Fundi is the visionary Founder of SK00L 0F FL0W and the ingenious mind behind the 7Ps Coaching Framework. With a profound commitment to growth and empowerment, Fundi's journey encompasses leadership development, team building, and executive coaching. Through SK00L 0F FL0W, he crafts transformative experiences that inspire individuals to reach their highest potential. Fundi's expertise is channelled through the innovative 7Ps Coaching Framework, which encapsulates his mastery in leadership and holistic development. His services go beyond conventional coaching, delving into the realms of personal and professional transformation. As a driving force in the realm of leadership, Fundi's contributions ripple across industries, fostering a culture of excellence and empowerment. His legacy is one of empowerment, igniting the journey of countless individuals and teams towards success and fulfilment.

Mary Akindele is a café owner, entrepreneur, and community builder based in Melbourne.

She is the founder of two thriving hospitality ventures: Sam’s Café, a much-loved local spot known for its specialty coffee and welcoming atmosphere, and Mary’s, her latest project — a vibrant space that blends breakfast staples with a Nigerian twist, inspired by her heritage.

Hailing from the UK with Nigerian roots, Mary brings a multicultural perspective to her work, creating spaces that champion warmth, inclusivity, and connection. Her cafés are more than just places to eat and drink; they are hubs for creativity, culture, and community.

Passionate about financial independence and representation, Mary uses her entrepreneurial journey to inspire others — showing that with vision and resilience, anything is possible.

Henrietta is a Ghanaian-Australian actor and writer, with a passion for storytelling both on stage and screen. She is also a recent graduate in International and Global Studies and International Relations from the University of Sydney.

On stage, Henrietta’s most recent work includes her performances in the Sydney and Melbourne seasons of Is God Is, produced by the Sydney and Melbourne Theatre Company. On screen, she brought the character of Talia to life in the Stan Original series BUMP.

This January, Henrietta’s heart for spreading positivity led her to launch The Good Gratitude, a brand devoted to helping people cherish the good in their lives. With a mission to shift us closer to an appreciation for what we have, rather than a fixation on what we lack, The Good Gratitude seeks to infuse more goodness into our world and community.

The first offering is a gratitude journal, thoughtfully written and developed by Henrietta. The Good Gratitude is very close to her heart and is a project that brings her immense joy to bring to life with her community.

Kemi Nekvapil is one of the world’s leading credentialed coaches for female executives and entrepreneurs, a bestselling author and a highly sought-after international speaker.

She has studied leadership and purpose at The Gross National Happiness Centre in Bhutan. Kemi also trained in Texas with Dr Brené Brown, and facilitated the Dare to Lead™ program for five years. Her clients have included Zoom, Atlassian, Commonwealth Bank, Audible, AFLW, and NBC Universal.

Kemi is the author of four books, including the bestselling POWER – A woman’s guide to living and leading without apology. She is also the host of POWER Talks with Kemi Nekvapil, an Audible Original podcast. Her latest book is Grounded Success – A woman’s guide to cultivating success on her own terms.

Gracious Is an award winning finance advisor with more than 10 years’ experience within the Australian banking sector. She is an experienced mortgage broker having worked for a major banking corporation for almost a decade, and she is also an astute property investor with a wealth of experience in property investments.

Gracious migrated to Australia 14 years ago and understands how challenging it can be for an immigrant wanting to secure their financial future through property investment. Having gone through the process herself, Gracious is fully equipped to assist people who have migrated to Australia to achieve the Australian dream.

Ursula Lepporoli is a dynamic leader known for driving talent mobility across borders through her expertise in tax. She is the Tax and Legal lead for Victoria at her firm and is known and respected for cutting through complexity and making tax fun.

Ursula is a highly sought-after speaker and a LinkedIn influencer. She is also the executive sponsor for the Money Matters employee resource group at KPMG, where she hopes to help close the gap in wealth at retirement.

Emmagness Ruzvidzo is a multi-award-winning Brand and Marketing Strategist, Professional Coach, and Keynote Speaker. With over 15 years of experience in strategic brand management and marketing roles, she brings a wealth of expertise in building iconic brands that drive business growth.

