

our speakers
Our Speakers will present on topics from their perspectives and experiences, act as emcees for events, or as panel members, to inspire young people to develop skills in public speaking and media relations on topics they feel passionate about.
Habiba Asim
Habiba is a change maker. Growing up a female Pakistani Muslim is an identity Habiba is very proud of. The role the media plays in depicting stereotypes of her community is an issue Habiba faces head on in everything she does. Habiba has a strong leadership experience in raising awareness of issues such as domestic violence, extremism, racism and discrimination in partnership with other young leaders in the community and Non-for-profit organizations. Habiba has also been working as a sexual health peer educator with the Youth Educating Peers project creating safe spaces for young people to talk about topics considered taboo in different communities.

Patrick Gunasekera
Patrick is an emerging multidisciplinary artist who works in theatre, performance, creative writing and visual arts. Patrick is driven to make work which fosters empathy and reflection in his audience, particularly as these relate to working towards justice for marginalised citizens. Patrick also volunteers in peer support work to foster resilience, wellbeing and sense of belonging and citizenship in young people, and he identifies as queer and disabled.

David Mugisha
David is a dreamer. Originally from the Democratic republic of Congo, David fled violence to seek safety for himself and his family. Since arriving in Australia David has been spending his time volunteering for organizations such as the City of Cockburn youth center, United Nations Youth WA and the Leeuwin Career Challenge while studying full time at North Lake Senior Campus. David hopes to be a champion to other young people, to motivate them to appreciate their opportunities and to live a fulfilled life. David also hopes to study International relations with a dream of becoming a diplomat.

Michael Moore
Michael is a passionate person who is motivated by the challenges he has faced in life. He views his struggles as his greatest teacher, helping him be strong, resilient, more understanding of the struggles of others and to never stop dreaming. Michael believes that we can make the world a better place for everyone. He is from Liberia, and came to Australia in 2017. He is currently completing his Diploma in Civil and Structural Engineering at TAFE. Michael is passionate about being a positive voice in his community, sharing his experiences and encouraging others. He has been a part of the Shout Out program since 2018, has represented MYAN as a delegate for WA in Melbourne and spoken through other various programs. Michael's hobbies include hanging out with friends, playing soccer, music and playing the guitar.

Hossein Bouazar
Hossein is a young Ahwazi refugee who arrived in Australia late 2012. He completed his Diploma of Information and Computer Technology Networking whilst learning English. Students from schools around Western Australia find him and his story inspiring. He likes to use his story of migrating to Australia to explain how important freedom and democracy are. He is currently employed by Kolbe Catholic College as the Information, Communications & Technology Systems Officer.

Fatema Shalemie
Fatema is a nurturer by habit. She preaches for positive change in the realm of social justice and lives to defy stereotypes. She aims to break boundaries and vocalise on discourse surrounding mental and sexual health within the CaLD community, through her experience having been a peer educator for the YEP Project from 2016 to 2019. She is currently studying her Masters in Data Science at UWA and previously completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology. When she isn't laughing at her own jokes, Fatema can be found studying, spending time with friends and giving her undivided attention to her cat. Her Afghan heritage has influenced her as a self-proclaimed kebab critic and being raised as an Australian citizen, she identifies as a toasted sandwich connoisseur.

Wahida Samim
Wahida is a witty and ambitious Afghan Australian who is passionate about women and girl’s education. She has been influential in the establishment of Salsaal Integration Association and has been active in encouraging girls to become more engaged in the community. Her ambition is to live in a world where education is a reality for all. She considers herself optimistically realistic and is a believer of the theory, give me a good mother and I will give you good nation.

Mohammad Hadi Rahimi
Hadi is a one-stop-shop. Hadi is originally from Afghanistan but spent of his life in Pakistan. Having lived in two cultures, Hadi provides crucial insights about growing up in Afghani and Pakistani cultures. Hadi studies social work at Curtin University. He is well known for his advocacy work in the space of refugees and asylum seekers. Hadi acts as spokesperson and has recently heavily involved in state political system. The aim of his involvement to present issues in his local communities on the legislative level. Hadi sits on multiple Youth Advisory Committees and is one the CALD representative from WA presenting the voices of young people on the National level, with HEADSPACE. Hadi values inclusivity, social justice and respect for all people and reflects on those values with his professional practice.

