Explore

Azraf Ezaz

Azraf (he/him) is a VCE student who is particularly interested in the inclusion and well-being of young people from immigrant and neurodivergent backgrounds. As an immigrant of Bangladeshi origin, he is passionate about working for people who experience similar circumstances.

Azraf has volunteered and researched in multiple aspects of rehabilitation and support for young people, including co-designing, conducting and evaluating research on young people’s experience of racism, mental health issues, and cultural assimilation.

His work in youth advocacy with various government and non-government institutions, as well as his lived experience in various communities has motivated him to continue advocating for youth representation in policy, believing that diversity and intersectionality are assets that must be embraced as a society.

Ilundi Tinga

Ilundi Tinga (she/her) grew up in Mozambique, moved to Australia in 2009, lived in South Africa for three years in 2016 and finally settled in Melbourne in 2019. After living in three countries, Ilundi has become passionate about social justice issues, particularly racism and sexism.

Ilundi has an International Baccalaureate Diploma and a Bachelor of Arts Degree and is currently studying a Master in Arts and Cultural Management.

Ilundi has written a column in the University of Melbourne magazine “Farrago”, titled “Race Against the Odds” that featured six articles for each edition in 2021. Each piece discussed aspects of racism, including colonialism and intersectionality.  Ultimately, Ilundi enjoys connecting with people and describes herself as empathetic and loyal.

Kristina Mei

Kristina is a second generation Chinese Australian who is passionate about mental health and wellbeing of immigrant and multicultural youth, especially in the age of social media.

As a Psychology graduate, Kristina strives to combine her research experience and understanding of issues related to mental health, loneliness, queer identities, and discrimination to help advocate for policies that matter to young people. In addition, Kristina is interested in the way young people connect and heal through creative expression.

Mark Yin

Mark Yin (he/him) is what you might call a ‘1.5 generation’ migrant, born in China but having lived in Naarm since age four. Mark is currently working as a public servant and teaches undergraduate criminology at the University of Melbourne, where he completed an Honours degree in 2021. He also dabbles with podcasts and is currently co-hosting ‘Chinese-ish’ on SBS.

Mark has previously worked in the youth and community sectors as a facilitator and research officer, and is passionate about youth participation, racial justice and intergenerational equity.

Maria Rosales

Originally from Venezuela, Maria arrived in Australia in mid-2015 and completed a Bachelor of International Relations degree at La Trobe University. Maria is passionate about community development programs that support multicultural communities and young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. This informed her work at the Centre for Higher Education Equity and Diversity Research at La Trobe University, at her internship with Diaspora Action Australia and to become an Explore researcher at CMY.

As a young woman, a migrant and someone from a refugee background, Maria aims to put her lived experiences and skills at the service of programs and research-based efforts that are focused on improving resources, and creating pathways and opportunities for future generations of young people with migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Aside from her professional work, Maria is also an abstract artist and a dancer. She firmly believes that connecting with our unique skills and talents allows for deeper connection with ourselves and our purpose, to reach our highest potential and be of service to the world.

Meg Lee

Meg (she/her) believes that positive social change can only be achieved with curiosity and compassion. Identifying as ‘mixed race’, Meg advocates for a more inclusive approach to race and culture, which recognises the complex intercultural realities that shape many of our lives.

Meg is a PhD candidate at the Centre for Health Equity, the University of Melbourne, currently conducting a participatory research project in Western Victoria. Using photovoice, walking and seated interviews, she is working with young people from English Additional Language backgrounds, to explore their perspectives on mental wellbeing. Born and raised in regional Victoria, Meg is also passionate about addressing the ‘metro-centric’ nature of research affecting young people in Australia.

Meg currently works part-time at a Melbourne-based non-profit. Working as a Project Officer, she supports advocacy and community conversations with multicultural young people, creatives, and community leaders. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology.

Michelle Lim

Michelle (she/her) is a Malaysian-born Taiwanese, raised in Australia, and currently resides in Naarm/Melbourne. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Global Studies, with a major in International Relations.

Michelle has interests including culture, international politics and youth advocacy. She is also passionate about bringing awareness toward young peoples’ mental health and wellbeing, with the aim to tackle structural barriers that prevent young people from reaching out and getting the right support they need.

Alongside her studies, Michelle is involved in research projects on global emotional wellbeing, multicultural youth and international affairs. Bringing an outgoing and empathetic attitude to her work, Michelle also seeks to empower young adults as they transition into adulthood through a range of mentoring and volunteer programs at her university.

Luisa Taafua

As a second-generation Samoan, residing in the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri People, Luisa is passionate about championing the youth voice to help inform policies and promote youth participation throughout the decision-making process. A recent Bachelor of Science graduate, and currently pursuing her Master of Public Health at the University of Melbourne, Luisa endeavours to ensure the youth perspective is at the forefront of pioneering new spaces and providing real-life solutions to issues young people presently face.

Luisa currently works in the not-for-profit public health and policy space, and is a strong advocate for addressing inequities faced by migrant and refugee youth, to ensure there are seats at the table for all culturally and linguistically diverse young people. In her spare time, Luisa mentors rural and regional high school students, as she is a firm believer in equal access and opportunity and is devoted to investing in the next generation.

Her interests are wide and far-reaching – ranging from mental health, inter-generational trauma and culturally taboo subjects, to climate change, community engagement and inclusivity. Overall, Luisa aspires to empower young people to unapologetically pursue their goals whilst paving the way for the next generation to follow.

Peter Savat

Peter (he/him) lives, works and plays on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung peoples. He values building connections and collaborating with others to support young people in different aspects of their lives.

His interests in research, youth participation and cultural identity led him to the role of Youth Researcher at CMY. Peter hopes to continually learn from and advocate for other young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds.

Peter has worked and volunteered within mental health, research, education and youth empowerment. He currently works in the employment and the youth mental health space, supporting service delivery.