Awards and Recognition

• Top 25 Influential African Australians in Queensland by The Courier Mail
• Queensland’s 40 Under 40
• Queensland Day Award
• Wonderful Woman of Waterford Award

Personal Interests:

Em loves taking long walks, meeting new people, and discovering the best coffee places in Queensland.

Nyachan Nyak is the visionary founder and CEO of the Nas Recovery Centre (NRC), dedicated to delivering culturally tailored support for substance use and mental health in African communities. With over a decade of experience in health services, she champions integrated care guided by culture and lived experience leadership.

Nyachan earned her master's degree in mental health and a bachelor's of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs. She is a certified suicide prevention and intervention skills trainer and actively participates as a member of various committees, including the Department of Justice and Community Safety Advisory Committee and the State and Territory Suicide Prevention Response Expert Committee. In these roles, she advises the government on evidence-based strategies for suicide prevention and response.

Her unwavering commitment to community empowerment is reflected in her honours as a Westfield Local Hero and Women's Agenda Leadership finalist, and the Africa Day Inc. Community Organisation Excellence Award and Amari Gala 2025 Social Impact Award nominee. Nyachan’s vast insights and passion also makes her a sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator on the topic of Strengthening Mental Wellbeing.

Masego Pitso is an actor, model, and MC, who lives by the saying motho ke motho ka batho – "I am because you are." Born in Welkom, South Africa, she is currently residing on Dharug land.

Her craft is driven by a deep love of storytelling and community, rooted in a desire for truth to prevail. “It doesn't always have to be beautiful, but if it sits in truth, there is astonishing beauty to behold.”

Masego's theatre credits include Chewing Gum Dreams (2022, Green Door Theatre Company and Redline Productions), Is God Is (2023, Melbourne Theatre Company and Sydney Theatre Company), The Lewis Trilogy (2024, Griffin Theatre Company), Who No Know Go Kno (2024, Malthouse Theatre), and Picnic At Hanging Rock (2025, Sydney Theatre Company).

Laurinda Ndenzako is Co-Founder and Creative Director of Collective Closets. Since establishing the brand in 2016 alongside her sister Fatuma, Laurinda has pioneered something unprecedented in the Australian fashion landscape—successfully bridging two continents through fashion that honours and celebrates dual heritage.

As an African-Australian designer and entrepreneur, Laurinda has reshaped how the fashion industry approaches cultural dialogue. Under her creative direction, Collective Closets creates collections that open conversations, challenge perceptions, and showcase the sophistication of African textiles in contemporary design. The brand's philosophy centres on creating enduring pieces that make women feel seen, understood, and beautiful.

Collective Closets stands as the go-to brand for authentic African-Australian fashion, celebrating Black women the way they see themselves—powerful, sophisticated, and beautifully complex. Laurinda's work has become more than a fashion label; it's a cultural movement that demonstrates how honouring heritage can transform entire industries.

Laurinda's journey embodies the "Blossom and Bloom" spirit—proving that when we celebrate who we truly are, we create unprecedented impact and reshape landscapes others thought unchangeable.

Bedi is a passionate Human Resource professional with over 10 years of experience within the financial, legal, and public sectors. She is currently the Head of Corporate Services at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.

Bedi is a strong advocate for inclusion within the workplace and is the proud co-founder of DivTal, an HR training and consulting firm committed to assisting organisations in building diverse and inclusive workplaces with an intersectional lens.

Bedi holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Management (HR Strategic Management) from Monash University. She believes in breaking barriers and the importance of representation in every industry. You may also find her on the runway or in a campaign as she is also a curve fashion model.

After a successful career in the not-for-profit space for 14 years, Lani Molefe's passion for true inclusivity has led her to design organic SUKU into a professional Afro-textured brand that's instrumental in reshaping salon culture in Australia.