Musa Kamara
Musa is an enthusiastic and energetic speaker who loves to inspire others to reach their full potential. Musa has a very creative mind and loves to incorporate his interest for fashion, dancing and storytelling into highlighting the many challenges faced by young newly arrived Australians.

Collin Wiyoto
Collin is a language and theatre enthusiast. Indonesian, Javanese, English, French, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin are some of the languages Collin is passionate about. Collin believes that languages open a whole world to a different culture, new perspective and new ways of experiencing the world. Collin is also passionate about using language and performing arts to empower young people to embrace their diversity, develop inclusivity and proud of their own unique identity to reach their full potential and contribute to their communities.

Zahra Al Hilaly
As a first generation Australian to migrant and refugee parents, Zahra believes she is a catalyst for change. Her goal is to empower young migrant and refugee people to become leaders within the community. Having worked with young leaders across the world with organisations like the United Nations Women in New York, the International Federation of the Red Cross and White Ribbon, she believes that young people are the present and are the agents that will shape this world.

Gisele Ishimwe
Gisele Ishimwe is an emerging creative, story teller, highly sought after speaker and a Master student researcher at the University of Western Australia. Her interests range from multiculturalism, diaspora affairs, race, resettlement, displacement and migration. Over the years she has been an active member in the community through volunteering on numerous projects alongside organisations like the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network WA, Office of Multicultural Interest, Commissioner For Children and Young People WA and the organisation of African communities in WA to name a few. Through this experience she has gained a greater understanding of some of the challenges associated with resettlement of refugees and migrants in Australia for the broader Australian community. She is dedicated to seeing the Australian dream of fairness become a reality for all Australians throughout all her work.

Parul Goplani
Parul is a volunteer, health science student and receptionist by day…and an avid reader by night. Her volunteering and work commitments see her actively invested in the socio-cultural, educational and developmental side of the Australian community. In her free time she enjoys food tastings, watching Netflix and talking about the world.

Jumana Jasim
Jumana Jasim is an optimistic, compassionate and determined Iraqi Australian woman. She believes dialogue is the spark of change and is key to making our society more inclusive. Jumana works towards uplifting the concerns of the community to ensure all those marginalised are heard. She is currently study Law and Global Politics, hoping to use this degree to pursue a career in human rights to help the oppressed and is currently the UNICEF Young Ambassador of WA, advocating for children rights across the country and abroad

Abdul Rahman Hamid
Abdul is a proud Pakistani-Australian who is passionate about empowering young people to find their sense of identity and belonging to our community. He believes respect and understanding is the key to a more cohesive society. Having lived overseas before moving back to Australia has given him exposure to diverse communities, leading to better understanding of diverse cultures. He currently engages and has volunteered with different local and national organisations while studying Sports Science Full-time at UWA and at the same time manages to inspire others by his public speaking. He is also the founder of the newly established UWA Pakistani Society. Abdul is also a foodie and hopes one day open a restaurant that serves food of all cultures, For now, he enjoys cooking to bring family and friends together.

Vithan Thillairajah
Vithan is a stoic character who from fleeing the hostility of Sri Lanka, has overcome many challenges here in Australia including racism, bullying, learning difficulties and the subsequent low self-esteem and confidence issues that coincide. Through sharing his story, Vithan instils hope and belief to the people around him. He’s also passionate about finding one’s identity and the importance of education and mental health. He is studying to be a doctor at the University of Western Australia and volunteers with various organisations in his community.

Yosef Asresse
Yosef was born in Sudan and his heritage is Ethiopian. Yosef is a business student at Curtin University, who is passionate about inspiring the youth and bringing out their full potential. One of his greatest achievements was representing Tasmania in soccer at the Australian Institute of Sports and being selected in the All Star squad at nationals in Futsal. Though still passionate about soccer, Yosef now focuses on his personal development and university studies.


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If you would like to express your interest to hear about the next round of recruitment or if you would like to hear about other opportunities available through MYAN WA please email myanwa@yacwa.org.au