Shout out speaker
Abeer
Abeer is a distinguished youth advocate, public speaker, podcast host and a workshop facilitator. Born in Pakistan, Abeer has consistently championed the right for CALD communities to share their narratives in their own words, which led to her to a public speaking career and being featured in media such as SBS Urdu. Her efforts have been recognised with awards for Youth Contribution from the Merri-Bek City Council and Young Achiever of the Year from Youth Projects.
As a writer and presenter, she has interviewed Ministers of Parliament, bringing crucial legislative discussions to a wider audience. Abeer also co-presented the “Unpack Parliament” podcast, produced by Victorian Parliament and SYN FM.
In 2023, she made a significant impact in the Victorian Parliament, engaging MPs in a critical Q&A session. Her compelling question on how young people can transcend unconscious bias to actively participate in parliamentary processes underscored her commitment to inclusive representation. Following her remarkable question, Abeer was chosen to speak again in Victorian parliament to share recommendations for education reform.
Abeer also extends her public speaking to workshop facilitation, facilitating mental health workshops for AFL and Merri-Bek City council.
Shout out speaker
Abraham
Abraham is an emerging South Sudanese leader who is passionate about reducing the justice-involvement of South Sudanese young people in the Youth Justice System. As a researcher, speaker and community leader, Abraham specialises in areas of youth violence, risk, and protective factors for offending, and culturally and linguistically diverse young people.
Abraham Kuol is an Associate Research Fellow and PhD Candidate in Criminology at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation at Deakin University; his research explores the post settlement challenges of African Australians with a focus on justice system contact.
He possesses an undergraduate and honours degree in Project Management from RMIT University. He is a Research Project Manager at a not-for-profit organisation in the South-East of Melbourne, providing programs for justice-involved African-Australian young people and post settlement support services for their families. He has consulted for leading and emerging culture-based community organisations in the youth justice space.
Shout out speaker
Mursal
Mursal is one of the Afghanistan Women’s National Soccer team players who came to Australia during the country’s evacuation in 2021. Mursal’s focus is on women and refugees’ rights in both Australia and her Afghanistan homeland.
Raised in Kabul, Mursal recognised at the age of 15 the importance of motivating others and began delivering speeches for UNICEF. She committed to creating positive change for oppressed women living under Afghanistan’s Taliban regime, using her personal experience in speaking engagements to highlight their plight. Mursal received a diploma in graphic design from the city’s Institute of Fine Arts. After relocating in Melbourne, Mursal completed the Community Advocacy power program leadership program with ASRC. In addition, she participated in “A Seat at the Table” a six-month long leadership program with CMY in Victoria. She has begun her career as a fundraiser for various NFPs and charities.
Alongside her advocacy work, Mursal’s love of sport continues to inform her career path. She currently plays soccer for AWT Melbourne Victory and is studying Sports and Business with an aim to one day enter the world of politics – using her sport and leadership skills to serve the community.
Shout out speaker
Husna
Husna (she/her) is currently studying a Bachelor of Social Work, and upon the completion of her studies, she hopes to work alongside culturally and linguistically diverse people and their families, with lived experience of disability. She is currently volunteering with Democracy in Colour, where she aided in the online launch and delivery of their Migration With Dignity Campaign, and is a Co-chair of Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network’s Youth CALD Disability Collective. Additionally, she has engaged directly with young people through her work, and is a current board member of Youth Affairs Council Victoria. She is also on the Multicultural Advisory Panel for Polaron’ Language Services, and has participated in the Seat at the Table Program, and the Australian Progress Fellowship.
Husna has experience in both sides of co-design, and has also participated in various reference groups and advisory projects. Her work in these areas has focused on various issues such as inclusive education and multiculturalism, where she brings her lived experience, to improve existing services, making them more inclusive and accessible. She is passionate about improving the representation of young people from the communities to which she belongs, as well as other young people who may share intersecting, multifaceted identities similar to her own.
Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Husna is deeply involved in advocating for issues pertaining to accessibility, people of colour and disabled people. She has a particular interest in the intersections between disability and the CALD community, driven by her own lived experience. In her free time, she enjoys engaging with her community and exploring ways to further support and empower marginalized individuals and families. She also enjoys reading, baking and watching TV shows or YouTube videos reacting to TV shows that she can’t be bothered watching.
Shout out speaker
Sakshi
Sakshi is a passionate advocate for social justice who embarked on her journey in Australia in 2016, bravely navigating through adversity after experiencing family violence and homelessness. Originating from a migrant background, she brings a unique perspective to her work as a fierce youth advocate leveraging her lived experiences to empower and uplift young individuals.
In her multiple roles as a youth consultant, Sakshi wears many hats, collaborating with organisations to co-design policies, strategies, workshops, and conferences aimed at driving positive change. She also actively speaks on panels and hosts conferences to advocate for youth rights and empowerment. With diverse industry experience in employment, she brings a wealth of insights to her advocacy efforts.
Sakshi is also a mentor at Launch Housing, empowering young people experiencing homelessness to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Currently, she works as a community program facilitator at the Carlton Football Club, where she leads sessions at primary schools with the aim of eradicating gender violence.
Passionate about creating a world free from discrimination and inequality, Sakshi is dedicated to speaking out on issues such as employment, homelessness, family violence, and the empowerment of women and young people.
With a strong commitment to advocating for youth rights and fostering inclusive communities, Sakshi is poised to continue making a meaningful impact in the community.
Shout out speaker
Danya
Danya is an inquisitive learner, captivated by natural sciences and politics. Her active participation in the community through mentoring other young people, leading conversations and raising the agenda of marginalised groups in circles she’s in is an extension of her deep passion for empowering individuals through her actions.
Danya draws from her wealth of intersectional experiences as a young Sudanese-muslim-Australian living in the most multicultural municipality in Australia, yet also one of the most disadvantaged municipalities in Victoria.
Last year she achieved the second highest ATAR score at her high school. Beyond excelling academically, Danya is an award winning young leader in the community who observes, reflects and takes initiative. So far Danya has been recognised by the City of Greater Dandenong, the Age newspaper, the African Australian Newsletter and the Australian Business and Community Network.
Despite challenges she faces, Danya pairs learning and leadership to make an incredible multi-faceted advocate for herself and her community. She aspires to one day refine health policy globally and be a leader in the industry.
Shout out speaker
Pranjali
Pranjali is a journalist, SBS News video presenter and youth and gender equality advocate passionate about creating safe and empowering spaces for young people. She uses her many platforms to drive conversations for change and challenge systemic barriers, especially those faced by young people with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
A committed advocate against gender-based violence, Pranjali has worked across various newsrooms, government bodies and not-for-profits where she has supported organisations to speak to young people, not at them. She has previously reported on ABC News, served as a Media Advisor for the Victorian Government across prevention of family violence, women’s affairs, child protection and youth portfolios, and is currently also a Plan Australia youth activist.
Born in India, Pranjali is a proud South Asian woman who now lives and works on the lands of the Wurundjeri people in Naarm.
Shout out speaker
Mahsa
Mahsa is an Afghan-Australian currently based in Melbourne, passionate about education, storytelling, gender equality, and climate change advocacy. Her dream is to see a world where everyone has access to quality education, where girls and women around the world have their rights recognised, and where sustainable practices safeguard our planet. To bring about this change, she actively engages in community service and nonprofit work, particularly focusing on providing educational support to disadvantaged students and advocating for gender equality and environmental sustainability.
