level of previous recipients.
I can remember going out to my office at work saying I just won an award and everyone was really excited. It was very surreal.
Q: What path have you followed since graduation?
While most graduates start at entry level, my journey took a sharper turn straight into leadership within the construction and manufacturing sectors.
Earning my seat at a traditionally tough table required bridging the gap between fresh perspectives and industry tradition, proving that leadership isn't about tenure, but performance, resilience and earned trust.
Q: What inspires and motivates you?
Growth rarely happens without someone opening a door or offering a mirror.
For students, the gap between where they are and where they want to be can feel massive in their last year of studies, until someone shows them the map.
My own path was supported by mentors and lecturers who believed in my potential before I fully saw it myself, which is why developing and lifting up others remains a huge part of me.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
I want to continue to build my career in HR and create a safe and welcoming working environment for those that work within our businesses.
I also really enjoy connecting with current Otago Students. I think there is something unique about the graduates from Otago and I enjoy supporting them in the transition from university to working life.
Q: Tell us about the highlights of your time at Otago
I think Otago is such a unique place to study, it has a beautiful campus, fantastic academic staff and a great culture.
My years at Otago are ones that I look back on with such fond memories. There was nothing quite like a late-night study night at the business school, followed by some hot chips at Squiddies (The Flying Squid).