Shout out speaker
Aayushi Khillan
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
Angelica Vargas
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 Rahimi
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 Afroz Ahmed
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 Chuol
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 Pablo
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 Dolamulla
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 Thyer
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 Pham
“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 Zhang
“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 Gupta
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 Rajapaksha
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 Unity
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 Lokman
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 Vimalarajan
Born in India, raised in the Middle East and now living in Australia, Hashwina is what they call a ‘third culture kid’, raised in a culture completely different from her own, yet comfortable enough to call it home. As an Environmental Scientist, she’s equally passionate about environmental sustainability and currently works for the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand, a non-profit professional organization that supports environmental practitioners. Outside of work, she’s an advocate for environmental refugees, mental health, women’s rights and improving access for marginalised groups through various social justice initiatives, including her role as a Shout Out Speaker and Youth Advisory Group member at CMY. In her spare time, Hashwina is part of a South Asian dance group, a hiker and an avid reader. In three words she describes herself as curious, compassionate and charismatic.
Shout out speaker
Kano Ravalji
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 Nguyen
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 Moin
Maiysha Moin 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 Yacoub
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 Layik
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 Makur
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 Safa
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 Sharma
Shailja Sharma 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 Zahedi
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 Dhieu
Sobur Dhieu is a first-year law student studying the Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne. Sobur enjoys being active in her local community in Melton, and currently leads a social group called “Girl Chat” where young women meet fortnightly to discuss topical issues and bond over shared experiences. Sobur is also the secretary 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 recreational, sport and educational programs.
Having completed a 15-month policy internship at CMY where she supported their advocacy work across employment, youth justice and education, Sobur now works as the Project Officer for the South Sudanese Business Response (SSBR) at Lander & Rogers law firm.
Sobur is eager to address topics such as community responses to youth crime, education and employment experiences and pathways for South Sudanese and African young people, intergenerational cultural issues and gender equality.
Shout out speaker
Titan (Sebit Gurech)
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
Aayushi Khillan
Aayushi Khillan
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.
Angelica Vargas
Angelica Vargas
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 Rahimi
Arozoo Rahimi
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 Afroz Ahmed
Hamza Afroz Ahmed
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 Chuol
Mamuch Chuol
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 Pablo
Rianne Pablo
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 Dolamulla
Ridmi Dolamulla
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 Thyer
Rosie Thyer
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 Pham
Alyna Pham
“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 Zhang
Amanda Zhang
“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 Gupta
Anisha Gupta
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 Rajapaksha
Dinuki Rajapaksha
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 Unity
Emily Unity
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 Lokman
Hanienah Lokman
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 Vimalarajan
Hashwina Vimalarajan
Born in India, raised in the Middle East and now living in Australia, Hashwina is what they call a ‘third culture kid’, raised in a culture completely different from her own, yet comfortable enough to call it home. As an Environmental Scientist, she’s equally passionate about environmental sustainability and currently works for the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand, a non-profit professional organization that supports environmental practitioners. Outside of work, she’s an advocate for environmental refugees, mental health, women’s rights and improving access for marginalised groups through various social justice initiatives, including her role as a Shout Out Speaker and Youth Advisory Group member at CMY. In her spare time, Hashwina is part of a South Asian dance group, a hiker and an avid reader. In three words she describes herself as curious, compassionate and charismatic.
Kano Ravalji
Kano Ravalji
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 Nguyen
Liem Nguyen
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 Moin
Maiysha Moin
Maiysha Moin 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 Yacoub
Marcelle Yacoub
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 Layik
Melis Layik
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 Makur
Rhoda Makur
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 Safa
Shadab Safa
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 Sharma
Shailja Sharma
Shailja Sharma 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 Zahedi
Sina Zahedi
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 Dhieu
Sobur Dhieu
Sobur Dhieu is a first-year law student studying the Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne. Sobur enjoys being active in her local community in Melton, and currently leads a social group called “Girl Chat” where young women meet fortnightly to discuss topical issues and bond over shared experiences. Sobur is also the secretary 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 recreational, sport and educational programs.
Having completed a 15-month policy internship at CMY where she supported their advocacy work across employment, youth justice and education, Sobur now works as the Project Officer for the South Sudanese Business Response (SSBR) at Lander & Rogers law firm.
Sobur is eager to address topics such as community responses to youth crime, education and employment experiences and pathways for South Sudanese and African young people, intergenerational cultural issues and gender equality.
Titan (Sebit Gurech)
Titan (Sebit Gurech)
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.