In her professional life, Mahsa is a producer at ABC, where she channels her passion for storytelling into creating impactful content. She is completing a Bachelor of Science degree, with a focus on psychology and neuroscience. Additionally, Mahsa serves as the Chief People Officer at the Melbourne Space Program, driven by her enthusiasm for space exploration and industry expansion.
Mahsa is a dedicated advocate and speaker on various topics, including peace, gender equality, leadership, and identity. Her enthusiasm for these subjects has led her to emcee and speak in a range of events, from professional conferences to community gatherings, where she shares her insights and inspires others to take action for positive change.
With her diverse background, unwavering passion, and commitment to creating positive change, Mahsa continues to make meaningful contributions to her communities and beyond.
Shout out speaker
Sagalee
Sagalee is the founder of Shooters Shoot, an African youth-led organisation that hosts major basketball fundraiser tournaments that then goes towards community issues, having fundraised over $66k through three events.
Sagalee also is a street journalist, interviewing strangers in the streets of Melbourne releasing their stories on his platform Locationest. Having released over 200 stories thus far he’s devoted to empowering individuals and storytelling all through individual expression.
As a speaker, Sagalee focuses on identity and belonging, creative practice and paving your own path, sharing pivotal moments of his own journey.
Shout out speaker
Chelsea
Chelsea Marangu is an Australian-born Kenyan, living on Kulin land. Her experiences as a second-generation migrant and woman of colour have given her an enlightened and unique worldview. As the recipient of the 2023 Julia Gillard award provided by Joanne Ryan MP, she hopes to contribute further to work in the Western suburbs that raised her.
Recent work with local organisations such as the African Youth Initiative, as well as ongoing roles in the educational and youth sectors have contributed to her aspirations for community-centric work. Chelsea is passionate about engaging in discussions regarding female and BIPOC rights, especially within the educational, health, and legal sectors. Currently undertaking a double degree in Law and Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Chelsea hopes for a future in advocacy-based roles helping the under-represented individuals who need it the most.
Shout out speaker
Nyarath
Nyarath is a South Sudanese spoken word artist and writer who passionately advocates for multiculturalism and champions diversity. Through poetry, she captivates audiences and empowers others to take control of their own stories through creative expression.
As a student of design and media communication, Nyarath aims to dismantle and challenge representations of her community in the media, becoming the positive representation she lacked seeing growing up. This goal fuels her commitment to supporting diversity, fostering creativity, and empowering young people.
As a member of the youth advisory group for the Creative Industries at the Office for Youth, she seeks to support people of colour to overcome barriers within the arts industry. Using creative expression as a vehicle for change, Nyarath hopes to see a world were all our voices are heard and stories celebrated.
Shout out speaker
Aliet
Aliet is a South Sudanese young woman. She was born in Kenya and migrated to New Zealand in 2005. In 2012, Aliet moved to Melbourne, Australia where she currently resides.
Aliet aspires to make an impact through community work, volunteering and pursuing a career in the medical profession. A change she would like to see in the world is women of colour being represented in all fields of work without limitation. She strives to influence this change by being a role model to women of colour and leading by example.
Aliet is currently studying Biomedical Science. Aliet is an active volunteer at the African Youth Initiative, a youth-led not-for-profit organisation based in the western suburbs of Melbourne. She is also a Project Officer at Girl Chat, a social group that provides a platform for young women in Melbourne to express their views and opinions while building social connections and self confidence.
Aliet is passionate to discuss and address topics in education, multiculturalism, her journey as a refugee, settlement issues, intergenerational issues and challenges, racism and discrimination, youth crime and mental health.
Shout out speaker
Aayushi
Aayushi is a youth and health advocate, as well as a medical student. She has experience working in the education sector to ensure there is youth representation and was appointed the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority’s first youth board member. Aayushi also sits on the Australian Government’s STEM Youth Advisory Board and CMY’s Youth Advisory Group.
As a first-generation migrant, Aayushi has always prioritised championing multicultural youth. She has worked with SBS Hindi, SBS Punjabi and several other South Asian media outlets to help support and educate young migrant children on topics such as education, mental health and battling racism.
Aayushi is incredibly passionate about health awareness as an aspiring medical professional. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she founded Body Buddies, a successful social enterprise that sells and donates educational toys shaped like body organs to raise health awareness and creatively increase global health literacy.
Shout out speaker
Leela
Leela (she/her) is a passionate queer advocate of LGBTIQ+ inclusion, First Nations solidarity, and intersectionality within the Australian and international social policy landscape. As a Malaysian-Australian third-culture kid, Leela is uniquely placed to speak on multicultural identity and reckoning with settler privilege towards action for First Nations justice.
Leela has a breadth of experience within facilitation, public speaking, and political advocacy, including representing Australia at the 2018 Asia Pacific Youth Conference. Additionally, Leela has experience within grassroots change-making for LGBTIQ+ inclusion, regarding her involvement in The Food Angels mutual-aid project which became a key resource during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Leela currently works in Government working on Aboriginal youth justice policy reform whilst completing a Masters of Social Policy. Previously, Leela has worked in the domestic, family, and sexual violence space and remains a passionate advocate of consent education. Leela was also recently part of CMY’s Youth Advisory Group, championing best practices for organisational approaches to youth leadership.
Shout out speaker
Angelica
Angelica is a passionate Colombian student who migrated to Australia in 2019. She is currently studying film and media, and has a keen interest in mental health and wellbeing, creative arts, sustainability and environmentalism, diversity and inclusion.
Angelica is dedicated to promoting the prioritisation of mental health and wellbeing and hopes that she can inspire others through her work. Angelica is also passionate about environmental protection and sustainability. She believes we all have a responsibility to protect our planet and strives to use her platform to raise awareness around environmental issues.
With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, Angelica wants to create spaces that welcome and include all people. She believes that everyone deserves to be seen, heard and valued. Through her speaking engagements, Angelica hopes to inspire and empower others to pursue their passions, prioritise their wellbeing and make a positive impact on the world.
Shout out speaker
Arozoo
Arozoo is an Afghan-born refugee who was raised in Pakistan and arrived in Australia in 2018. Arozoo is a young community leader who has hosted and spoken at community events to shed light on the persecution of the Hazara people in Afghanistan. She is completing a Bachelor of Health Science and works as a dental assistant. She is also a member of the Youth Advisory Group at the Southern Migrant Refugee Centre and has actively engaged in student-led activities as 2022 Alumni Captain and EAL Dux of her school.
As the oldest child in her family, Arozoo has faced many challenges while adjusting to new a culture in Australia and striving to achieve higher education. This has inspired her to speak out for her community in Afghanistan and for all marginalised people. Arozoo speaks passionately on leadership, education, employment, bullying, discrimination and gender equality for young migrants and refugees.
Shout out speaker
Hamza
Born in Australia with Pakistani heritage, Hamza is a law and science university student with a particular interest in empowering multicultural youth with the confidence to initiate, lead and advocate for the changes they want to see in their communities.
Well-versed in cultural identity, tackling racism and overcoming stereotypes, Hamza believes everyone should be able to shape the places they live, learn and work in, regardless of where they are from.
