Dr. Anindita Banerjee is a practicing artist, an experienced curator, and an arts manager. As a twice uprooted Indian currently living and working on the land of the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation, Anindita's research interests include cultural otherness, authentic identity, and the sense of home.

With an arts practice-led PhD from Deakin University and over 12 years of diverse experience in the art industry, Anindita has a deep understanding of contemporary Australian narratives and post-colonial migrant studies. She has exhibited in established spaces such as the Victoria Parliament Melbourne, Customs House Sydney, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, the Academy of Fine Arts in Kolkata, the Palazzo Bembo Gallery in Venice during the 2019 Biennale, and the Art Gallery of Ballarat as part of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale.

Anindita has a proven track record in exhibition planning and management, having successfully secured funding, sourced and managed diverse exhibition venues, developed marketing strategies, and organised public programming. Anindita serves as the Public Art Officer at the City of Ballarat, where she manages the city's nationally significant public art collection, embracing a multi-perspective approach that acknowledges historical contexts and sensitivities.

Her strategic planning skills, expertise in contemporary art practices, and experience in community engagement would be an asset to Multicultural Arts Victoria, and she is confident in her ability to make a significant impact.

See Anindita’s website here.

Annisa Li Zhang was elected Councillor of City of Glen Eira in November 2020. She was elected Deputy Mayor for the 2021/22 Council year, and held the roles of Chair of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and Chair of the Community Grants Advisory Committee.

Annisa works in the fashion and retail industry. She has an Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Melbourne and 20 years of business experience.

Born in China, and obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in in Japanese Language and Literature, Annisa is a trilingual speaker of Mandarin, Japanese and English. She is a lifelong writer and has published many short works.

Annisa has one teenage son. She enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and volunteering in the community.

See Annisa’s LinkedIn profile here.

Ayesha Bux is the founder of SalamFest. Her Great Great Grandfather came first to Australia in 1860. Her family is of Pakistani heritage and is in its seventh generation in Australia.

She has a master’s in Computer Science from RMIT University and has taught at various universities. Ayesha is on the board of JCMA (Jewish, Christian, Muslim Association) and the chair of the Women’s committee. Ayesha has served on the SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneurs Council board and as the Honorary Investment Consul for Pakistan in Melbourne. She has presented globally at various conferences and events, including CHOGM Perth, WexNet and Education without Borders.

She is an avid supporter and volunteer for multiple causes, including women empowerment, inter-faith harmony and linkages, and empowerment of the community’s high needs or marginalised groups. She gained a valuable insight into the traditions and practices of the Abrahamic faiths during her Catholic schooling. This inspired ongoing support of interfaith initiatives.

Ayesha desires to share and celebrate Muslim contributions to arts, culture and cuisine with the broader Australian community.

Dr. Belle Lim is a recognised advocate, writer, speaker, and consultant. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Future Forte, a charity supporting international students and multicultural women. Under her leadership, Future Forte has empowered over 3,000 women globally and partnered with organizations such as the Victorian Government, City of Melbourne, University of Melbourne, and various community groups.

Currently, Belle is a Senior Manager at MindTribes, a DEI consulting firm specialising in the intersectionality of race, culture, and gender. She works with public and private sector organisations to enhance workplace diversity and inclusion for culturally diverse individuals and is trusted by various Victorian departments and large businesses.

Belle holds a PhD in breast cancer genetics from Monash University. She was a 2023 Fellow with the Schmidt Futures’ International Strategy Forum representing Asia Pacific and has received numerous accolades, including Victorian International Student of the Year (2019), Victoria Volunteering Leadership Award Finalist (2022), Asia Society's Asia Game Changer Finalist (2023), and Global Citizen Youth Leader Award (2024).

See Belle’s LinkedIn here.

Dada Li is a feminist artist and activist specialising in using applied theatre to engage communities on feminist issues, promoting gender equality and social justice. She serves as the Multicultural Communities Liaison Officer at the Parliament of Victoria.

With over a decade of experience in NGOs and a Master of Social Work from the University of Melbourne, Dada is dedicated to empowering marginalised individuals and supporting them in overcoming adversities through a person-centred and anti-oppression approach. As a Chinese migrant and a settlement case worker assisting refugees, she deeply understands the challenges that multicultural communities confront. This drives her commitment to advocating for culturally and linguistically diverse communities and ensuring their voices are heard.