In addition to organic SUKU, Lani is the co-founder of ProStylist Academy, a groundbreaking program designed to elevate the careers of young Black hair stylists in Australia. Through this initiative, ProStylist Academy aims to provide opportunities and support for aspiring stylists in an industry that needs to celebrate their immense talent.

Lani's recent success in securing a pitch prize at the Anyone Can Accelerator Program further underscores the importance of this required course correction in the industry.

The vision is simple: Lani is designing a future where Afro-Textured hair receives the highest level of expertise wherever hair is styled and cared for.

Dr. Morley Muse is a Chemical, Environmental, and Renewable Energy Engineer with expertise in waste-to-energy generation, wastewater treatment, renewable hydrogen generation, biofuels production, and energy transition, including storage, transmission, and waste heat reuse. She holds multiple board and executive leadership positions and has worked across academia and industry, including in consulting and construction.

Among her various work and accolades are being a board director with Women in STEMM Australia, a previous ambassador for CSIRO's Innovation Catalyst Global, and a past Advisory Group Member of the Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM Program with the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. Dr. Muse is also a member of the RISE Expert panel with Diversity Council Australia (DCA), Settlement Services International (SSI), and Chief Executive Women (CEW).

Dr. Muse is the Co-Chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Executive Committee with Science, Technology Australia (STA) and mentors senior women in STEM through STA’s Superstars of STEM Program. As Co-chair of STA’s EDI Committee, she was part of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group, contributing to the co-delivery of STA’s RAP and Innovate RAP strategies.

In addition, Dr. Muse is a member of the Energy Reference Group with Jemena Energy, providing expert advice on the energy transition, tariffs, and electricity price reset for Jemena Energy and its customers.

Dr. Muse has received several awards for her work in advancing women in STEM, a highly male-dominated field. She is the winner of the 2022 Women’s Agenda awards in the Emerging Leader in STEM category. She was also named a finalist for the 2022 Victoria University Alumni Awards in the 'Rising Star' category. She is a finalist for the CEO/Board Executive category in the 2023 Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards and recently received a bronze award for Social Enterprise Excellence at the 2024 AusMumpreneur Awards.

As the co-founder of iSTEM Co, a research, consulting, and talent-sourcing business that enables employment for women in STEM, Dr. Muse continues to encourage women, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, to further their careers in STEM. iSTEM Co was a finalist for the 2022 Women in Digital Awards, a Merit award winner at the 2023 Tech Diversity Awards in the business category, and a finalist for the 2023 Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards. In 2023, the iSTEM Group launched DEIR, a recruit-tech platform that eliminates recruitment bias for women in STEM. DEIR has received multiple recognitions, including the Lift Women Social Impact Award and the 2023 Equity in Innovation Award at the Start-up Burning Heroes Competition.

Zindzi Okenyo is a television and theatre actress who has worked extensively throughout the industry. A graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art, she is a presenter on Play School and performs music under the stage name OKENYO.

She is best known for the song "Woman's World."

Zindzi also works as a theatre director, most recently for state theatre companies Melbourne Theatre Company and Sydney Theatre Company.

She is passionate about cultural leadership and about creating and facilitating spaces for people of the African diaspora to thrive.

Agata (Aggy) Saka is the founder of Saka Hair Studio, a Black-owned salon in Brunswick West known for its expertise in textured hair and inclusive approach to all hair types. What began in her home has grown into a leading Melbourne studio.

Her work celebrates Black hair as both culture and art. In 2024 she presented at the National Gallery of Victoria’s Africa Fashion exhibition and received the Amari Gala Business of the Year award.

In 2025 Aggy expanded into film, working on two American productions. Across salon, stage, and screen, she continues to inspire confidence and champion creativity.

Tyra Lynne Banks (born December 4, 1973), also known as BanX, is an American model, television personality, producer, writer, and actress. Born in Inglewood, California, she began modeling at 15 and became the first African American woman to appear on the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, where she appeared three times.