Alongside being a Shout Out speaker and Youth Advisory Group member for CMY, Hamza facilitates events with UN Youth Australia such as the Model UN and adjudicates high school debates. Hamza is also passionate about the environment and recognises the importance of teamwork, captaining the Student Action Team of the Year (Secondary) at the 2019 Vic ResourceSmart Schools Awards.
Shout out speaker
Mamuch
Mamuch is a young South Sudanese leader, student and athlete who is dedicated to creating a brighter future for his community. As a refugee who arrived in Australia in 2007, Mamuch has overcome significant adversity and uses his experiences as a catalyst for positive change.
Mamuch is the founder of NextGen Unite, a youth-led non-profit organisation committed to empowering South Sudanese young people. He is also a basketball coach and mentor at Brighton Grammar School and is part of CMY’s Youth Advisory Group.
A passionate speaker on racial discrimination, the refugee experience, mental health, intergenerational trauma, youth crime and alcohol and drug use, Mamuch is currently pursuing a double degree in Law and Arts, with the aim of advancing people of colour representation and driving policy reforms to shape the legal framework in South Sudan.
Shout out speaker
Rianne
Rianne has a migrant background and has made strides as a full-time finance professional, whilst currently studying a Bachelor of Law. Her distinct expertise adds a unique perspective to her speaking engagements. With a firm belief in creating an inclusive society and promoting social justice and equity, Rianne’s contributions extend beyond her role as a Shout Out speaker, as she actively participates in CMY’s Youth Advisory Group as well.
Rianne’s strong writing and public speaking skills revolve around her passion for enhancing literacy the performing arts. She advocates for inclusivity and emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex migrant experience and the challenges of finding a sense of belonging in the world. Rianne’s multifaceted background provides a fresh perspective to her audience, inspiring them to break barriers and embrace inclusiveness.
Shout out speaker
Ridmi
Ridmi migrated from Sri Lanka to Australia at the age of 11. Now working as a Student Support Officer at Monash University and advocating for gender equality, Ridmi strives to create legislative and social changes that would allow people of all genders, sexualities and nationalities to be treated as equals.
When she’s not working as an activist in the gender-based violence protection sector, Ridmi loves to read, draw, cook, and participates in sports.
Through Shout Out, Ridmi is passionate about sharing her story and experience with family violence, female empowerment, mental health and wellbeing, cultural diversity, participation, identity and belonging. She is also involved with CMY’s Speak Up and Seat at the Table programs.
Shout out speaker
Rosie
Rosie (she/her) is passionate about racism and discrimination, understanding that it is complex and occurs in many different ways. Rosie is an adopted person, and is uniquely positioned to speak on topics related to understanding privilege, identity challenges, belonging and anti-racism. Rosie is a student of Law and Global Studies, holding a heavy interest in human rights and youth advocacy, hoping her studies will help her impact legislative reform both in Australia and overseas.
Additionally, from exploring the ways her South-East Asian identity intersects to different parts of the community, Rosie is passionate about topics such as ethical engagement and tokenism. She wants to see an Australia where multicultural young people are at the forefront of decision making processes and organisations are adopting youth-led approaches.
Rosie is also Chairperson of Culture Spring at CMY and works in local government, along with multiple organisations which promote youth voices across Victoria.
Shout out speaker
Alyna
“A curious, sunshine chasing, adventure seeking, tea drinking energizer bunny with more layers than an onion.”
As the eldest daughter to first generation refugee parents, Alyna recognises the privilege she has been born into. Drawing from her own journey of healing through the complexities of straddling dual identities, she endeavours to share her wisdom in navigating her own process of ‘unlearning’ and ‘becoming’.
As a coach in the education sector, Alyna trusts in the life changing possibilities of authentic storytelling and the transformational power of asking better questions through the lens of curiosity. She believes in equipping our youth with healthy coping mechanisms, psychological support and emotional regulation tools to not only survive but also thrive through life. Alyna hopes to instil confidence in our youth (particularly young girls and minority groups) to step into their power and to own their story of resilience. Her goal is to remove the stigma of shame around the human experience of struggle; not just as a young woman of ethnic background but as a multifaceted individual.
Shout out speaker
Amanda
“Just be yourself, as everyone else is already taken.” Amanda is a Chinese international student who moved to Australia when she was 14 years old. She recently graduated from Monash University with a degree in Education & Arts (Translation & Media) and finished her work as a Program Management Intern at the United Nations (UN-Habitat) in May 2022. She will start her journey with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (NY) in July 2022.
Amanda uses her previous work, study and leadership experiences to discuss various topics concerning international students, and is especially passionate about cultural identity, bilingualism, cultural competency and sharing her life in Australia as an international student.
Shout out speaker
Anisha
Having lived across three diverse regions in the world, raised by first generation immigrant Indian parents and growing up in multi-cultural communities, Anisha is uniquely positioned to speak on topics related to ethnic and gender identity, women’s rights and global affairs. Her Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) and Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) has made her aware of the domestic and international disparities and inequalities between different groups of people which she hopes to rectify through her passion for policy and advocacy. This is something she has actively pursued during her university years through volunteering with not-for-profits, leadership and community involvement.
Struggling to find an identity as a product of the ‘hyphenated experience’ where she is Australian-Indian, has shaped much of Anisha’s life. She hopes that by sharing her stories, other young people like her can feel seen, heard and not alone.
Shout out speaker
Dinuki
Dinuki is a proud Australia-born Sri Lankan, passionate about amplifying youth voices and changing the narrative. As a member of Hume City Council’s Youth Action Committee, a YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament representative and a Shout Out speaker at CMY her goal is to promote youth engagement and active citizenship.
Dinuki is currently an honours student in public health with an interest in representing and empowering culturally and linguistically diverse communities, specifically young people through her research.
As a second-generation Australian and youth advocate, Dinuki endeavours to shed light on mental health, bullying, racial discrimination, cultural identity/diversity and women’s rights through her story and ultimately inspire others to stand up, speak out and lead change.
Shout out speaker
Emily
Emily Unity (she/they) is a culturally diverse, LGBTQIA+, and neurodiverse young person who has lived experience of mental health challenges. They are also a mental health professional and have a diverse portfolio in the sector, having worked with several organisations including headspace, Beyond Blue, Orygen, ReachOut, the Black Dog Institute, the Butterfly Foundation, and the National Mental Health Commission.
Emily was recently the recipient of the 2021 Mental Health Advocate of the Year Award, 2021 Youth of the Year Award, and the 2020 Young Woman or Non-Binary Person of the Year Award. Emily endeavours to use both their professional and lived experience to help advocate for a world for all people, regardless of background, identity, or neurotypes.
Shout out speaker
Hanienah
Hanienah is a Malaysian-born psychology student with a passion for inclusive education and mental health literacy. Having lived in three countries, she knows what it’s like to call an unfamiliar environment her new home. Empowered by her lived experiences, she hopes to raise awareness on the prevalence of loneliness and isolation, importance of help-seeking behaviour, and the unaddressed mental health challenges on young people’s quality of life.
Hanienah is keen to explore ways to support other young migrant and refugees navigating cultural barriers while adapting to life in Australia. She believes in amplifying narratives of disadvantaged communities, and has contributed in various youth-led initiatives including her role in CMY’s Reverb project, Headspace, Inspire Sea, and MASCA Victoria.
