Sharon Pihema is the Apiha Takawaenga Māori (Māori Engagement Advisor) for the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ, where she leads the Foundation’s work on youth vaping prevention. She co-developed the Foundation’s Train-the-Trainer programme and leads its delivery, co-facilitating workshops with organisations across Aotearoa to build capability to deliver vaping education to rangatahi. To date, the programme has supported more than 50 organisations across the country. 

Sharon is known for her genuine and authentic facilitation style, creating spaces where shared experiences, respect, and empathy support meaningful conversations about youth vaping and health. She is passionate about equitable, culturally grounded approaches that centre rangatahi voice and support healthier futures for young people.