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2023 Fellows

Please note- Fellow bio's correct as of December 2023

“I am an Australian Music Producer and Hairdresser. Currently self-employed, I perform as “Astrid Fox” 3 nights per week. During the day, I operate my own hairdressing business named Rock Paper. I am an active member and volunteer at Reconciliation WA. I am a conservation volunteer at Department of Parks and Wildlife. I departed my corporate role as State Educator for Kerastase/L’Oreal in 2022 to pursue a career in the Music Industry. I completed education at the London Sound Academy in 2023 and awarded a trophy for my efforts. I have used my platform as a recording artist to inspire adolescents in my community. I volunteer at Churchlands Senior High School ‘Spark’ program. My objective is to provide disengaged students with skills and workplace opportunities. My aspirations are to continue to release new music and perform around the world. My music represents my message. I am committed to building relationships with young people within my community and being a positive role model through action.”

Kylie Hodgkinson

“I am an Australian Music Producer and Hairdresser. Currently self-employed, I perform as “Astrid Fox” 3 nights per week. During the day, I operate my own hairdressing business named Rock Paper. I am an active member and volunteer at Reconciliation WA. I am a conservation volunteer at Department of Parks and Wildlife. I departed my corporate role as State Educator for Kerastase/L’Oreal in 2022 to pursue a career in the Music Industry. I completed education at the London Sound Academy in 2023 and awarded a trophy for my efforts. I have used my platform as a recording artist to inspire adolescents in my community. I volunteer at Churchlands Senior High School ‘Spark’ program. My objective is to provide disengaged students with skills and workplace opportunities. My aspirations are to continue to release new music and perform around the world. My music represents my message. I am committed to building relationships with young people within my community and being a positive role model through action.”

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Psychological Sciences and Human Resources, along with a Master of Teaching specialising in Humanities and Social Sciences. I have a passion for the public sector, particularly politics and government. Currently, I work in local government, showcasing a versatile and multi-faceted skillset. This year, I took on the role of Youth Parliamentarian for the 2023 WA Youth Parliament, demonstrating my commitment to empowering the voices of the younger generation. I have aspirations to further my academic journey with a focus on law studies in the near future. I strongly believe in the significance of women's representation in parliament and values diversity, particularly in ensuring that culturally and linguistically diverse individuals have their voices heard.

Noor Al Hilaly

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Psychological Sciences and Human Resources, along with a Master of Teaching specialising in Humanities and Social Sciences. I have a passion for the public sector, particularly politics and government. Currently, I work in local government, showcasing a versatile and multi-faceted skillset. This year, I took on the role of Youth Parliamentarian for the 2023 WA Youth Parliament, demonstrating my commitment to empowering the voices of the younger generation. I have aspirations to further my academic journey with a focus on law studies in the near future. I strongly believe in the significance of women's representation in parliament and values diversity, particularly in ensuring that culturally and linguistically diverse individuals have their voices heard.

“I am an Electorate Officer for Sue Ellery MLC Member for South Metro Region, but have also worked for other Members in State Government since 2021 such as Simone McGurk, Lisa O'Malley, and several others. I am also a radio host and producer for Radio Fremantle and have my own weekly segment called Freo-Verse, a talkback and music program with a special focus on diversity and inclusion. I completed the Labour Movement Internship in 2022. I received the University Education Award from Zonta Club of Perth for studying full time at University as a single mother and my advocacy for social justice issues. I graduated with a double degree at Notre Dame University Fremantle in BA Behavioural Science and a BA in Politics and Journalism.”

Stacey Harding

“I am an Electorate Officer for Sue Ellery MLC Member for South Metro Region, but have also worked for other Members in State Government since 2021 such as Simone McGurk, Lisa O'Malley, and several others. I am also a radio host and producer for Radio Fremantle and have my own weekly segment called Freo-Verse, a talkback and music program with a special focus on diversity and inclusion. I completed the Labour Movement Internship in 2022. I received the University Education Award from Zonta Club of Perth for studying full time at University as a single mother and my advocacy for social justice issues. I graduated with a double degree at Notre Dame University Fremantle in BA Behavioural Science and a BA in Politics and Journalism.”