Shout out speaker
Hashwina
Hashwina is an environmental professional, a trained public speaker and facilitator. Hashwina has presented to over 650+ students across Victoria and the Asia-Pacific on topics such as civic duty, global citizenship, racial discrimination, bullying and environmental advocacy.
She has also worked with organizations such as Museums Victoria and VEOHRC (Victorian Human Rights Commission) to facilitate workshops that help facilitate change for inclusion in schools and workplaces.
Hashwina currently serves as an advisor to Orygen Limited and Deakin University boards. In 2022, she was commemorated with the Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence for her contributions to this field.
Shout out speaker
Kano
Krushnadevsinh (Kano) migrated from India to Australia at the age of 7. Now an advocate of diversity and multiculturalism, Kano is keen to inspire young people to become comfortable with themselves by sharing his journey and learnings from years of battling what has felt like two different identities. Aside from public speaking, Kano also mentors Year 12 VCE students in leadership roles, has worked on multiple youth-led social media projects and hopes to use his energetic and humorous personality to deliver speeches, host events, conduct interviews and promote peace and positivity wherever he goes.
Shout out speaker
Liem
Liem is a yoga teacher, start-up operator and youth work volunteer. Born and bred in Footscray, from two generations of Vietnamese refugees, Liem cherishes Australia’s multicultural fabric. His curiosity has led him to explore places like Palestine, Iran, India and Pakistan.
Liem is passionate about using technology to scale impact; mindfulness meditation; and sharing yoga with young people. His talks infuse an experience in a guided meditation, leaving you introspecting on the Australian-migrant identity and offers global perspectives with his travel stories. It won’t surprise you that he is also a passionate supporter of the Western Bulldogs.
Shout out speaker
Maiysha
Maiysha is of Bengali heritage and is passionate about empowering multicultural youth to raise their voices and take action on the most pressing issues of their generation. Maiysha’s social justice journey spans across activism, consulting and working with not-for-profits. Maiysha was an organiser and media spokesperson for the Melbourne School Strike for Climate team. She hosted the very first major strike in 2018 and has been invited as a keynote speaker speaking on youth activism and climate action. Maiysha is also a steadfast intersectional feminist, acting as an ambassador for One Girl and having worked at YWCA Australia.
Maiysha is currently studying Law/Politics, Philosophy and Economics which she hopes will open opportunities for policy reform and advocacy. Maiysha is excited to share her lived experience as a woman of colour, straddling across multiple identities including her culture, race as South Asian, and the experience growing up in Melbourne. She looks forward to speaking about diversity, identity, activism, and creative avenues of creating meaningful change in communities.
Shout out speaker
Marcelle
Born in Australia and raised by migrant Lebanese parents, Marcelle is well versed in starting and maintaining conversations surrounding identity, mental health, sexual assault, emotional abuse, misogyny and women’s rights. Through experiencing abuse, discrimination, sexual identity suppression, victim blaming and PTSD, Marcelle’s passion is advocating for greater understanding of these topics so that victims and survivors feel safe and understood in their healing.
Marcelle enjoys warmly and passionately sharing her healing journey through creating homemade earrings and publicly sharing the stories behind the pieces. Being a woman studying Law and working her way to management positions in male-dominated environments, Marcelle has extensive experience of being a young woman in the workplace, understands the unique difficulties that come with it, and advocates the importance of staying honest to your values.
Shout out speaker
Melis
Melis is a Turkish born Law student, English tutor and community advocate for women’s rights, queer rights and mental health literacy. She’s contributed to multiple advocacy initiatives as a volunteer, including the International Women’s Development Agency, One Girl, Queerspace and recently as an event organiser for the Melbourne SlutWalk, an annual protest against sexual assault victim-blaming. Melis is not only committed but deeply passionate about social justice and advocating for change. When she’s not breaking gender norms, challenging heteronormativity and the status quo, Melis uses her story of surviving anorexia nervosa to spread awareness about eating disorders and mental health amongst young people. In her spare time, she pursues her interests in photography, short films and acting. In three words, Melis describes herself as bold, determined and empathetic.
Shout out speaker
Rhoda
Rhoda is a Kenyan-born, South Sudanese artist and psychology student living on Wurundjeri country. Passionate about mental health, storytelling, and its power to transform and heal, Rhoda hopes to improve access to culturally safe mental health services for African communities. She hopes to continue to explore ways in which de-colonised practices of arts and psychology can be used to address and heal inter-generational trauma, disturbances of institutional racism and other “isms” BIPOC experience.
Rhoda is equipped to speak about topics such as identity, mental health, the refugee experience, art, intersectionality, and community.
Shout out speaker
Shadab
Shadab grew up as a refugee in Chaman, a town on the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Arriving in Australia at the age of 10, Shadab navigated the challenges of immigration with sharp resilience. Having completed his education, Shadab worked in several industries before becoming a screenwriter and public speaker. Through immersive storytelling as a speaker and screenwriter, Shadab is committed to spreading empowering messages of hope, transformation and new possibilities for individuals and communities.
Shout out speaker
Shailja
Shailja is a young Australian of Fiji-Indian descent who is passionate about community development and equal opportunity for all. Interested in building consensus and creating effective solutions to complex challenges, she has been involved in volunteering, student leadership, and political advocacy. Shailja has a range of public speaking and facilitation experience through debating, Model United Nations and community engagement. She is passionate about queer issues, access to education, and empowering young leaders. In particular, Shailja has focused on gender equality, specifically in terms of barriers to education and political representation. She has worked in advocacy, community radio, and within the public sector.
Currently, Shailja works as a policy officer specialising in health research and economic development. She is fascinated by world news, terrible memes, and colour-coded spreadsheets. Shailja would describe herself as adaptable, inquisitive, and innovative.
Shout out speaker
Sina
Born in Afghanistan, Sina arrived to Australia as a refugee in 2006. As the oldest child, he had to take on numerous responsibilities beyond his age to help his parents and siblings navigate through the obstacles and adversities many refugees face, building resolve and resilience in the process. In retrospect, he reflects that those obstacles and adversities were in fact catalysts for growth and character development, and they shouldn’t be avoided, but rather, embraced.
Sina now studies science at the University of Melbourne and also works in banking. Having escaped ethnic persecution in a war-torn country, he wants to promote a sense of empathy and gratitude. He is particularly passionate about leadership, and believes that leadership starts with leading yourself and being an example.
Shout out speaker
Sobur
Sobur is a law student studying the Juris Doctor. Having completed a 15-month policy internship at CMY, Sobur now works as the Community Engagement Lead at a Melbourne law firm.
She is also Secretary and a founding member of the African Youth Initiative, a youth-led not-for-profit organisation that is committed to helping young Africans overcome barriers and reach their full potential through a range of cultural, sport and educational programs. Sobur enjoys being active in her local community in Melton, leading a social group called ‘Girl Chat’ where multicultural young women meet to discuss topical issues and bond over shared experiences.
Sobur is eager to address topics such as responses to youth crime, the education and employment experiences and pathways of young people from migrant backgrounds, intergenerational cultural issues and gender equality.
Shout out speaker
Titan
Titan is a South Sudanese social justice advocate, recording artist, and overall creative most known for his work in organising the “Enough is Enough” protest against Channel 7, capacity and platform building within the African-Australian community and his continued role in speaking out against racial vilification. Titan is also passionate about discussing mental health within migrant communities, racial profiling, social cohesion, and the migrant experience and has done so on platforms such as Al Jazeera, ABC and VICE to name a few.
