OUR PEOPLE
Our leadership safeguards the values and integrity of our organisation and mission. If you are interested in working, volunteering or interning with us in Australia-Pacific, Asia, Africa or the Americas please email your local team via Our Locations section.
GLOBAL STRATEGY COUNCIL
The Multicultural Leadership Initiative Strategy Council is an international team of leaders with expertise in racial and cultural diversity, climate change as well as government and industry policy. The Strategy Council provide advice and guidance on the strategic direction of the Multicultural Leadership Initiative.
Council Member
Richie Merzian
CEO of the Clean Energy Investor Group (CEIG), leading efforts to accelerate Australia’s transition to renewable energy by strengthening investor confidence and shaping ambitious national policy. With over a decade of experience in both international and domestic climate policy, Richie has represented the Australian Government at the UN Climate Change Conferences (COP) and now serves as International Director at the Smart Energy Council. Prior to this, he was the inaugural Climate & Energy Program Director at The Australia Institute, where he oversaw research on electricity, transport, markets, mining, and climate diplomacy, as well as leading Climate of the Nation—Australia’s longest-running annual public attitudes survey on climate change. Richie previously worked at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), including two years as Manager of the Council for Australia-Arab Relations, and earlier co-founded the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) in 2006 after training as a Climate Reality Leader under former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. He currently serves on the Advisory Group for the Climate Solutions Centre at the Australian Museum and features in the 100 Climate Conversations series at the Powerhouse Museum. Richie holds degrees in Law and Economics from the University of Sydney.climate change conference) and has worked for around a decade on international and domestic climate policy. He is now the International Director at the Smart Energy Council. While at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Richie served for two years as the Manager for the Council for Australia-Arab Relations. Richie helped co-found the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) in 2006 and trained as a Climate Reality Leader in 2007 with former Vice President Al Gore. Richie is currently on the Advisory Group for the Climate Solutions Centre at the Australian Museum and part of the 100 Climate Conversations now showing at the Powerhouse Museum. Richie has degrees in Law and Economics from Sydney University. Richie Merzian was also the inaugural Climate & Energy Program Director at Canberra-based think tank, The Australia Institute. Richie oversaw a wide-ranging policy research program covering electricity, transport, markets, mining, impacts and diplomacy. The role also included delivering Australia's longest running attitudinal research report on the issue, the Climate of the Nation.
Council Member
Michelle Lin
CEO of the Vermilion Foundation, a next-generation family foundation supporting Diversity and Inclusion, Mental Health, and Climate Action that she founded with her sister. Alongside this, she is a Management Consultant at KPMG and an active advocate for Next Gen philanthropy, focused on shifting capital toward purpose. A champion for diversity through both gender and cultural lenses, Michelle sits on Philanthropy Australia’s New Gen Committee and is deeply committed to multicultural youth empowerment, women of colour in leadership, and youth mental health. She is also a committee member of Nexus Philanthropy and Impact Investment where she nurtures and cultivates a new generation of capital holders who seek to positive impact in the world.
Council Member
Von Hernandez
Time Magazine’s Hero for the Environment and Goldman Environmental Prize winer in 2007, and 2003 respectively. A globally recognised Filipino environmental advocate, his work has reshaped environmental policy in the Philippines and inspired movements across the world. A former literature professor turned grassroots organiser, Von’s journey embodies a lifelong commitment to environmental justice, public health, and systemic change. In the mid-1990s, as Asia Toxics Campaigner for Greenpeace International, he led efforts to expose the dumping of hazardous waste and toxic technologies in developing countries. His advocacy helped spark a national movement against waste incineration in the Philippines, leading to the passage of the Clean Air Act of 1999—making the Philippines the first country to implement a nationwide incineration ban. Von’s leadership extends far beyond national borders. He co-founded and helped lead pioneering coalitions such as the Ecowaste Coalition, Waste Not Asia, and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), driving forward zero-waste solutions and influencing environmental policy across Asia and beyond. Today, he serves as the Global Coordinator of the Break Free From Plastic movement, an alliance of more than 8,000 organisations and individuals united in ending plastic pollution. Through coalition building, advocacy, and strategic campaigning, Von continues to champion a future grounded in sustainability, equity, and community-led action.
Council Member
Violet Roumeliotis
CEO of Settlement Services International, the largest community organisation and social business in Australia that supports newcomers and other vulnerable individuals to achieve their full potential. She was awarded as Member of the Order of Australia as well as 2017 Telstra Business Woman of the Year and national winner of the For Purpose and Social Enterprise category, 2018 AFR 100 Women of Influence, 2018 InStyle Women of Style Community Champion. Violet Roumeliotis AM is a social entrepreneur who champions the strengths of our diverse communities and is committed to take a leadership and pioneering role to elevate reconciliation. Through her C-suite and board roles, Violet uses innovation and collective impact to promote social justice and inclusion. During her ten years as CEO, Violet has taken SSI from a Sydney-based organisation with 68 staff to a 900-plus workforce that supports more than 52,000 people nationally each year.
