Meet the Team
Meet the Team
2022 Fellows
Amira Nunn
I am a 3rd year Political Sciences & International Relations student at UWA. I recently completed a number of personal development programs such as the Diverse Women Leadership Program and the Emerging Leaders in Governance Program which led to my current position as a board intern with the YMCA WA.
At university I hold the position of president of UWA Muslim Students Association as well as the co-officer of the Ethnocultural Department with the UWA Student Guild.
In my spare time, I adjudicate with the WA Debating League and volunteer my time with an Islamic School, Qaswa as well as a radio show host with a Malaysian Community Radio.
Blaise Kost
I am a Health Promotion graduate currently working in the tertiary education space as a disability practitioner for the University of Western Australia.
Since graduating back in 2020 my first role was the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing and Resiliency Coordinator regionally in Narrogin before I commenced my role in student recruitment at the University of Notre Dame. I have continued to work in the tertiary sector specialising in disability where I currently work as the Accessibility Advisor at UWA.
Throughout my studies I completed over three hundred hours of volunteering in community organisations that focused on sexual health, homelessness, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities and youth. These organisations include Western Australian AIDS Council (WAAC), Royal Life Saving Society, AIME, City of Canning, St. Patrick’s Community Centre and Rural Health West.
Cailin Jordan
I am a Psychologist and Senior Fertility Counsellor who has a passionate interest in preconception health and equality. I am also a member of the Your Fertility Advisory Panel and a Member of The Evidence Based Guideline Development Group for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
I began my career at Sydney’s St. Vincent’s Hospital in Grief and Bereavement, moving into Suicide Prevention and then private practice in a women’s health practice, which led to my interest in assisting people with lifestyle change to enhance their fertility. I have a keen interest in helping families optimise familial health.
Heidi Tempra
I am an experienced K – 12 educator who is currently working as an Education Officer for a Not-for-Profit organization. I regularly lecture at TAFE and I have a great passion for making education engaging and accessible for all students, irrespective of ability or background. I have completed two Bachelor Degrees at Edith Cowan University, as well as two Master Degrees from Notre Dame University, one in the area of Special Learning Needs and the other in Early Childhood Education. I taught primary aged students for many years, focusing on developing and implementing literacy programs that focused on early intervention and education for families. More recently, I held the position of Head of Secondary with a major focus on consulting and working alongside senior school students preparing for university entrance or vocational pathways. I am a committee member of a local community group that focuses on mental health for teenagers in regional communities, as well as holding positions on other organizations that support and promote local areas.
Isra Sedda
I am working as parenting mentor in Communicare with a program called HIPPY Australia. I am registered Circle of Security parenting facilitator. I am currently one of the City of Canning Cultural Ambassadors and volunteering with the City with Bilingual story time program. I have bachelor degree in Science, major Physics from Palestine. I worked as Math teacher before migrating to Australia. I am currently studying Certificate IV in teaching Aide. I am a public speaker who participated in panel discussion events with UN association and City of Canning. I am a Diverse women leadership program alumni.
Liora Fletcher
I am a project officer at Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation which works alongside First Nations peoples to protect Native Title rights and manage Country and opportunities in the Pilbara and Yamatji regions.
In 2021, I graduated from UWA majoring in Political Science and International Relations and spent my time after volunteering for an incredible not-for-profit which aims to empower members of the community living with a disability through programs which break down social isolation barriers. During this time, I also campaigned for a strong, female political candidate at the recent election.
I am passionate about the empowerment of women in policy, the advocacy of welfare-disability rights and amplifying the voices of First Nations peoples.
Nicole Kostova
I am currently in my final semester of my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science/International Relations and Marketing at the University of Western Australia. I am also a Public Engagement Intern at the US Consulate in Perth and a Public Relations Officer at Singular Health – an ASX listed medical technology company. In 2021, I was in charge of a communications campaign with the Department of Transport to prevent oil spills in the Western Australian Coastline and Swan River. It was this experience that made me realise I wanted to use the combination of my studies to sell a message and create positive changes in society. This has led me to volunteer my time as a Content Creation Coordinator for Short Back and Sidewalks – a for-purpose organisation that provides haircuts to marginalised community members.
Rashmi Watel
After migrating from India I set up a home and business in Australia. Despite being a qualified engineer and having an MBA, I found it difficult to achieve a sense of acceptance in a new cultural environment that is not user friendly to non-native English-speaking people. I use this personal experience as the passionate motivation to help empower people from diverse backgrounds to achieve self-belief and confidence at work and in the community. My notable achievements include being a TEDx Speaker and setting up a Company to support non-native English Speakers. I am a strong advocate for the importance of mental health, and work to create awareness about mental health issues through my company’s social initiative.
Taniea King
I am in my penultimate year of Psychology and Laws at Curtin University. I have exhibited an interest in creating innovative solutions to systemic issues by representing Australia in a proposal to the Colombian Government, focused on creating safe jobs for low-income earners in Peri Urban areas. I have further refined my interest in politics following an internship with the Political Adviser at the United States Consulate in 2022. My joint submission to the Idea Symposium on the “Future of Education” received an honourable mention from the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicines for its originality and future-orientation.