Click to read a bio about our Shout Out speakers
Abeer
Abeer
Abeer is a distinguished youth advocate, public speaker, podcast host and a workshop facilitator. Born in Pakistan, Abeer has consistently championed the right for CALD communities to share their narratives in their own words, which led to her to a public speaking career and being featured in media such as SBS Urdu. Her efforts have been recognised with awards for Youth Contribution from the Merri-Bek City Council and Young Achiever of the Year from Youth Projects.
As a writer and presenter, she has interviewed Ministers of Parliament, bringing crucial legislative discussions to a wider audience. Abeer also co-presented the “Unpack Parliament” podcast, produced by Victorian Parliament and SYN FM.
In 2023, she made a significant impact in the Victorian Parliament, engaging MPs in a critical Q&A session. Her compelling question on how young people can transcend unconscious bias to actively participate in parliamentary processes underscored her commitment to inclusive representation. Following her remarkable question, Abeer was chosen to speak again in Victorian parliament to share recommendations for education reform.
Abeer also extends her public speaking to workshop facilitation, facilitating mental health workshops for AFL and Merri-Bek City council.
Abraham
Abraham
Abraham is an emerging South Sudanese leader who is passionate about reducing the justice-involvement of South Sudanese young people in the Youth Justice System. As a researcher, speaker and community leader, Abraham specialises in areas of youth violence, risk, and protective factors for offending, and culturally and linguistically diverse young people.
Abraham Kuol is an Associate Research Fellow and PhD Candidate in Criminology at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation at Deakin University; his research explores the post settlement challenges of African Australians with a focus on justice system contact.
He possesses an undergraduate and honours degree in Project Management from RMIT University. He is a Research Project Manager at a not-for-profit organisation in the South-East of Melbourne, providing programs for justice-involved African-Australian young people and post settlement support services for their families. He has consulted for leading and emerging culture-based community organisations in the youth justice space.
Mursal
Mursal
Mursal is one of the Afghanistan Women’s National Soccer team players who came to Australia during the country’s evacuation in 2021. Mursal’s focus is on women and refugees’ rights in both Australia and her Afghanistan homeland.
Raised in Kabul, Mursal recognised at the age of 15 the importance of motivating others and began delivering speeches for UNICEF. She committed to creating positive change for oppressed women living under Afghanistan’s Taliban regime, using her personal experience in speaking engagements to highlight their plight. Mursal received a diploma in graphic design from the city’s Institute of Fine Arts. After relocating in Melbourne, Mursal completed the Community Advocacy power program leadership program with ASRC. In addition, she participated in “A Seat at the Table” a six-month long leadership program with CMY in Victoria. She has begun her career as a fundraiser for various NFPs and charities.
Alongside her advocacy work, Mursal’s love of sport continues to inform her career path. She currently plays soccer for AWT Melbourne Victory and is studying Sports and Business with an aim to one day enter the world of politics – using her sport and leadership skills to serve the community.
Husna
Husna
Husna (she/her) is currently studying a Bachelor of Social Work, and upon the completion of her studies, she hopes to work alongside culturally and linguistically diverse people and their families, with lived experience of disability. She is currently volunteering with Democracy in Colour, where she aided in the online launch and delivery of their Migration With Dignity Campaign, and is a Co-chair of Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network’s Youth CALD Disability Collective. Additionally, she has engaged directly with young people through her work, and is a current board member of Youth Affairs Council Victoria. She is also on the Multicultural Advisory Panel for Polaron’ Language Services, and has participated in the Seat at the Table Program, and the Australian Progress Fellowship.
Husna has experience in both sides of co-design, and has also participated in various reference groups and advisory projects. Her work in these areas has focused on various issues such as inclusive education and multiculturalism, where she brings her lived experience, to improve existing services, making them more inclusive and accessible. She is passionate about improving the representation of young people from the communities to which she belongs, as well as other young people who may share intersecting, multifaceted identities similar to her own.
Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Husna is deeply involved in advocating for issues pertaining to accessibility, people of colour and disabled people. She has a particular interest in the intersections between disability and the CALD community, driven by her own lived experience. In her free time, she enjoys engaging with her community and exploring ways to further support and empower marginalized individuals and families. She also enjoys reading, baking and watching TV shows or YouTube videos reacting to TV shows that she can’t be bothered watching.
Sakshi
Sakshi
Sakshi is a passionate advocate for social justice who embarked on her journey in Australia in 2016, bravely navigating through adversity after experiencing family violence and homelessness. Originating from a migrant background, she brings a unique perspective to her work as a fierce youth advocate leveraging her lived experiences to empower and uplift young individuals.
In her multiple roles as a youth consultant, Sakshi wears many hats, collaborating with organisations to co-design policies, strategies, workshops, and conferences aimed at driving positive change. She also actively speaks on panels and hosts conferences to advocate for youth rights and empowerment. With diverse industry experience in employment, she brings a wealth of insights to her advocacy efforts.
Sakshi is also a mentor at Launch Housing, empowering young people experiencing homelessness to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Currently, she works as a community program facilitator at the Carlton Football Club, where she leads sessions at primary schools with the aim of eradicating gender violence.
Passionate about creating a world free from discrimination and inequality, Sakshi is dedicated to speaking out on issues such as employment, homelessness, family violence, and the empowerment of women and young people.
With a strong commitment to advocating for youth rights and fostering inclusive communities, Sakshi is poised to continue making a meaningful impact in the community.
Danya
Danya
Danya is an inquisitive learner, captivated by natural sciences and politics. Her active participation in the community through mentoring other young people, leading conversations and raising the agenda of marginalised groups in circles she’s in is an extension of her deep passion for empowering individuals through her actions.
Danya draws from her wealth of intersectional experiences as a young Sudanese-muslim-Australian living in the most multicultural municipality in Australia, yet also one of the most disadvantaged municipalities in Victoria.
Last year she achieved the second highest ATAR score at her high school. Beyond excelling academically, Danya is an award winning young leader in the community who observes, reflects and takes initiative. So far Danya has been recognised by the City of Greater Dandenong, the Age newspaper, the African Australian Newsletter and the Australian Business and Community Network.
Despite challenges she faces, Danya pairs learning and leadership to make an incredible multi-faceted advocate for herself and her community. She aspires to one day refine health policy globally and be a leader in the industry.
Pranjali
Pranjali
Pranjali is a journalist, SBS News video presenter and youth and gender equality advocate passionate about creating safe and empowering spaces for young people. She uses her many platforms to drive conversations for change and challenge systemic barriers, especially those faced by young people with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
A committed advocate against gender-based violence, Pranjali has worked across various newsrooms, government bodies and not-for-profits where she has supported organisations to speak to young people, not at them. She has previously reported on ABC News, served as a Media Advisor for the Victorian Government across prevention of family violence, women’s affairs, child protection and youth portfolios, and is currently also a Plan Australia youth activist.
Born in India, Pranjali is a proud South Asian woman who now lives and works on the lands of the Wurundjeri people in Naarm.
Mahsa
Mahsa
Mahsa is an Afghan-Australian currently based in Melbourne, passionate about education, storytelling, gender equality, and climate change advocacy. Her dream is to see a world where everyone has access to quality education, where girls and women around the world have their rights recognised, and where sustainable practices safeguard our planet. To bring about this change, she actively engages in community service and nonprofit work, particularly focusing on providing educational support to disadvantaged students and advocating for gender equality and environmental sustainability.