Particularly affected by the impacts of the loss of friends in the arts community during COVID-19, Dada is passionate about supporting the mental health and well-being of artists, as well as improving their employment and income opportunities.

Daizy Maan is a curator, speaker and advocate. She is the founder of the Australian South Asian Centre - a non profit dedicated to empowering Indian & South Asian women creatives and founders.

She produced, marketed and performed in Brown Women Comedy at Melbourne Int Comedy Festival.

She has served on multiple boards, including a publicly listed company board (CSX: NSX) and led Deakin University's flagship startup program and later University of Melbourne's for six years and Melbourne Accelerator Program at University of Melbourne.

Recognised by as one of the most influential South Asian Women from around the world by AWF Power List, her impactful work has been featured on SBS World News and ABC. More locally she was named Boroondara Young Citizen of the Year. She is proudly Punjabi-Australian and lives in Melbourne. Most recently her essay is being published in Growing Up Indian in Australia by Black Inc in June 2024.

See Daizy’s LinkedIn here.

Daniele Noel is a Mauritian-born Australian marketing and communications professional with over 25 years of experience in the tertiary education and health and ageing sectors. She holds postgraduate qualifications in marketing and communications and has demonstrated expertise in building strategies that support diversity and inclusion in aged care and health. Completing a Bachelor's of Music (Voice) from the Melba Conservatorium of Music over 20 years ago, Daniele remains an avid appreciator of the creative arts.

As a creative strategist, Daniele leads marketing and communications efforts in her family-owned residential aged care business, ensuring culturally diverse residents, many from the post-war settlement generation, enjoy diverse music performances and cultural celebrations. This enhances cognitive and sensory engagement and fosters mental and emotional well-being. Additionally, she is a strategic communicator in the health and genomics sector, driving change for those living with genetic and rare diseases at state, federal, and international (UN/WHO) levels.

In 2021, Daniele became President of the Communities Council on Ethnic Issues (CCOEI), a multicultural grassroots advocacy organisation in the eastern metro region. She has strengthened relationships with the Ethnic Communities Council Victoria (ECCV) and local councils, increased support for CCOEI's volunteer activities, and promoted intercultural learning between multicultural and First Nations communities.

With proven business acumen, leadership, and governance experience, Noel can support MAV’s strategic goals, elevate its profile, and strengthen community engagement to increase the diversity and reach of MAV’s audiences and membership.

See Daniele’s LinkedIn profile here.

Deepa P Mani is a Performing & Teaching artist with over 30 years’ experience in both Classical Bharathanatyam & Contemporary styles. An accomplished performer, dance theatre producer and owner of Chandralaya School of Dance, she believes passionately in the power of traditional dance to connect people with their heritage, sense of self and inner creativity. Born in Chennai, Deepa is a lifelong student of the ancient artform of Bharathanatyam. She has lived – and danced - in India, the United States and now Australia, forging community through her advocacy for dance as a pathway to wellbeing.

In addition to serving as artistic director, Deepa is also a Teaching artist at The Song Room, Regional Arts Victoria, and the esteemed John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in the states. Deepa has also held position on the Executive Board Director of the Creative Women's Circle, a non-profit organisation whose goal is to promote the advancement of women in a variety of creative and innovative fields. Deepa also serves on the Advisory Team for the Glen Eira Business and Economy as well as the Multicultural Art Committees.

Deepa provides business mentorship for entrepreneurs through an organisation, Inspiring Rare Birds. With 20 years of expertise in business and systems architecture, business strategy, and transformation, Deepa is also a well-known IT expert. She infuses every project she works on with an unflagging energy, a creative spark, and a strong work ethic.

See Deepa’s LinkedIn profile here.

Effie Nkrumah is an energetic and charming multi-hyphenate cultural creative of Ghanaian descent and founder of inclusive, made in Ghana, slow fashion brand Keziah Jemima.

A contributor in Maxine Beneba Clarke’s Growing up African in Australia anthology, Effie holds an MA in Arts Politics from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where she developed her practice as an interdisciplinary artist, relying on memory and the archive to bring various art forms together. Driven by the concept of challenging the single story of Africa through stories of continental Africans in diaspora, Effie creates content that is entertaining, aesthetically pleasing and discussion prompting. Her installation series See What I See has been performed in Sydney, New York, and Accra.

From her clothing design methods to her creative conquests, Effie’s mission is to ensure that people living at the pinpoint of complex intersection can find a sense of grounding, of pride in who they are and a renewed curiosity about who they can be.