Anna Churack
I am a young Australian political and legal professional. I graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Political Science and International Relations, and Law and Society) and completed my Juris Doctor at UWA in 2020.
I have worked largely at the intersection of politics and law, working for politicians and judges, and as a graduate at the National indigenous Australians Agency. I have interned at the National Native Title Tribunal, volunteered on political campaigns during the 2022 Federal Election, and I’m currently working as an Electorate Officer.
I am a keen hockey and floorball player, with a passion to see women in sport succeed and lead. I am a committed ally of women from all kinds of diverse lived experiences. I seek to “share the mic” and to better use my privilege to uplift the voices of more marginalised women.
Bronwyn Smith
I am a secondary Teacher, currently primarily teaching Politics and Law, Psychology and Media. I am also developing a life skills course for years 7-12 and a social justice class that covers global issues, the Sustainable Development Goals, examples of inspirational young changemakers and an anti-racism unit.
I have a Bachelor in Arts Management from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, a Diploma of Education from Charles Darwin University, a Bachelor in Global Education from the University of Tasmania and am working towards another degree in Political Science.
Previously I have worked in the Music Festival Industry and Television and Film Industry. Roles included working as an Assistant Director and production assistant on movies including The Wolverine and The Great Gatsby.
Diane Avice
I am the Operations Manager for a Disability Service Organisation, delivering support services to vulnerable Western Australians, under the National Disability Insurance Scheme. I volunteer as an executive member with Women Of Colour Australia and also offer my time with our elders with Bethanie. I am a United Nations member as well as a volunteer project officer with 100 Women. I hold a Bachelor Degree (with Honours) in Management with a specialization in Marketing. I have since pursued training in Mental Health, Positive Psychology in a clinical setting and I am a Certified Neurochange Practitioner. My passion lies with lending my voice to vulnerable groups; particularly women and children at risk of or experiencing Domestic or/and Family Violence. I am a strong advocate against gender-based violence and remain committed to make a difference and create a stronger community of girls and women, laying a path for future generations.
Isabel Rear
I am a third-year university student, studying at the University of Notre Dame. I am completing a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Politics and International Relations & Marketing and Public Relations.
I am currently completely an internship at the US Consulate Perth in the Public Affairs-Media department and I also work part time at Bunnings in a customer service role.
I graduated from Iona Presentation College in 2019, where I achieved a WACE certificate.
I enjoy voluntary work and have been involved in Neighbour to Neighbour and Disabled Surfing. I have a strong passion for politics and a desire to bring about positive change in the world. I am particularly interested in female rights, Indigenous rights and environmental issues such as climate change.
Jawaria Mahmood
I am an Engineer by qualification. I currently work at The Smith Family as a Learning Club Coordinator. My role provides extra support in education of disadvantaged kids. I am also a part of D&I working group of Engineers Australia where my focus is on promoting positive work culture and in shaping the future of engineering in WA. I have experience working in government and corporate sectors as well as with a charity. I actively present issues faced by Pakistanis in Australia to the Department of Home Affairs. I regularly hold bilingual storytime sessions in partnership with local councils that give young kids an opportunity to stay connected to their culture.
Lucy Marshall
In 2021 I completed my degree in Psychology, Criminology and Justice at Edith Cowan University. Throughout my studies I worked as a retail assistant and support worker. I was an intern in the 2021 cohort of the Labour Movement Internship, where I gained experience in campaigns and the unions. Upon completion of the internship, I began working as an electorate officer for a State Member of Parliament. n 2022 II worked as an Associate at Anacta. I am passionate about the role of women in politics and leadership in society today. We are seeing so much change across the globe in political spheres and there is a loud call for young women to get involved. I am excited to be a part of this movement towards increasing women's representation.
Nikita Miller
I am a Health Promotion Practitioner, currently working as a Community Development Officer at Freedom Centre. Freedom Centre is a LGBTIQA+ youth support service. I was a student at Curtin University where I completed my bachelors degree in Health Promotion. In my final year at Curtin University I was on the Health Promotion Student Association as the communications representative. Before joining Freedom Centre, I was working as a Health Promotion Officer for WA Country Health Service (WACHS) in Geraldton. I have work experience in both the not-for-profit sector working at Freedom Centre and completing my work placement at Western Australian Royal Life Saving Society and government working at WA Country Health Service.
Sonaa Aneja
I am currently a first-year student pursuing a degree in Economics and Finance at Curtin University. I have plans to further my education by pursuing a Juris Doctor as part of my post-graduate studies. Alongside my studies, I work as a Barista at a coastal restaurant located in the northern suburbs. Within my academic realm, I proudly serve as a first-year representative for the Curtin Student guild where my peers and I engage in discussions aimed at enhancing the overall student experience. Additionally, I am a member of Curtin Women in Business where we orchestrate events dedicated to supporting all Curtin women in their business endeavours. My passion lies in advocating for increased women's representation in prominent positions and I eagerly anticipate the oppurtunity to contribute to this vision.