“I am the CEO of Gosnells Community Legal Centre, a non-profit organisation working in social justice, a Justice of the Peace, and an Elected Member in the City of Gosnells. I am also a Board member of Community Legal WA, and the Community Legal Australia. I studied undergraduate Arts degrees in Indigenous Studies and English at Murdoch University, before completing a Master of Business Leadership at Charles Sturt University. I have completed the Australian Institute of Directors course and am passionate about supporting non-profit organisations to achieve great outcomes for individuals and community.”

Sarah Patterson

“I am the CEO of Gosnells Community Legal Centre, a non-profit organisation working in social justice, a Justice of the Peace, and an Elected Member in the City of Gosnells. I am also a Board member of Community Legal WA, and the Community Legal Australia. I studied undergraduate Arts degrees in Indigenous Studies and English at Murdoch University, before completing a Master of Business Leadership at Charles Sturt University. I have completed the Australian Institute of Directors course and am passionate about supporting non-profit organisations to achieve great outcomes for individuals and community.”

"I am a first-year law student and work part-time as an electorate officer at. My keen interest in youth issues and policy making got me selected as a Youth Member of the Parliament, where I had the opportunity to advocate and debate bills based on the interests and concerns of our state’s youths. I was elected as the Leader of the Opposition and this role involved addressing the media, managing caucus meetings and leading debates in Parliament House. As someone who faced racism and witnessed the struggles of migrants, I am very passionate about the social issues that affect people from diverse and multicultural backgrounds. This led me to become a Cultural Ambassador for the City of Canning. I am a Board Member and a volunteer for a not-for-profit charity, Ubuntu Australia, where I am supporting the vulenrables and migrants in getting back to their lives. I was the recipient of the ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award .”

Syeda Maisara Muzaffar

"I am a first-year law student and work part-time as an electorate officer at. My keen interest in youth issues and policy making got me selected as a Youth Member of the Parliament, where I had the opportunity to advocate and debate bills based on the interests and concerns of our state’s youths. I was elected as the Leader of the Opposition and this role involved addressing the media, managing caucus meetings and leading debates in Parliament House. As someone who faced racism and witnessed the struggles of migrants, I am very passionate about the social issues that affect people from diverse and multicultural backgrounds. This led me to become a Cultural Ambassador for the City of Canning. I am a Board Member and a volunteer for a not-for-profit charity, Ubuntu Australia, where I am supporting the vulenrables and migrants in getting back to their lives. I was the recipient of the ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award .”

"I am an Anthropology and Sociology graduate currently working as a Research Administrative Assistant at the Raine Study. In this role, I work with the Raine Study’s life-long participants to organise community focus groups, creating a space for participants to have a voice in Raine Study research. I am currently completing my research-based Honours dissertation exploring religious sex education, for which I was awarded the 2022 Clare Mann Prize in Anthropology. During my undergraduate studies, I was a member of The Humanities Student Representative Committee and The Curtin Women’s Collective, which developed my passion for community representation in institutional contexts."

Grace Cayley

"I am an Anthropology and Sociology graduate currently working as a Research Administrative Assistant at the Raine Study. In this role, I work with the Raine Study’s life-long participants to organise community focus groups, creating a space for participants to have a voice in Raine Study research. I am currently completing my research-based Honours dissertation exploring religious sex education, for which I was awarded the 2022 Clare Mann Prize in Anthropology. During my undergraduate studies, I was a member of The Humanities Student Representative Committee and The Curtin Women’s Collective, which developed my passion for community representation in institutional contexts."

“I am a passionate community advocate who stands side by side the community to address social & local issues that are concerning & holding us back from progression. I have an undergraduate degree in Accounting & Finance from Curtin University, and currently working as a coordinator at BGC Housing Group. I am the founder of Hazara Women’s Support Network, Assistant Secretary for Perth Labor Women Inc, Vice Treasurer to Sisters Project, and a Hazara Advocate. I have completed my high school studies in Australian Islamic College.I have been community interpreter in Dari, Hazaragi, and Farsi languages since 2007. I was also chair of Multilingual Australia, Public Relations Coordinator for Hazara Community of Western Australia, and Vice President of Australian Hazara Women’s Friendship Network. In the past I have worked as Accounts Officer and Regional Recruitment Consultant at ORS Group and worked as Accounts Officer for Australian Wildlife Conservancy. I have also worked and volunteered as Admin and Accounts officer for Muslim Women’s Support Centre.”

