Our Story
“For generations communities and cultures have always pioneered beyond what they could see to create a future better than it was today”
Welcome to Seva CoLab, where innovation converges with collective liberation, guided by the journey and vision of Serena Sarika Lal.
Serena, a trailblazing Fijian Indian entrepreneur and social innovator, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her work. With a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Hons) and a Master of Public Health (Hons) focused on Systems Change and cultural forms of hauora from the University of Auckland, Serena embodies the spirit of compassionate leadership and transformative action.
Throughout her illustrious career, Serena has been recognized for her relentless commitment to making a positive impact. She earned accolades such as the Ministry of Youth Development Changemaker award and was honoured with the Blues award from the University of Auckland for her exceptional leadership and service. Serena's nomination for New Zealander of the Year reflects her significant contributions to the community. But beyond the accolades lies a deeply personal journey. Growing up in a multicultural household.
Drawing upon her diverse background spanning health, mental health, disability equity, diversity/inclusion, international development, and gaming development, Serena is a professional generalist with a broad expertise that informs her approach to creating meaningful change.
As a director and trustee, Serena empowers organizations to achieve their visionary goals by placing lived experience, Tiriti O Waitangi, and equity at the centre of decisions. She champions codesign and community-led design approaches, ensuring that projects are grounded in authenticity, empathy, and a commitment to social justice.
Serena's passion lies in creating spaces and experiences that foster connection and growth within and across communities. Whether it's through preventive solutions, leveraging cultural wisdom, or harnessing the power of gaming for positive impact, Serena's work is guided by her values of justice, kindness, learning, hauora, and integrity.
As an aunty to the cross-cultural community, Serena takes pride in her identity as a Disabled Fijian Indian and integrates her lived experience into her leadership and work. Her dedication to inclusivity and authenticity shines through in every endeavour, as she invites like-minded individuals to join her on a journey of co-creation and liberation.
At Seva CoLab, Serena's vision is not just about consultancy; it's about fostering genuine connections and transformative change. Drawing on her experiences as a community organiser, entrepreneur, and advocate, Serena infuses every project with authenticity, empathy, and a commitment to social justice.
As Serena continues to chart the course for Seva CoLab, she invites you to join her on this journey of co-creation and liberation. Together, let's reimagine the future and make it a reality. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can partner with you to create meaningful change.