She is the voice of Astra, a Ghanaian agent in Riot Game’s Valorant, played by over 2 million people worldwide. After 10 years choreographing and stage managing Ghana’s leading theatre company, Effie continues to work in and for community.

See Effie’s LinkedIn profile here.

Emily has returned to her hometown of Melbourne after living and working in Singapore for many years. She has spent 17 years working for not-for-profit arts organisations in Singapore, 14 of those years in leadership roles.

Most recently, she was the Executive Director of the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), Southeast Asia’s longest-running and largest film festival. Prior to SGIFF, she was part of the management team at the Esplanade, Singapore’s national performing arts centre, responsible for theatre and dance, and later for partnerships.

Emily started her arts career at The Substation, an independent multi-disciplinary arts organisation supporting artists on the margins and fringe. Her career in the arts is complemented by roles in communications, editorial, public relations, and fashion.

Emily is a passionate advocate of the arts and leads with respect, integrity, and humility. Her experience in governance, fundraising, and relationship management drives her desire to contribute to the ongoing success of MAV.

See Emily’s LinkedIn profile here.

Francesca Valmorbida brings over two decades of executive experience spanning not-for-profits, federal, state, and local governments, cultural institutions, start-up businesses, and PR agencies. Specialising in facilitating growth and achieving holistic economic, cultural, environmental, and social outcomes, Francesca blends strategic positioning, collaborative development, and hands-on planning and investment to uncover hidden potential and forge pathways for connection, support, and collaboration.

As a creative sector and business development professional, Francesca has a proven track record of leveraging the unique attributes of places, people, and cultures to realise artistic, governmental, corporate, and community ambitions. She is passionate about designing impactful and sustainable strategies and partnerships, excelling in translating organisational, artistic, business, and community needs into creative and lasting solutions and programs.

Francesca identifies with CALD communities and is interested in serving Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV) through a Board Director position. With a solid understanding of MAV's mission and vision, she is committed to contributing her expertise to advance the organisation's goals and objectives. Her skill set includes financial management, strategic planning, policy development, stakeholder engagement, cultural programming, fundraising, and contributing to capital works projects. Combining her professional background with her Italian cultural heritage, Francesca believes her experience will be advantageous to the MAV Board during this period of growth and transition.

Johannes van Delft is a Dutch-born Australian who emigrated to Australia in 1956. He holds a Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting and has leveraged his expertise in various leadership roles. For 15 years, Johannes served as the Chairman and Director of the Australian Dutch newspaper, demonstrating his commitment to the Dutch-Australian community and his adeptness in media management.

An avid sports enthusiast, Johannes has actively participated in sports and is currently a member of both an Australian and a Dutch choir. His engagement extends beyond personal participation; he has been deeply involved with committees at club, state, and national levels, contributing to the development and promotion of sport, dance, music, and media.

In addition to his community and sports involvement, Johannes has a robust academic background. He lectured at the TAFE division of Swinburne University for 20 years, where he shared his knowledge and expertise with countless students. His experience in education has equipped him with the skills to offer valuable insights and guidance.

Johannes is poised to bring a fresh perspective and dynamic energy to the Board of MAV. His extensive experience across various sectors and his dedication to community service make him a valuable asset, ready to provide strategic guidance and innovative solutions to enhance the organisation's outlook and operations.

Kai Kasad, of Persian/Zoroastrian descent, was born in India and has lived in Australia for over 27 years. He is a seasoned professional with over 25 years in legal private practice, holding senior management roles in both corporate/commercial and boutique firms in Sydney and Melbourne.

Kai holds an MBA, a degree in Commerce, and an Associate CPA degree. Known for his collaborative and empathetic leadership style, Kai possesses extensive knowledge of business economics. His career highlights include developing advanced analytical skills and leading business transformation initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. He has worked closely with Managing Partners and CEOs, implementing strategic objectives and building strong relationships with stakeholders.

Proficient in technologies like Power BI, SQL, and Excel (VBA), Kai excels in data analysis, complex pricing, and scenario modelling to support strategic decision-making.

Kai is an advocate for fairness and justice, combining his passion for endurance running with fundraising for charities such as Australia for UNHCR, The Fred Hollows Foundation's Indigenous Program, and The Indigenous Marathon Foundation. He has volunteered at numerous events and held executive committee roles with ALPMA and social clubs. Currently, Kai runs with Achilles Melbourne as a sight guide for visually impaired runners.