Banks rose to Supermodel status, worked as a Victoria’s Secret Angel from 1997 to 2005, and became one of the world’s highest-paid models. She later acted in projects such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Higher Learning, Life-Size, and Coyote Ugly, with additional roles in Love & Basketball, Halloween: Resurrection, Gossip Girl, and Glee.

In 2003, she created and hosted America’s Next Top Model, producing most of its seasons, and also led shows like The Tyra Banks Show, FABLife, America’s Got Talent, and Dancing with the Stars.

In addition, Dr. Muse is a member of the Energy Reference Group with Jemena Energy, providing expert advice on the energy transition, tariffs, and electricity price reset for Jemena Energy and its customers.

Banks wrote the bestselling novel Modelland, founded Bankable Productions, and has been named among Time magazine’s most influential people as well as a Legendary Supermodel by MODELS.com.

Wanyika Mshila is a Kenyan-born Australian community changemaker with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of Arts, Corporate, and Community spaces. Renowned for her ability to bridge cultural divides and foster inclusivity, Wanyika’s work centres on empowering marginalized voices, celebrating diversity, and driving meaningful social change.

Wanyika has led initiatives that create accessible cultural experiences for diverse communities. Her commitment to inclusivity is further demonstrated through her consultancy and work for impactful productions, like:

• Sydney Opera House: “Hot Brown Honey”, “All About Women; Community Champions”, “Homelands” (collaboration with SSI and CuriousWorks)
• National Theatre of North Parramatta & Griffin Theatre Co: “Orange Thrower”
• Belvoir Theatre Co: “Black Brass”
• Darlinghurst Theatre Co (Sydney) / La Boite (Brisbane) / Malthouse (Melbourne): “7 Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner”
• Old Fitz Theatre: “Chewing Gum Dreams”
• Belvoir St 25A: “Snakeface”

She has done public programming for:

Art Gallery of NSW, Open Inner West and STARRTS / MAV

And has built long term relationships with community organizations such as STARTTS, SSI, Blue Peony Foundation, MRC Parramatta, Inner West Council, African Women’s Dinner Dance, Africultures Festival, CuriousWorks, DARTS to name a few.

She currently sits on the Board of African Film Festival Australia and is also an avid Entrepreneur.

Ama Lordia Baduwa Baidoo, also known as Ama, was born in Tarkwa, Ghana, where her father worked as a driver, and her stepmother managed a restaurant, forming the basis of their family business.

Ama completed her primary education as a boarding student in Accra, where she learned responsibility and independence. She then moved to Takoradi for her secondary and tertiary education, often returning home during vacations to help in the family restaurant.

Later, Ama joined her mother’s family in Brisbane, Australia, where she contributed to their hairdressing business. After completing university, Ama pursued a career in planning and project management, eventually moving to Sydney, where she met her husband.

Frustrated with the corporate world, Ama relocated to Melbourne and embraced her entrepreneurial spirit by starting a food business, driven by her passion for cooking. She began offering home deliveries during the COVID lockdown and eventually expanded her services to events and catering. Ama is deeply grateful for her journey and for the support of her family, friends, and customers.

Jeanette is an experienced policy professional and community advocate, currently working as a Senior Policy and Program Officer.

She has extensive experience providing strategic policy advice and analysis on anti-racism, higher education leadership development, and diversity and inclusion practices across the not-for-profit, tertiary, and community legal sectors.

Jeanette is passionate about ensuring that women of colour have the necessary tools to succeed and thrive in the workplace.

Edith-Peace is a growing creative, a multifaceted artist with a passion for theatre, writing, visual art, and performance.

They let their lively energy and vibrant personality shine through everything they do and create.

Her work often explores themes such as identity, introspection, unapologetic authenticity, and their experience navigating the world as a Black, neurodivergent, and queer artist.

NIASHA, the dynamic creative entrepreneur hailing from Zimbabwe, is a testament to the belief that profound creativity can emerge from the most unexpected places.

Now based in Melbourne, Australia, she credits her Zimbabwean roots for shaping her distinctive sound and fueling her artistic evolution. With the versatility to blend genres and craft melodies in multiple languages, NIASHA keeps audiences on their toes, always anticipating her next move.

