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 in hopes for us all to move with an open mind.
As a speaker, Sagalee focuses on identity and belonging, creative practice and paving your own path, sharing pivotal moments of his own journey as a young African Muslim.
Shout out speaker
Chelsea
Chelsea 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
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
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
Phymei
Phymei (pronounced fee-mee) is an Indian-born Chinese-Australian with a background in public health policy and supporting large-scale state government projects. She has a strong passion for human rights and social equity, with a focus on using intersectional responses to address complex social problems particularly across areas including gender equity, anti-racism, climate action, and mental wellbeing; by exploring overlapping facets of culture and identity against organisational and systemic change. As a first-generation migrant, she is committed to advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion among institutions of power and across the community. She has completed her Master of Public Health at the University of Melbourne and aims to use her knowledge to drive structural change and alleviate social and health inequities for diverse and marginalised communities.
Phymei is a non-executive board director of STREAT, a food systems social enterprise aimed at supporting young people across Melbourne. She was also an active member of Wyndham City Council’s Climate Futures Youth Leadership group and emceed its inaugural Climate Youth Summit in 2023.
Phymei has worked across various areas at the Victorian Department of Health including most recently, in implementing lived experience-led initiatives recommended by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. This has built her understanding of and allyship to diverse lived experience leadership in leading system change. Phymei currently works as a Director of Research and Program Evaluation at Future Women, a company focused on promoting gender equality in Australian workplaces.
Shout out speaker
Mun
Mun is a South Sudanese leader, youth advocate, model, public speaker, mentor and consultant who speaks on personal development, resilience, faith and mental health.
Having already experienced an extra ordinary life at a young age, Mun was first scouted as a model at 17 by Kult Models and People Agency. He rapidly ascended to prominence in the fashion industry, collaborating with high-end labels like Tommy Hilfiger, LV, Gucci, and Champion.
Despite a promising modeling career, Mun faced significant challenges as a South Sudanese refugee, including incarceration and violence. Overcoming these experiences motivated and led him to mentor youth, working with non-profits and serving as a Youth Advocate and South Sudanese Expert with CCYP to address issues in youth criminality. Now, as a public speaker and community leader, Mun shares his story to inspire resilience and success, emphasizing strong foundations and unity. His spiritual life, integral to his identity, drives his mentorship and advocacy. Mun is currently focused on studies in Real Estate and Consulting.
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
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.
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 in hopes for us all to move with an open mind.
As a speaker, Sagalee focuses on identity and belonging, creative practice and paving your own path, sharing pivotal moments of his own journey as a young African Muslim.
Chelsea
Chelsea
Chelsea 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.
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.
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.
Phymei
Phymei
Phymei (pronounced fee-mee) is an Indian-born Chinese-Australian with a background in public health policy and supporting large-scale state government projects. She has a strong passion for human rights and social equity, with a focus on using intersectional responses to address complex social problems particularly across areas including gender equity, anti-racism, climate action, and mental wellbeing; by exploring overlapping facets of culture and identity against organisational and systemic change. As a first-generation migrant, she is committed to advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion among institutions of power and across the community. She has completed her Master of Public Health at the University of Melbourne and aims to use her knowledge to drive structural change and alleviate social and health inequities for diverse and marginalised communities.
Phymei is a non-executive board director of STREAT, a food systems social enterprise aimed at supporting young people across Melbourne. She was also an active member of Wyndham City Council’s Climate Futures Youth Leadership group and emceed its inaugural Climate Youth Summit in 2023.
Phymei has worked across various areas at the Victorian Department of Health including most recently, in implementing lived experience-led initiatives recommended by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. This has built her understanding of and allyship to diverse lived experience leadership in leading system change. Phymei currently works as a Director of Research and Program Evaluation at Future Women, a company focused on promoting gender equality in Australian workplaces.
Mun
Mun
Mun is a South Sudanese leader, youth advocate, model, public speaker, mentor and consultant who speaks on personal development, resilience, faith and mental health.
Having already experienced an extra ordinary life at a young age, Mun was first scouted as a model at 17 by Kult Models and People Agency. He rapidly ascended to prominence in the fashion industry, collaborating with high-end labels like Tommy Hilfiger, LV, Gucci, and Champion.
Despite a promising modeling career, Mun faced significant challenges as a South Sudanese refugee, including incarceration and violence. Overcoming these experiences motivated and led him to mentor youth, working with non-profits and serving as a Youth Advocate and South Sudanese Expert with CCYP to address issues in youth criminality. Now, as a public speaker and community leader, Mun shares his story to inspire resilience and success, emphasizing strong foundations and unity. His spiritual life, integral to his identity, drives his mentorship and advocacy. Mun is currently focused on studies in Real Estate and Consulting.
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.
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.