Fatima Faqiri

“I am a passionate community advocate who stands side by side the community to address social & local issues that are concerning & holding us back from progression. I have an undergraduate degree in Accounting & Finance from Curtin University, and currently working as a coordinator at BGC Housing Group. I am the founder of Hazara Women’s Support Network, Assistant Secretary for Perth Labor Women Inc, Vice Treasurer to Sisters Project, and a Hazara Advocate. I have completed my high school studies in Australian Islamic College.I have been community interpreter in Dari, Hazaragi, and Farsi languages since 2007. I was also chair of Multilingual Australia, Public Relations Coordinator for Hazara Community of Western Australia, and Vice President of Australian Hazara Women’s Friendship Network. In the past I have worked as Accounts Officer and Regional Recruitment Consultant at ORS Group and worked as Accounts Officer for Australian Wildlife Conservancy. I have also worked and volunteered as Admin and Accounts officer for Muslim Women’s Support Centre.”

“I am from Malaysia and moved to Adelaide for my undergraduate degree and completed a PhD (Medical Sciences) in three years in 2012 at the University of South Australia followed by a Master in Public Policy (Public Administration & Governance) with Distinction in 2021 from The University of Western Australia. I am now a Senior Research Fellow working at The University of Western Australia in the cardiorespiratory field. My current research interest is to understand why small babies have increased risk of asthma in later life.”

Kimberley Wang

“I am from Malaysia and moved to Adelaide for my undergraduate degree and completed a PhD (Medical Sciences) in three years in 2012 at the University of South Australia followed by a Master in Public Policy (Public Administration & Governance) with Distinction in 2021 from The University of Western Australia. I am now a Senior Research Fellow working at The University of Western Australia in the cardiorespiratory field. My current research interest is to understand why small babies have increased risk of asthma in later life.”

“I am a penultimate year Law and Journalism student at Curtin University, currently working as a Digital Reporter at the ABC. I was born and raised in Perth and maintain a strong cultural and linguistic connection to my Vietnamese heritage as a member of that diaspora. In 2022 I completed a Summer Fellowship with Media Diversity Australia, which reminded me of the ways in which a lack of diversity in thought and experience can translate into a loss-bearing exercise for public discourse. Alongside my full-time law studies, I am the Client Relations Manager at the student-run management consulting charity WAUC, which provides pro bono services designed to enhance the capacity of local not-for-profit organisations. I was previously an Executive Member of Teach Learn Grow in various capacities, where I now retain Honorary Life Membership.”

Angela Ho

“I am a penultimate year Law and Journalism student at Curtin University, currently working as a Digital Reporter at the ABC. I was born and raised in Perth and maintain a strong cultural and linguistic connection to my Vietnamese heritage as a member of that diaspora. In 2022 I completed a Summer Fellowship with Media Diversity Australia, which reminded me of the ways in which a lack of diversity in thought and experience can translate into a loss-bearing exercise for public discourse. Alongside my full-time law studies, I am the Client Relations Manager at the student-run management consulting charity WAUC, which provides pro bono services designed to enhance the capacity of local not-for-profit organisations. I was previously an Executive Member of Teach Learn Grow in various capacities, where I now retain Honorary Life Membership.”

“I'm a 5th-year Law and International Relations student at Murdoch University with a deep passion for politics. I recently had the privilege of interning at the U.S. Consulate, gaining valuable political experience. Currently, I serve as an Education and Training Officer for Y Youth Parliament, actively engaging in state parliamentary proceedings. Beyond my political pursuits, I have a sporting background. I proudly represented Australia in the National Under 18 Women’s Ice Hockey Team from 2014 to 2018, winning a gold medal in San Sebastian in 2017.”

Celestine Adams

“I'm a 5th-year Law and International Relations student at Murdoch University with a deep passion for politics. I recently had the privilege of interning at the U.S. Consulate, gaining valuable political experience. Currently, I serve as an Education and Training Officer for Y Youth Parliament, actively engaging in state parliamentary proceedings. Beyond my political pursuits, I have a sporting background. I proudly represented Australia in the National Under 18 Women’s Ice Hockey Team from 2014 to 2018, winning a gold medal in San Sebastian in 2017.”

“In 2021 I graduated with a Double Degree in Arts and Behavioural Science with majors in Social Justice, Politics & International Relations from the University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle. I have interned on the 100 Families WA Project which has led me to my current position as a Social Policy Program Support Officer at WACOSS. I am a passionate lived experience Advocate in The Equity Project and Youth Ambassador for the Foyer Foundation. I am striving for better policy and practice that will really help those in disadvantage and unfortunate circumstances. I am passionate about Climate Change and Environmental Conservation.”

