Genevieve Mora

Genevieve Mora (also known as Genevieve Mora Holder, born September 19, 1994) is a New Zealand mental health activist and co-founder of Voices of Hope, a story-telling based platform that focuses on suicide prevention. She has authored numerous books promoting mental health, hosted podcasts and co-founded the eating disorder resource app Love Your Kite. Mora currently serves as the general manager for Voices of Hope. She continues to contribute to the mental health community through sharing her own journey battling mental illness and has received numerous awards for her work.

Personal life Genevieve Mora was born on September 19, 1994, in Auckland, New Zealand. She has been open about her battle with mental illness throughout her childhood and adolescence. Mora states that she first developed anxiety at age ten before being diagnosed with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) at age thirteen and later was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. She received intensive treatment for her eating disorder and was in and out of Starship Hospital for nearly two years receiving care. Since then she states that she is doing well and continues to share her story through her career to help others. She recently married her fiancé Izak Holder

Career, actions and defining experiences Along with fellow mental health activist Jazz Thornton, Mora founded the organization Voices of Hope in 2014. Voices of Hope serves as an online platform to share the lived experiences of individuals who faced battles with mental health. Through the organization people are able to post a video telling the story of their journey in hopes of inspiring others to keep fighting. On this project Voices of Hope collaborated with numerous professional athletes such as Jack Salt, former professional basketball player, Alrie Meleisea boxer and MMA fighter, and Tayla Clement former Paralympian to name a few. Additionally, through the organization she hosts her own podcast and participates in campaigns that go into schools and other community groups to raise awareness surrounding mental health. They were joined by organizations such as Key to Life, Lifeline and the national helpline service 1737 as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle who were on their Australian leg of the tour. Mora helped to adapt Hardy-Jones's Kite Program, an initiative founded by Hardy Jones that provides self-development for wellbeing and mental illness for eating disorder treatment. Points of Light 2020 142nd Commonwealth Points of Light Award Film 'Dear Suicidal Me' with Jazz Thornton Won Inspiring Stories 2021 Impact Award Love Your Kite Finalist Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2022 Young New Zealander of the Year Herself Won Publications and other works Genevieve Mora has also produced numerous literary works surrounding mental health and treatment. She co-authored My Journey Starts Here: A Guided Journal to Improve Your Mental Well-Being with Jazz Thornton which was released worldwide on January 5, 2021. The book is meant to serve as a practical guide for eating disorder recovery with inspirational quotes, coping mechanisms and spaces for creative outlet. Bite back is a three part novel that describes her own battle with OCD, anorexia, anxiety, tips for those struggling and how their loved ones can provide support and other stories of recovery.