She considers this unpredictability her artistic superpower. Passionate about young people, psychology, community, and love, she seamlessly weaves these themes into her musical compositions and visionary concepts.

My name is Ashley Fri Vola, and my story begins in Bamenda, North-West Cameroon, where my love for food and flavour first took root. On February 1st, 2005, my family and I migrated to Australia, carrying with me not just recipes, but memories, traditions, and a passion for sharing the taste of home.

I went on to open Vola Foods, one of the very first Cameroonian restaurants in Australia, a place where food became a bridge between cultures. Through Vola Foods, I was fortunate to showcase the beauty of African cuisine on some of the country’s biggest stages, including:

• Plate of Origin (Channel 7)
• The Cook Up with Adam Liaw (4 episodes)
• Postcards (Channel 9)
• Food Star (Channel 9)
• ABC Radio National with Jonathan Green (How well do you know your onions?)
• Live multicultural cooking demonstrations
• African cooking classes

Even after closing the restaurant, my journey didn’t stop. Just getting started! Today, I continue to share the flavours of Cameroon through cooking videos and recipes on social media, catering, festivals, community events, cooking classes, while also mentoring and helping others kick start their own food businesses.

Looking ahead, my vision is to create an even greater impact through Vibing with Vola, a platform that celebrates food, culture, and community on a larger scale. With more community events, deeper cultural exchange, and the dream of reopening Vola Foods, I hope to build not just a restaurant, but a movement: a space where African cuisine continues to inspire, connect, and bring people together.

Hailing from your chest, on the left, Kudakwashe fuses all you know with all you don’t show on a sonic stretch of AfroFolkish. The limit does not exist for a musician of their curiosity, conjuring genre fluidity, visceral lyricism, and defiant hybridity; brewing a little something, sonic something, for your eardrum. Take a sip.

Chia Adams, also known as Chia the Artist, is a Nigerian-Australian creative entrepreneur, DJ, and artist. With a double degree in Commerce and Biomedical Science, Chia brings a unique blend of creativity, strategy, and analytical thinking to everything she builds.

Her work sits at the intersection of music, technology, and business, empowering the next generation of creatives to not only express themselves but scale sustainably.

Chia has performed on stages such as Promiseland, Ego Expo, and AfroJamz, and collaborated with global brands including Converse, JD Sports, and Footlocker. Beyond performance, she has directed large-scale creative productions, served as Entertainment Director for Summer Jam, and led marketing campaigns that spotlight emerging artists and communities.

Australian-born and raised in the south-east of Naarm (Melbourne), Christina Mekonnen is a DJ with Ethiopian heritage who is passionate about bringing people together through a shared love of music. With a versatile sound spanning Afrobeats, Dancehall, R&B, and Hip Hop, her sets are known for their warmth, energy, and connection.

As a co-founder of Riddim, Christina plays an active role in curating community-focused events that celebrate music, culture, and unity. Whether performing at intimate gatherings or larger festivals, she strives to create experiences that resonate and bring people closer through rhythm and vibe.

In the short time since KYE formally introduced herself to the world, she's already won over audiences with her celebratory, sun-soaked sound that effortlessly bridges pop and R&B.

Her debut EP, ‘Good Company’, released in 2021, saw KYE collaborate with Touch Sensitive, Sampa The Great and Jerome Farah, garnering nationwide acclaim from the likes of triple j, The Guardian, Rolling Stone, Fashion Journal and more.

2022 saw KYE drop club heater ‘Bossin’, soon followed by infectious pop anthem ‘Clique’, heralding a new era for the Zimbabwean born, London raised and now Naarm based artist. Collectively, the pair garnered acclaim from the likes of triple j, CADA, Paper Magazine, Line Of Best Fit, NME, 10 Magazine, RUSSH and more.