Kim Robinson

“In 2021 I graduated with a Double Degree in Arts and Behavioural Science with majors in Social Justice, Politics & International Relations from the University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle. I have interned on the 100 Families WA Project which has led me to my current position as a Social Policy Program Support Officer at WACOSS. I am a passionate lived experience Advocate in The Equity Project and Youth Ambassador for the Foyer Foundation. I am striving for better policy and practice that will really help those in disadvantage and unfortunate circumstances. I am passionate about Climate Change and Environmental Conservation.”

“I am a current Psychology Honours student who recently completed a Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling at Edith Cowan University. I currently work as the engagement officer for We Are Womxn, an evidence-based, trauma-informed organisation using education initiatives to empower and educate young women across Western Australia. I am also a member of the Sexual Health Promotion and Education Research Youth Advisory Board, whereby I assist in creating approaches to support sexual health education among young people. I have a great desire to diminish stigmas, promote sexual inclusion and empower the community through combining education initiatives, psychology and political representation.”

Alexis Pallister

“I am a current Psychology Honours student who recently completed a Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling at Edith Cowan University. I currently work as the engagement officer for We Are Womxn, an evidence-based, trauma-informed organisation using education initiatives to empower and educate young women across Western Australia. I am also a member of the Sexual Health Promotion and Education Research Youth Advisory Board, whereby I assist in creating approaches to support sexual health education among young people. I have a great desire to diminish stigmas, promote sexual inclusion and empower the community through combining education initiatives, psychology and political representation.”

“I am a government relations specialist, passionate about creating positive change. I hold a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours from Curtin University, and having worked for many years as a structural engineer for housing projects, progressed to advocating on behalf of that industry. During my completion of a Graduate Diploma in Law, Policy and Government from the University of Western Australia, I established the ongoing advocacy program for energy consumers in Western Australia. Since then, I have become a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and have been working closely with the Western Australian government to progress energy policy settings that support cleaner, reliable and affordable energy supplies for Western Australians, with a focus on the delivery of decarbonisation enabling infrastructure.”

Rachelle Gill

“I am a government relations specialist, passionate about creating positive change. I hold a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours from Curtin University, and having worked for many years as a structural engineer for housing projects, progressed to advocating on behalf of that industry. During my completion of a Graduate Diploma in Law, Policy and Government from the University of Western Australia, I established the ongoing advocacy program for energy consumers in Western Australia. Since then, I have become a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and have been working closely with the Western Australian government to progress energy policy settings that support cleaner, reliable and affordable energy supplies for Western Australians, with a focus on the delivery of decarbonisation enabling infrastructure.”

“I am a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Tax Advisor and Partner at a national Professional Services Firm. I am currently the President of my Children’s P&C, a Board Member of the local Primary School and Treasurer on three board – Swan Chamber of Commerce, Ellenbrook Community Collective and Metro Central Junior Football Conference (a subsection of the WA Football Commission). I present weekly for 9 News Perth as a Finance Expert as well being called on by other media, such as on 6PR and Mix 94.5 to explain financial concepts to their audiences.”

Michelle Maynard

“I am a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Tax Advisor and Partner at a national Professional Services Firm. I am currently the President of my Children’s P&C, a Board Member of the local Primary School and Treasurer on three board – Swan Chamber of Commerce, Ellenbrook Community Collective and Metro Central Junior Football Conference (a subsection of the WA Football Commission). I present weekly for 9 News Perth as a Finance Expert as well being called on by other media, such as on 6PR and Mix 94.5 to explain financial concepts to their audiences.”

“An advocate for social justice and women's empowerment, I work as a case manager in reintegration support for women involved in the justice system, both pre and post-release. In 2022 I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in SocialScience, with my studies sparking a passion for justice and policy reform. I'mdriven to tackle systemic issues and create structural change. My community sector knowledge has grown through volunteer roles with Red Cross Advisory Board and more recently, Hello Initiative. I am excited to build my skills to make positive change for under-representedwomen, families and youth in Western Australia and across the country.”