In her professional life, Mahsa is a producer at ABC, where she channels her passion for storytelling into creating impactful content. She is completing a Bachelor of Science degree, with a focus on psychology and neuroscience. Additionally, Mahsa serves as the Chief People Officer at the Melbourne Space Program, driven by her enthusiasm for space exploration and industry expansion.
Mahsa is a dedicated advocate and speaker on various topics, including peace, gender equality, leadership, and identity. Her enthusiasm for these subjects has led her to emcee and speak in a range of events, from professional conferences to community gatherings, where she shares her insights and inspires others to take action for positive change.
With her diverse background, unwavering passion, and commitment to creating positive change, Mahsa continues to make meaningful contributions to her communities and beyond.
Sagalee
Sagalee
Sagalee is the founder of Shooters Shoot, an African youth-led organisation that hosts major basketball fundraiser tournaments that then goes towards community issues, having fundraised over $66k through three events.
Sagalee also is a street journalist, interviewing strangers in the streets of Melbourne releasing their stories on his platform Locationest. Having released over 200 stories thus far he’s devoted to empowering individuals and storytelling all through individual expression.
As a speaker, Sagalee focuses on identity and belonging, creative practice and paving your own path, sharing pivotal moments of his own journey.
Chelsea
Chelsea
Chelsea Marangu is an Australian-born Kenyan, living on Kulin land. Her experiences as a second-generation migrant and woman of colour have given her an enlightened and unique worldview. As the recipient of the 2023 Julia Gillard award provided by Joanne Ryan MP, she hopes to contribute further to work in the Western suburbs that raised her.
Recent work with local organisations such as the African Youth Initiative, as well as ongoing roles in the educational and youth sectors have contributed to her aspirations for community-centric work. Chelsea is passionate about engaging in discussions regarding female and BIPOC rights, especially within the educational, health, and legal sectors. Currently undertaking a double degree in Law and Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Chelsea hopes for a future in advocacy-based roles helping the under-represented individuals who need it the most.
Nyarath
Nyarath
Nyarath is a South Sudanese spoken word artist and writer who passionately advocates for multiculturalism and champions diversity. Through poetry, she captivates audiences and empowers others to take control of their own stories through creative expression.
As a student of design and media communication, Nyarath aims to dismantle and challenge representations of her community in the media, becoming the positive representation she lacked seeing growing up. This goal fuels her commitment to supporting diversity, fostering creativity, and empowering young people.
As a member of the youth advisory group for the Creative Industries at the Office for Youth, she seeks to support people of colour to overcome barriers within the arts industry. Using creative expression as a vehicle for change, Nyarath hopes to see a world were all our voices are heard and stories celebrated.
Aliet
Aliet
Aliet is a South Sudanese young woman. She was born in Kenya and migrated to New Zealand in 2005. In 2012, Aliet moved to Melbourne, Australia where she currently resides.
Aliet aspires to make an impact through community work, volunteering and pursuing a career in the medical profession. A change she would like to see in the world is women of colour being represented in all fields of work without limitation. She strives to influence this change by being a role model to women of colour and leading by example.
Aliet is currently studying Biomedical Science. Aliet is an active volunteer at the African Youth Initiative, a youth-led not-for-profit organisation based in the western suburbs of Melbourne. She is also a Project Officer at Girl Chat, a social group that provides a platform for young women in Melbourne to express their views and opinions while building social connections and self confidence.
Aliet is passionate to discuss and address topics in education, multiculturalism, her journey as a refugee, settlement issues, intergenerational issues and challenges, racism and discrimination, youth crime and mental health.
Aayushi
Aayushi
Aayushi is a youth and health advocate, as well as a medical student. She has experience working in the education sector to ensure there is youth representation and was appointed the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority’s first youth board member. Aayushi also sits on the Australian Government’s STEM Youth Advisory Board and CMY’s Youth Advisory Group.
As a first-generation migrant, Aayushi has always prioritised championing multicultural youth. She has worked with SBS Hindi, SBS Punjabi and several other South Asian media outlets to help support and educate young migrant children on topics such as education, mental health and battling racism.
Aayushi is incredibly passionate about health awareness as an aspiring medical professional. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she founded Body Buddies, a successful social enterprise that sells and donates educational toys shaped like body organs to raise health awareness and creatively increase global health literacy.
Leela
Leela
Leela (she/her) is a passionate queer advocate of LGBTIQ+ inclusion, First Nations solidarity, and intersectionality within the Australian and international social policy landscape. As a Malaysian-Australian third-culture kid, Leela is uniquely placed to speak on multicultural identity and reckoning with settler privilege towards action for First Nations justice.
Leela has a breadth of experience within facilitation, public speaking, and political advocacy, including representing Australia at the 2018 Asia Pacific Youth Conference. Additionally, Leela has experience within grassroots change-making for LGBTIQ+ inclusion, regarding her involvement in The Food Angels mutual-aid project which became a key resource during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Leela currently works in Government working on Aboriginal youth justice policy reform whilst completing a Masters of Social Policy. Previously, Leela has worked in the domestic, family, and sexual violence space and remains a passionate advocate of consent education. Leela was also recently part of CMY’s Youth Advisory Group, championing best practices for organisational approaches to youth leadership.
Angelica
Angelica
Angelica is a passionate Colombian student who migrated to Australia in 2019. She is currently studying film and media, and has a keen interest in mental health and wellbeing, creative arts, sustainability and environmentalism, diversity and inclusion.
Angelica is dedicated to promoting the prioritisation of mental health and wellbeing and hopes that she can inspire others through her work. Angelica is also passionate about environmental protection and sustainability. She believes we all have a responsibility to protect our planet and strives to use her platform to raise awareness around environmental issues.
With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, Angelica wants to create spaces that welcome and include all people. She believes that everyone deserves to be seen, heard and valued. Through her speaking engagements, Angelica hopes to inspire and empower others to pursue their passions, prioritise their wellbeing and make a positive impact on the world.
Arozoo
Arozoo
Arozoo is an Afghan-born refugee who was raised in Pakistan and arrived in Australia in 2018. Arozoo is a young community leader who has hosted and spoken at community events to shed light on the persecution of the Hazara people in Afghanistan. She is completing a Bachelor of Health Science and works as a dental assistant. She is also a member of the Youth Advisory Group at the Southern Migrant Refugee Centre and has actively engaged in student-led activities as 2022 Alumni Captain and EAL Dux of her school.
As the oldest child in her family, Arozoo has faced many challenges while adjusting to new a culture in Australia and striving to achieve higher education. This has inspired her to speak out for her community in Afghanistan and for all marginalised people. Arozoo speaks passionately on leadership, education, employment, bullying, discrimination and gender equality for young migrants and refugees.
Hamza
Hamza
Born in Australia with Pakistani heritage, Hamza is a law and science university student with a particular interest in empowering multicultural youth with the confidence to initiate, lead and advocate for the changes they want to see in their communities.
Well-versed in cultural identity, tackling racism and overcoming stereotypes, Hamza believes everyone should be able to shape the places they live, learn and work in, regardless of where they are from.