Destined for the stage, 2022 also saw KYE headline packed out Club Bossin’ shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. She supported her childhood heroes, the iconic TLC, joined Genesis Owusu, Sampa The Great, Peking Duk & The Jungle Giants at their live shows, also appearing on the lineups of Ability Fest, Beyond The City and NYE on The Hill, and was selected as Spotify’s EQUAL Ambassador.

Bolstered by the release of her sophomore EP Ribena, KYE stormed into 2023 with an appearance at For The Love Festival, joining the likes of Charli XCX and Cosmo’s Midnight. Ribena was nominated for Best R&B/Soul Release at the 2023 ARIA Awards, with KYE also performing live at the awards show.

KYE has kickstarted 2025 with the release of single ‘Gospel’, which sees her turn inward, examining her existing values and perspectives, and considering how they have changed and evolved as she herself grows older. Co-written with G Flip and Aidan Hogg, ‘Gospel’ sees KYE exploring new and innovative sonic landscapes while continuing to champion her distinct voice and artistic expression.

Soli, a Melbourne-based Ethiopian artist, emerges as one of the city's most captivating R&B talents. With a voice as smooth as silk and soulful tones that linger in the hearts of listeners, her velvety soulful tones have mesmerised audiences for years, leaving an indelible mark with her emotive lyrics and storytelling abilities.

Soli's debut EP, "Daily Thoughts," features standout tracks like "Blessed," "Temporary Low," and "Pray."

Her impressive journey includes touring with Masego, opening for Yussef Dayes, working closely as a backing vocalist with Australian pop-icon Tones and I, and most recently, being announced as the official support act for the Tems Australia tour.

Through her artistry, Soli is not only making waves but also leaving a lasting impact on her community, a testament to her undeniable talent and dedication.

Vanessa is a registered nurse, digital marketing specialist, model, and creative multi-hyphenate passionate about employee wellbeing and creating supportive environments.

With over a decade of nursing experience in the US and Australia, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Adolescent Health and Wellbeing, she brings a unique perspective on how health, culture, and leadership shape thriving teams.

Beyond healthcare, Vanessa has built a career in digital marketing across live music, festivals, and B2B/B2C industries. Her approach blends creativity and authentic storytelling to uplift people and organisations alike.

Ugandan, Australian-born, and Texas-raised, Vanessa brings a rich multicultural perspective to her work. As a dancer, model, and storyteller, she hopes to inspire others to lead with confidence, connection, and joy.

Tigist (She/Her) is an Ethiopian who was born in Sudan and came to Australia as a child under the humanitarian program. She trained as a Counselor and has experience working in the public and private sector, including advisory roles in various levels of government. Tigist has strong grassroots connections with diverse communities, with expertise in workforce development and consulting.

In 2018 “Pola Psychology,” was founded by Nasalifya Namwinga, Tigist Kebede joined in 2019 and together they established Pola Practice Pty Ltd in 2021.

Tigist Kebede employs trauma informed and intersectional frameworks into her practice and advocacy. She specialises in working with adults with particular interest in culturally responsive clinical practice. Tigist has experience working forensic, non-profit and health sector. She has a history with working with racial trauma, sexual assault, family violence and refugee trauma. Tigist is able to use a variety of therapy approaches, including Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Person Centred Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy and Attachment theory. Through collaborative discussion and an understanding of her client’s needs, she provides inclusive and responsive care to people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Sherry-Rose is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, changemaker, and public speaker, passionate about sustainable community development, social enterprise, diversity, women in leadership, and the social, political, and economic empowerment of women and girls worldwide.

As a dedicated youth advocate, Sherry-Rose has represented her peers as Vice-chair on the Victorian Government’s Youth Congress, a local ambassador and Youth Activist for Plan International Australia, and a Committee Member of both the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s (VMC) Multicultural Youth Network and the Victorian Government’s Rights Responsibilities and Consequences Advisory Group.

Internationally, she has acted as a Victorian Australian Youth Representative to the International Commonwealth Youth Parliament (CYP), an Australian diaspora youth representative to the African Union Consultative Conference in China, and an observer at The United Nations Consultative Status on Women Conference (CSW65).