Kathryn Sharpe

“An advocate for social justice and women's empowerment, I work as a case manager in reintegration support for women involved in the justice system, both pre and post-release. In 2022 I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in SocialScience, with my studies sparking a passion for justice and policy reform. I'mdriven to tackle systemic issues and create structural change. My community sector knowledge has grown through volunteer roles with Red Cross Advisory Board and more recently, Hello Initiative. I am excited to build my skills to make positive change for under-representedwomen, families and youth in Western Australia and across the country.”

“I am currently studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political & International Relations and Social Justice at Notre Dame University. I am working part time and am travelling to Africa in December to volunteer in childcare. I have a keen interest in Women’s, LGBTQIA+ and children’s rights, and am striving to be an advocate for these issues in the coming years. I would love to work with international bodies such as the UN in committees concerning women's rights, and aim to create a more equal space for women in politics.”

Gabriella Gavranic

“I am currently studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political & International Relations and Social Justice at Notre Dame University. I am working part time and am travelling to Africa in December to volunteer in childcare. I have a keen interest in Women’s, LGBTQIA+ and children’s rights, and am striving to be an advocate for these issues in the coming years. I would love to work with international bodies such as the UN in committees concerning women's rights, and aim to create a more equal space for women in politics.”

“I am a proud Noongar woman with connections to Ballardong and Whadjuk. I work as a public servant with a particular interest in Land Activation and Divestment and Business Development for First Nations people to assist in social, cultural, environmental, and sustainable economic growth. I have considerable experience in the Insurance and Broking sector. Alongside my professional experience, I and am a mixed media, hobby visual artist and Vice Chairperson at Living Proud, LGBTIQA+ Community Services of WA. I am a strong advocate for diversity, equality, inclusion, belonging, social justice and emotional and mental health.”

Erin Leahy

“I am a proud Noongar woman with connections to Ballardong and Whadjuk. I work as a public servant with a particular interest in Land Activation and Divestment and Business Development for First Nations people to assist in social, cultural, environmental, and sustainable economic growth. I have considerable experience in the Insurance and Broking sector. Alongside my professional experience, I and am a mixed media, hobby visual artist and Vice Chairperson at Living Proud, LGBTIQA+ Community Services of WA. I am a strong advocate for diversity, equality, inclusion, belonging, social justice and emotional and mental health.”

 “I am a year 11 student at The Studio School. I am a passionate environmental activist. In the Last year I have been working on creating my own non-profit organisation and was also attending Work Experience at WA Wildlife (formally Native ARC) working with the native animals there. I also work and volunteer with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC). I Have been doing communications and social media for AYCC as well attending meetings with the public as well as leaders and politicians in Perth. I am also involved in group projects at TSS she has been part of beach clean-ups and tree planting as well as helping run the schools volunteering with the Friends of Cantonment Hill group restoring the area and planting new seedlings.”

Chloe Sanderson-Farrell

“I am a year 11 student at The Studio School. I am a passionate environmental activist. In the Last year I have been working on creating my own non-profit organisation and was also attending Work Experience at WA Wildlife (formally Native ARC) working with the native animals there. I also work and volunteer with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC). I Have been doing communications and social media for AYCC as well attending meetings with the public as well as leaders and politicians in Perth. I am also involved in group projects at TSS she has been part of beach clean-ups and tree planting as well as helping run the schools volunteering with the Friends of Cantonment Hill group restoring the area and planting new seedlings.”

“I am a final year student of the Master of Architecture course at the University of Western Australia and will be joining the Graduate program at Department of Finance (WA) in February 2024. This follows an internship at Department of Communities within the Urban Design, Planning and Approvals team. I was elected 2023 National Vice-President of SONA for the Australian Institute of Architects, with a milestone in my term serving as a Co-Creative Director for the national design competition, SuperStudio. I am passionate about advocating for policies which encourage accessible, sustainable design and connected communities that enable citizenry participation.”

Kathryn Neale

“I am a final year student of the Master of Architecture course at the University of Western Australia and will be joining the Graduate program at Department of Finance (WA) in February 2024. This follows an internship at Department of Communities within the Urban Design, Planning and Approvals team. I was elected 2023 National Vice-President of SONA for the Australian Institute of Architects, with a milestone in my term serving as a Co-Creative Director for the national design competition, SuperStudio. I am passionate about advocating for policies which encourage accessible, sustainable design and connected communities that enable citizenry participation.”

‘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 the 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 opportunity to contribute to this vision.”

Aaliyah Panton

‘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 the 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 opportunity to contribute to this vision.”

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