Manjusha is an experienced professional in the performing arts, events, and heritage sectors, with a specialisation in community arts and heritage based practice and development. With a Masters in Cultural Heritage Management, and years of experience working with First Nations Communities, Not-For-Profit Arts & Heritage organisations, and Government experience, she continues to evolve and expand her Production/Curatorial and Events Management portfolio.

Manjusha is one of the few Australian practitioners of the rare Indian classical dance form, Mohiniattam. Navigating between her South Asian-Australian identity, she continues to blend the best of both worlds.

In addition to her expertise in Mohiniattam, Manjusha is equally talented and trained in Indian Classical Carnatic Music, Visual Arts, and Events Management.

Much like a well-crafted curry, Manjusha embodies a unique blend of spices and ingredients, which come together to create a bold and innovative flavour to the rich and vibrant performing arts and heritage sector in Melbourne.

Her diverse skills, experience and talents contribute to her multifaceted approach to the arts and arts management making her a valuable asset in any artistic and cultural endeavour.

Mei-Leng is a senior strategic marketing and communications specialist with over 15 years of experience in the legal, financial services, and publishing sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and a Bachelor of Arts (Chinese and Psychology).

A member of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) and former member of the Asia Society Policy Institute in the USA, Mei-Leng also serves on the Australian Government's Breast Screen Australia National Policy and Funding Review Expert Advisory Committee and is involved with Women with Disabilities Victoria's Health Experts Community of Practice and GenWest Survivor Advisory Group.

She has held senior roles at the Victorian Bar, including Senior Manager and the first Manager of Marketing & Projects for the Bar Council. Mei-Leng has also worked in marketing and business development for leading international law firms and managed loyalty programs at ANZ.

Mei-Leng endeavours to support the work of MAV’s Board of Management. Her aim is to improve visibility, reach and access to the arts which is transformative and communicates beyond barriers. Mei-Leng is proudly of Chinese ethnicity. She is the oldest child of a Malaysian family who migrated to rural Victoria in the 1970s.

When she is able to, she enjoys multi-media art, coloured pencils, watercolour and gouache. Her favourite supplies are from Derwent, Holbein, Roman Szmal and Mijello. The loves of her life are her doodle and poodle, Optimus and Armani.

Molina is the Chair of Gymnastics Victoria and also serves on various other boards including AMES Australia, Graduate House of the University of Melbourne, Good Shepherd ANZ, AFL South East Regional Advisory Council (Current Chair), Table Tennis Victoria and Australasian Centre for Human Rights and Health. She is also the co-founder of the Asian Australian Alliance and the founder of the organisation Multicultural Women in Sport. She is also the Change Her Game Ambassador for the State of Victoria and the National Chair of the Sport, Art and Culture Industry Chapter of the Australia India Business Council.

Molina is an experienced commercial lawyer having practiced at top-tier Australian law firms and the Victorian Government Solicitor's Office and in the Supreme Court of India. She serves on the board of, and was the first South Asian woman to be elected President Elect of the Law Institute of Victoria. She is also the National President of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association.

She has received multiple awards for her work including the Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence twice.

See Molina’s LinkedIn profile ere.

Over a 20-year history, Neda has established herself as a cultural leader whose practice embodies inclusion, equity, and justice. Her directorial experiences, investment in capacity building with diverse youth, and skilled facilitation of intercultural dialogue place her work at the nexus of transformation.

Neda’s projects serve as sites of resistance, engaging audiences in profound conversations about multiculturalism. By collaborating with artists of colour, she challenges preconceptions of art and artists, promoting deep appreciation for pluralism. Her courageous artistic risk-taking transcends barriers, fostering new forms of engagement.

As an entrepreneur and co-founder of Goodworthy, a social impact media company, Neda prioritises people and the planet. She is an artist, composer, director, storyteller, facilitator, mentor, media commentator, and raconteur. Her artistic expressions encompass drumming, culture, collaboration, and costuming, integrating body art, body extension, audience interaction, fashion, and costume design.

Neda’s practice melds contemporary and ancient cultural practices, delivering decadent concerts and roving musical performances. She serves as the Deputy Chair of Multicultural Arts Victoria and is a member of The Cat Empire, enjoying global tours and complete creative freedom. Neda approaches every occasion with joy, believing it to be a right to share this joy with others.