Council Member
Lille Madden
A proud Arrernte, Bundjalung and Kalkadoon woman from Gadigal Country in Sydney. She is a passionate conservationist, storyteller, and young climate leader. Lille was the presenter and co-writer for a 3 part documentary produced by ABC Indigenous called Healing Country, where she travels around Australia talking to young Traditional Owners. She is currently a member of the Board of Common Ground, a First Nations-led not-for-profit amplifying knowledge, cultures and stories. Lille has a deep sense of responsibility and love for the protection and preservation of our natural and cultural heritage for a just and sustainable future. Lille has worked across multiple fields in conservation from being a keeper at Taronga Conservation Society on the Australian Fauna Precinct to studying in Conservation and Land Management. For the past 3 years she has volunteered with Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network to build a movement of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people standing up for climate justice.
Council Member
Randa Kattan
Former CEO of the Arab Council Australia and Chair of the Sydney Alliance. Randa spent over three decades championing community leadership and social justice. Taking the helm during an immensely complex and challenging period, she transformed the organisation into a high-achieving institution known for attracting exceptional talent and influencing critical policy dialogues across Australia and internationally. Her leadership has strengthened the voice and visibility of multicultural communities and inspired collaboration across sectors to advance equity and systemic change. Randa has served on numerous boards and advisory bodies, including the Premier’s Council for Women, the Premier’s Crime Prevention Council, and the NSW Anti-Poverty Week Facilitating Group. She currently sits on the NSW State Library Cultural and Linguistic Advisory Board, the Western Sydney Community Forum Board, and is a Jury Member of the Sydney Peace Prize. As the founding Chairperson of the Sydney Alliance, Randa was named in Pro Bono Australia’s Impact 25 list of the most influential people in Australia’s not-for-profit sector in 2014. She holds qualifications in social science, management, leadership, training, and executive coaching.
Council Member
Polly Cutmore
A proud Gomeroi and Anaiwan Elder from Moree, New South Wales, renowned for her unwavering dedication to Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and environmental advocacy. Growing up during the 1950s and 60s under Moree’s segregation laws, Polly experienced firsthand the challenges faced by her community, fueling her lifelong commitment to social justice. As a Traditional Owner from the Gwydir and MacIntyre Rivers region, Polly actively participates in initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring vital waterways. Her involvement includes contributions to the Commonwealth Aboriginal water buy-back program, the Boobera Lagoon Crown Land Committee, and the NSW Gwydir First Nations Environmental Water Group. Polly is also a Native Title applicant for the Gomeroi Nation, representing her people in negotiations and consultations concerning land and water rights. Her advocacy extends to opposing projects that threaten cultural heritage and environmental sustainability, such as the Narrabri Gas Project. In recognition of her contributions, Polly’s portraits are featured in the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, capturing her journey and the profound impact of her work. Through her leadership and activism, Polly continues to inspire and mobilise communities, striving for a future where Indigenous rights are respected, cultural heritage is preserved, and the environment is protected for generations to come.
Council Member
Chris Gambian
CEO of Australians for Mental Health, bringing more than 25 years of experience in organising, campaigning, and leading social movements for working people and environmental protection. His career reflects a deep commitment to equality, justice, and sustainability through collective action. Chris has held multiple senior and executive roles, including CEO of the Nature Conservation Council, and has represented workers across the banking, insurance, public, and construction sectors. He has served on numerous national and community boards, including GetUp!, Bankstown Youth Development Service, Inner Southwest Community Development Organisation, and the Evatt Foundation. Chris holds a Master of Labour Law and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney.
Council Member
Joel Lazar
CEO of the Jewish Climate Network and a long-standing active member of the Melbourne Jewish community. His work driving social change at the community level spans educational program design, youth leadership and facilitation. After a stint on Collins Street as a commercial litigator, Joel was Head of Operations at The Man Cave, an organisation that develops the emotional intelligence and mental health of boys to enable them to become healthy and respectful young men. His commitment to addressing the impacts of our rapidly changing climate has intensified over the last decade, culminating in his joining the Jewish Climate Network as its first CEO in 2020. Through JCN, Joel is driven to unlock the strengths, networks and creativity of the Australian Jewish community, to become a leader in climate solutions and advocacy. His commitment to positive social change in a Jewish context culminated in his receiving the Ron Castan Young Humanitarian Award in 2019, and “Top 36 under the age of 36” Jewish Changemakers in Australia in 2023.