Alongside being a Shout Out speaker and Youth Advisory Group member for CMY, Hamza facilitates events with UN Youth Australia such as the Model UN and adjudicates high school debates. Hamza is also passionate about the environment and recognises the importance of teamwork, captaining the Student Action Team of the Year (Secondary) at the 2019 Vic ResourceSmart Schools Awards.
Mamuch
Mamuch
Mamuch is a young South Sudanese leader, student and athlete who is dedicated to creating a brighter future for his community. As a refugee who arrived in Australia in 2007, Mamuch has overcome significant adversity and uses his experiences as a catalyst for positive change.
Mamuch is the founder of NextGen Unite, a youth-led non-profit organisation committed to empowering South Sudanese young people. He is also a basketball coach and mentor at Brighton Grammar School and is part of CMY’s Youth Advisory Group.
A passionate speaker on racial discrimination, the refugee experience, mental health, intergenerational trauma, youth crime and alcohol and drug use, Mamuch is currently pursuing a double degree in Law and Arts, with the aim of advancing people of colour representation and driving policy reforms to shape the legal framework in South Sudan.
Rianne
Rianne
Rianne has a migrant background and has made strides as a full-time finance professional, whilst currently studying a Bachelor of Law. Her distinct expertise adds a unique perspective to her speaking engagements. With a firm belief in creating an inclusive society and promoting social justice and equity, Rianne’s contributions extend beyond her role as a Shout Out speaker, as she actively participates in CMY’s Youth Advisory Group as well.
Rianne’s strong writing and public speaking skills revolve around her passion for enhancing literacy the performing arts. She advocates for inclusivity and emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex migrant experience and the challenges of finding a sense of belonging in the world. Rianne’s multifaceted background provides a fresh perspective to her audience, inspiring them to break barriers and embrace inclusiveness.
Ridmi
Ridmi
Ridmi migrated from Sri Lanka to Australia at the age of 11. Now working as a Student Support Officer at Monash University and advocating for gender equality, Ridmi strives to create legislative and social changes that would allow people of all genders, sexualities and nationalities to be treated as equals.
When she’s not working as an activist in the gender-based violence protection sector, Ridmi loves to read, draw, cook, and participates in sports.
Through Shout Out, Ridmi is passionate about sharing her story and experience with family violence, female empowerment, mental health and wellbeing, cultural diversity, participation, identity and belonging. She is also involved with CMY’s Speak Up and Seat at the Table programs.
Rosie
Rosie
Rosie (she/her) is passionate about racism and discrimination, understanding that it is complex and occurs in many different ways. Rosie is an adopted person, and is uniquely positioned to speak on topics related to understanding privilege, identity challenges, belonging and anti-racism. Rosie is a student of Law and Global Studies, holding a heavy interest in human rights and youth advocacy, hoping her studies will help her impact legislative reform both in Australia and overseas.
Additionally, from exploring the ways her South-East Asian identity intersects to different parts of the community, Rosie is passionate about topics such as ethical engagement and tokenism. She wants to see an Australia where multicultural young people are at the forefront of decision making processes and organisations are adopting youth-led approaches.
Rosie is also Chairperson of Culture Spring at CMY and works in local government, along with multiple organisations which promote youth voices across Victoria.
Alyna
Alyna
“A curious, sunshine chasing, adventure seeking, tea drinking energizer bunny with more layers than an onion.”
As the eldest daughter to first generation refugee parents, Alyna recognises the privilege she has been born into. Drawing from her own journey of healing through the complexities of straddling dual identities, she endeavours to share her wisdom in navigating her own process of ‘unlearning’ and ‘becoming’.
As a coach in the education sector, Alyna trusts in the life changing possibilities of authentic storytelling and the transformational power of asking better questions through the lens of curiosity. She believes in equipping our youth with healthy coping mechanisms, psychological support and emotional regulation tools to not only survive but also thrive through life. Alyna hopes to instil confidence in our youth (particularly young girls and minority groups) to step into their power and to own their story of resilience. Her goal is to remove the stigma of shame around the human experience of struggle; not just as a young woman of ethnic background but as a multifaceted individual.
Amanda
Amanda
“Just be yourself, as everyone else is already taken.” Amanda is a Chinese international student who moved to Australia when she was 14 years old. She recently graduated from Monash University with a degree in Education & Arts (Translation & Media) and finished her work as a Program Management Intern at the United Nations (UN-Habitat) in May 2022. She will start her journey with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (NY) in July 2022.
Amanda uses her previous work, study and leadership experiences to discuss various topics concerning international students, and is especially passionate about cultural identity, bilingualism, cultural competency and sharing her life in Australia as an international student.
Anisha
Anisha
Having lived across three diverse regions in the world, raised by first generation immigrant Indian parents and growing up in multi-cultural communities, Anisha is uniquely positioned to speak on topics related to ethnic and gender identity, women’s rights and global affairs. Her Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) and Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) has made her aware of the domestic and international disparities and inequalities between different groups of people which she hopes to rectify through her passion for policy and advocacy. This is something she has actively pursued during her university years through volunteering with not-for-profits, leadership and community involvement.
Struggling to find an identity as a product of the ‘hyphenated experience’ where she is Australian-Indian, has shaped much of Anisha’s life. She hopes that by sharing her stories, other young people like her can feel seen, heard and not alone.
Dinuki
Dinuki
Dinuki is a proud Australia-born Sri Lankan, passionate about amplifying youth voices and changing the narrative. As a member of Hume City Council’s Youth Action Committee, a YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament representative and a Shout Out speaker at CMY her goal is to promote youth engagement and active citizenship.
Dinuki is currently an honours student in public health with an interest in representing and empowering culturally and linguistically diverse communities, specifically young people through her research.
As a second-generation Australian and youth advocate, Dinuki endeavours to shed light on mental health, bullying, racial discrimination, cultural identity/diversity and women’s rights through her story and ultimately inspire others to stand up, speak out and lead change.
Emily
Emily
Emily Unity (she/they) is a culturally diverse, LGBTQIA+, and neurodiverse young person who has lived experience of mental health challenges. They are also a mental health professional and have a diverse portfolio in the sector, having worked with several organisations including headspace, Beyond Blue, Orygen, ReachOut, the Black Dog Institute, the Butterfly Foundation, and the National Mental Health Commission.
Emily was recently the recipient of the 2021 Mental Health Advocate of the Year Award, 2021 Youth of the Year Award, and the 2020 Young Woman or Non-Binary Person of the Year Award. Emily endeavours to use both their professional and lived experience to help advocate for a world for all people, regardless of background, identity, or neurotypes.
Hanienah
Hanienah
Hanienah is a Malaysian-born psychology student with a passion for inclusive education and mental health literacy. Having lived in three countries, she knows what it’s like to call an unfamiliar environment her new home. Empowered by her lived experiences, she hopes to raise awareness on the prevalence of loneliness and isolation, importance of help-seeking behaviour, and the unaddressed mental health challenges on young people’s quality of life.
Hanienah is keen to explore ways to support other young migrant and refugees navigating cultural barriers while adapting to life in Australia. She believes in amplifying narratives of disadvantaged communities, and has contributed in various youth-led initiatives including her role in CMY’s Reverb project, Headspace, Inspire Sea, and MASCA Victoria.