As a consultant, Sherry-Rose works on co-design projects centered around youth advocacy, community development, and diversity in leadership. She is also the founder of the social enterprise WomanGirl, which empowers diverse young women by creating greater access to opportunities for their personal and professional development. Most recently, she founded MIYA, a lifestyle cookie brand that supports community wellbeing programs, raises awareness about mental health, and spreads joy through indulgent cookies.

In all her endeavors, Sherry-Rose seeks to challenge individuals and communities, especially young people, to recognize their power, harness their talents, and become active collaborators for systems change. Her vision is to one day lead innovative global social impact projects, collaborating with experts across diverse industries to design a more sustainable and equitable world.

On her journey, she hopes to inspire others, particularly young women of color, to aspire for more, live boldly, and strive to reach their full potential.

Lydia Tesema is an award-winning MC, Host, Presenter, Moderator, Interviewer, Speaker, Creator, Youth Programs Facilitator, Consultant and the founder of Below The Surface.

Born and raised in Melbourne with proud Ethiopian roots, Lydia’s journey is uniquely shaped by her experiences across diverse cultural landscapes and her dynamic career spanning different industries.

An in-demand collaborator, Lydia Tesema is celebrated for her exceptional ability to connect, engage and excel across diverse spaces, including Entertainment, Cultural, Commercial, Governmental and Not-Profit sectors.

Lauren Mullings is a multi-disciplinary artist of Afro-Caribbean descent. As an arts professional, she has worked extensively across the creative sector, designing and leading major contemporary art and cultural projects locally and internationally.

Her love of producing and developing new creative projects has roadtested her skills in financial management, a journey that has been less than linear.

She is passionate about empowering creatives of colour, and for seeking dignity and respect for their contributions to the evolution of the arts.

Gracieuse Amah, known as “KWABO” (meaning welcome) Grace, is an award winning choreographer, cultural leader and creative force whose work bridges art, community, advocacy, and justice. Of French, Beninese, and Togolese heritage, she uses African dance and storytelling as tools for healing, education, and systemic change— reclaiming visibility for BIPOC individuals in Australia’s creative and civic spaces.

As founder of KWABO Events and KWABO Festival, she creates immersive art experiences and platforms that celebrate resilience and identity, and fos ter belonging. Her latest initiative, the KWABO Art Incubator is a peer-led, multi-artform program nurturing emerging BIPOC artists across dance, singing, spoken word, and photography.

An Ausdance VIC Board Chair, French IP Lawyer, and Senior Privacy Advisor, Grace believes in the power of soft law (principles, ethics, and culture) to shift systems from within. She fuses creativity with advocacy, placing racial equity and cultural safety at the centre of her work. Her contribution is one of empowerment, solidarity, and movement welcoming all into the rhythm of change.

Ella-Rose Chanel is a florist, floral artist, and advocate for holistic wellness through nature. Her journey from the demanding world of a Ministerial Advisor to the calming practice of floral artistry is the foundation of her unique approach to floral therapy.

Having worked for a number of Ministers and public sector agencies, including social, economic, and national security, Ella-Rose understands the pressures of modern life.

At Lakeside Blooms, she offers more than just arrangements; she curates therapeutic floral experiences designed to reconnect people with nature, encourage self-expression, and foster inner calm and healing.

Jahmelia Martin is a recent university graduate who is passionate about enabling her community through fitness and engagement.

She is the founder of Haffimekamove, a fitness initiative aimed at promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle within her community. The initiative provides unique ways to engage her community's interest in sports and overall physical wellbeing. Haffimekamove's most recent ‘Top Steppa Initiative’ has 50+ participants aged between 16 and 50, encouraging participants to achieve at least 10,000 steps a day.

Jahmelia also works as a Program Coordinator for African Youth Alliance, where she leads programs aimed at tackling various issues within the African Australian community, such as inclusivity and mental wellbeing.

With a diverse background in developing and managing health programs within her community, Jahmelia is committed to improving the overall wellbeing of everyone she encounters.