Patrizia Fimiani has over 25 years’ experience across the Australian and New Zealand events sector. With an extensive portfolio of delivery across major, high value, public facing events such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup, White Night, RISING, ALWAYS LIVE, Moomba, New Years Eve, Melbourne Music Week. Patrizia has worked with festivals, artists, producers and organisations to create and deliver events, opportunities, business cases, strategic, stakeholder, risk management, marketing and communication plans that have delivered highly successful outcomes.

As a daughter to migrant parents, Patrizia has grown up in a linguistically and culturally diverse family and understands the impact of how art can contribute to cross-cultural understanding. She is values driven and committed to ensuring that both the artists and the art are celebrated and accessible to all. She brings an expansive business and commercial acumen and is a passionate advocate for diversity and promoting inclusivity in all aspects of community life.

See Patrizia’s LinkedIn profile here.

Sandeep is an auditor by trade and a regulatory compliance specialist with 20+ years of experience in the financial services sector. He provides a wide range of audit, advisory and consulting services to corporates, not-for-profit entities and government organisations.

He works with executive management and Boards to fulfil their financial reporting and compliance obligations. He provides clients with commercial advice on accounting and regulatory compliance matters. He also reviews risk management frameworks, corporate governance and internal control frameworks.

He works extensively with the government, industry bodies and regulators in shaping industry wide standards and regulatory instruments for the financial services sector.

See Sandeep’s LinkedIn bio here.

Shivani Narsai, a 27-year-old immigrant from New Zealand of Gujarati descent, has dedicated herself to social empowerment and creative expression. Armed with a Master's in Architecture, her focus is on uplifting culturally diverse and marginalised communities through urban development and the arts.

Her academic journey culminated in a thesis project empowering women in Ahmedabad's informal settlements, combining architectural design with cooperative business models for economic empowerment. Outside academia, she engages in an art project inspired by her thesis, exploring cultural heritage through artistic expression.

Currently, as Project Manager of Social and Affordable Housing, Shivani acquires valuable skills in tender applications, project execution, finances, and stakeholder management. She also coordinates the Migrant Zine Collective, amplifying migrant voices through publications and discussions.

Shivani's collaborative design efforts, notably at CoJam, have received funding for inclusive spaces fostering cultural exchange. Her community engagement initiatives, including collaborations with Hume City Council and Auckland Council, reflect her commitment to inclusivity in the arts.

As a prospective MAV board member, Shivani's diverse background, professional skills, and commitment to social empowerment make her a valuable asset. She looks forward to contributing her energy, expertise, and creativity to MAV's mission of celebrating diversity and promoting social justice through the arts.

See Shivani’s LinkedIn profile here

Sneha is a South Indian woman living on Wurundjeri Country and currently serves as the Senior Communications Officer at VACCHO, the peak representative for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria. From 2017 to 2023, she worked at Multicultural Arts Victoria as the Marketing Coordinator.

With an extensive background in the arts, Sneha has worked as an artist, performer, and arts worker. She holds a Master of Arts and Cultural Management and has professional experience in film production, digital media marketing, and as a dancer in India.

Sneha has multifaceted experience in designing and executing marketing and communications projects across various platforms, including social media, website, and digital content management. Her strengths lie in engaging diverse audiences, cultivating digital community spaces, and building strong, authentic brands.

She is passionate about and dedicated to intersectional anti-racism, cultural equity, and inclusion in the Victorian creative, health, and wellbeing sectors.

See Sneha’s LinkedIn profile here.

Vin Vijayan is a seasoned technology leader with over 16 years of experience delivering transformative solutions across various sectors, including retail, education, banking, insurance, government, and not-for-profit. Currently, he serves as the IT Manager at the Australian retail giant Country Road Group.

He is a Director on the board of the Migrant Information Centre (MIC) in Eastern Melbourne, which supports culturally and linguistically diverse communities and their families, older people, people with disabilities, community groups and service providers in the Eastern Region of Melbourne. In this role, he contributes to policy setting, strategic direction, financial oversight, and organisational governance.

As an immigrant, a gay individual, and a former international student, Vijayan brings valuable personal insights and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by new migrants and multicultural communities. He has volunteered as an English tutor with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). In addition, he has collaborated with Melbourne-based artist Sapna Chandu as a consultant on arts project for the Melbourne Fringe Festival and the Next Wave Festival, demonstrating a commitment to multicultural arts.

Vin holds a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Information Technology from The University of Queensland.

See Vin’s LinkedIn here.