Hashwina
Hashwina
Hashwina is an environmental professional, a trained public speaker and facilitator. Hashwina has presented to over 650+ students across Victoria and the Asia-Pacific on topics such as civic duty, global citizenship, racial discrimination, bullying and environmental advocacy.
She has also worked with organizations such as Museums Victoria and VEOHRC (Victorian Human Rights Commission) to facilitate workshops that help facilitate change for inclusion in schools and workplaces.
Hashwina currently serves as an advisor to Orygen Limited and Deakin University boards. In 2022, she was commemorated with the Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence for her contributions to this field.
Kano
Kano
Krushnadevsinh (Kano) migrated from India to Australia at the age of 7. Now an advocate of diversity and multiculturalism, Kano is keen to inspire young people to become comfortable with themselves by sharing his journey and learnings from years of battling what has felt like two different identities. Aside from public speaking, Kano also mentors Year 12 VCE students in leadership roles, has worked on multiple youth-led social media projects and hopes to use his energetic and humorous personality to deliver speeches, host events, conduct interviews and promote peace and positivity wherever he goes.
Liem
Liem
Liem is a yoga teacher, start-up operator and youth work volunteer. Born and bred in Footscray, from two generations of Vietnamese refugees, Liem cherishes Australia’s multicultural fabric. His curiosity has led him to explore places like Palestine, Iran, India and Pakistan.
Liem is passionate about using technology to scale impact; mindfulness meditation; and sharing yoga with young people. His talks infuse an experience in a guided meditation, leaving you introspecting on the Australian-migrant identity and offers global perspectives with his travel stories. It won’t surprise you that he is also a passionate supporter of the Western Bulldogs.
Maiysha
Maiysha
Maiysha is of Bengali heritage and is passionate about empowering multicultural youth to raise their voices and take action on the most pressing issues of their generation. Maiysha’s social justice journey spans across activism, consulting and working with not-for-profits. Maiysha was an organiser and media spokesperson for the Melbourne School Strike for Climate team. She hosted the very first major strike in 2018 and has been invited as a keynote speaker speaking on youth activism and climate action. Maiysha is also a steadfast intersectional feminist, acting as an ambassador for One Girl and having worked at YWCA Australia.
Maiysha is currently studying Law/Politics, Philosophy and Economics which she hopes will open opportunities for policy reform and advocacy. Maiysha is excited to share her lived experience as a woman of colour, straddling across multiple identities including her culture, race as South Asian, and the experience growing up in Melbourne. She looks forward to speaking about diversity, identity, activism, and creative avenues of creating meaningful change in communities.
Marcelle
Marcelle
Born in Australia and raised by migrant Lebanese parents, Marcelle is well versed in starting and maintaining conversations surrounding identity, mental health, sexual assault, emotional abuse, misogyny and women’s rights. Through experiencing abuse, discrimination, sexual identity suppression, victim blaming and PTSD, Marcelle’s passion is advocating for greater understanding of these topics so that victims and survivors feel safe and understood in their healing.
Marcelle enjoys warmly and passionately sharing her healing journey through creating homemade earrings and publicly sharing the stories behind the pieces. Being a woman studying Law and working her way to management positions in male-dominated environments, Marcelle has extensive experience of being a young woman in the workplace, understands the unique difficulties that come with it, and advocates the importance of staying honest to your values.
Melis
Melis
Melis is a Turkish born Law student, English tutor and community advocate for women’s rights, queer rights and mental health literacy. She’s contributed to multiple advocacy initiatives as a volunteer, including the International Women’s Development Agency, One Girl, Queerspace and recently as an event organiser for the Melbourne SlutWalk, an annual protest against sexual assault victim-blaming. Melis is not only committed but deeply passionate about social justice and advocating for change. When she’s not breaking gender norms, challenging heteronormativity and the status quo, Melis uses her story of surviving anorexia nervosa to spread awareness about eating disorders and mental health amongst young people. In her spare time, she pursues her interests in photography, short films and acting. In three words, Melis describes herself as bold, determined and empathetic.
Rhoda
Rhoda
Rhoda is a Kenyan-born, South Sudanese artist and psychology student living on Wurundjeri country. Passionate about mental health, storytelling, and its power to transform and heal, Rhoda hopes to improve access to culturally safe mental health services for African communities. She hopes to continue to explore ways in which de-colonised practices of arts and psychology can be used to address and heal inter-generational trauma, disturbances of institutional racism and other “isms” BIPOC experience.
Rhoda is equipped to speak about topics such as identity, mental health, the refugee experience, art, intersectionality, and community.
Shadab
Shadab
Shadab grew up as a refugee in Chaman, a town on the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Arriving in Australia at the age of 10, Shadab navigated the challenges of immigration with sharp resilience. Having completed his education, Shadab worked in several industries before becoming a screenwriter and public speaker. Through immersive storytelling as a speaker and screenwriter, Shadab is committed to spreading empowering messages of hope, transformation and new possibilities for individuals and communities.
Shailja
Shailja
Shailja is a young Australian of Fiji-Indian descent who is passionate about community development and equal opportunity for all. Interested in building consensus and creating effective solutions to complex challenges, she has been involved in volunteering, student leadership, and political advocacy. Shailja has a range of public speaking and facilitation experience through debating, Model United Nations and community engagement. She is passionate about queer issues, access to education, and empowering young leaders. In particular, Shailja has focused on gender equality, specifically in terms of barriers to education and political representation. She has worked in advocacy, community radio, and within the public sector.
Currently, Shailja works as a policy officer specialising in health research and economic development. She is fascinated by world news, terrible memes, and colour-coded spreadsheets. Shailja would describe herself as adaptable, inquisitive, and innovative.
Sina
Sina
Born in Afghanistan, Sina arrived to Australia as a refugee in 2006. As the oldest child, he had to take on numerous responsibilities beyond his age to help his parents and siblings navigate through the obstacles and adversities many refugees face, building resolve and resilience in the process. In retrospect, he reflects that those obstacles and adversities were in fact catalysts for growth and character development, and they shouldn’t be avoided, but rather, embraced.
Sina now studies science at the University of Melbourne and also works in banking. Having escaped ethnic persecution in a war-torn country, he wants to promote a sense of empathy and gratitude. He is particularly passionate about leadership, and believes that leadership starts with leading yourself and being an example.
Sobur
Sobur
Sobur is a law student studying the Juris Doctor. Having completed a 15-month policy internship at CMY, Sobur now works as the Community Engagement Lead at a Melbourne law firm.
She is also Secretary and a founding member of the African Youth Initiative, a youth-led not-for-profit organisation that is committed to helping young Africans overcome barriers and reach their full potential through a range of cultural, sport and educational programs. Sobur enjoys being active in her local community in Melton, leading a social group called ‘Girl Chat’ where multicultural young women meet to discuss topical issues and bond over shared experiences.
Sobur is eager to address topics such as responses to youth crime, the education and employment experiences and pathways of young people from migrant backgrounds, intergenerational cultural issues and gender equality.
Titan
Titan
Titan is a South Sudanese social justice advocate, recording artist, and overall creative most known for his work in organising the “Enough is Enough” protest against Channel 7, capacity and platform building within the African-Australian community and his continued role in speaking out against racial vilification. Titan is also passionate about discussing mental health within migrant communities, racial profiling, social cohesion, and the migrant experience and has done so on platforms such as Al Jazeera, ABC and VICE to name a few.