Council Member
Jahin Tanvir
Jahin was 2021's Young Canberra Citizen of the Year and a 2022 Young Australian of the Year finalist as well as receiving the in Individual Community Service as well as receiving the Zest Awards Outstanding Youth Leader of the year for 2021 for his work in assisting multicultural communities in Western Sydney. An established strategist and youth empowerment specialist, when Jahin is not leading MLI's youth strategies he also works as the CEO of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship. An established media commentator Jahin is a regular on ABC’s The Drum, ABC News and Channel 10 and Channel 9, he also founded Breath., an EdTech social enterprise providing public speaking education and coaching to young people, and marginalised communities around Australia. Breathe. has impacted over 16,000 individuals from diverse communities since its inception and was recently acquired by the ASE Group. Jahin is based in Sydney.
UNITED STATES BOARD
The Multicultural Leadership Initiative Inc is a not-for-profit registered under the laws governing the State of New York in the United States.
Board Member
Jerilyn Johnson
Jerilyn is a transformative leader with over 15 years’ experience driving strategic and operational excellence across the non-profit and philanthropic sectors. Currently serving as Chief Administrative Officer and Chief of Staff at Greenpeace USA, Jerilyn leads high-impact, cross-functional strategies that enhance organisational sustainability, operational performance, and executive effectiveness. A proven expert in aligning systems with values, Jerilyn previously held the role of Chief People & Culture Officer at Greenpeace USA, where she was instrumental in designing people-centred HR frameworks, embedding inclusive workplace cultures, and optimising internal operations to deliver mission-led results at scale. Beyond her executive leadership roles, Jerilyn runs a thriving consultancy, partnering with purpose-driven organisations to build high-performing teams, streamline operating models, and implement progressive strategies that foster long-term growth and measurable impact. Her approach is grounded in systems thinking and values alignment—empowering clients to navigate complexity and lead with confidence. A Master Certified Coach, Jerilyn specialises in change management, organisational development, and executive leadership. She holds both an MBA and a Master’s in Finance, alongside certifications in DiSC, Birkman, and other leading development tools. Known for her strategic clarity and calm, solutions-focused leadership, Jerilyn is passionate about building resilient, future-ready organisations that can rise to the challenges of today—and tomorrow—with purpose and power.
Board Member
Rathana Chea
Rathana has spent over 20 years working internationally strengthening people, building organisations and delivering impactful strategies. He has worked in the areas of environmental sustainability, climate change, human rights and technology. He has served on senior management and executive teams in Europe, Australia, Asia and globally for Greenpeace, Amnesty International, the Sunrise Project and other leading change agents. He has also served on countless boards, including as Vice Chair of ECC, a peak body for multicultural communities, as well as serving on the board of leading advocacy and campaign training institutes such as, New York based Mobilisation Lab and regionally-focused AktivAsia. Rathana has co-founded and successfully scaled up numerous social enterprise, not-for-profit and charity startups into fully-fledged impact-focused organisations across Asia and Australia. Rathana holds several qualifications across multiple disciplines from Oxford University, UNSW, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and the University of Technology Sydney where he was awarded the Vice Chancellors’ Human Rights HC Award.
Board Member
Shin Renn
Shin has spent over 20 years in campaigning and community organising. Shin has worked extensively in the global HIV/AIDS, refugee and immigrant rights, LGBTQ justice and climate movements. Shin has worked extensively with grassroots organisers on corporate campaigns advocating for access to essential medicines and equitable and safe workplace practices. Shin is an experienced negotiator, having led collective bargaining teams for workers’ rights within the nonprofit sector, as well as leading training in corporate and industry based negotiation. Shin also specialises in operations strategy, with extensive experience in organisational and business reporting, policy and compliance. Shin is well versed in in-person and virtual facilitation, receiving regular praise from clients and partners. As a trainer, Shin is passionate about co-creating justice-centred practices rooted in anti-oppression. Shin is based in Taipei.
AUSTRALIA BOARD
The Multicultural Leadership Initiative Ltd is an ACNC registered charity in Australia.
Board Chair
Louise Tran
Louise has spent over 15 years in the social impact space with a leading profile in the food security, agriculture and broader environmental sustainability sector. She is on the leadership team of OzHarvest, one of Australia’s largest and most well known charities. Co-founding VietHarvest in Vietnam in 2022, Louise is well regarded internationally as a champion of food waste reduction and working at the intersection between Social Entrepreneurship and NFP innovation. She is deeply passionate about the social enterprise model where business can create positive change when driven by ethical and social values. Louise has cultivated a solid track record as a specialist in a purpose-driven communications, marketing, brand building, advocacy and media relations. Louise has led strategy, branding and outreach for high recognition campaigns such as R U OK? Day as well as leading global institutions such as the United Nations. Holding degrees in Public Communications and International Studies from UTS, Louise also completed studies at the Télécom SudParis in France, a top tier engineering school producing leaders in economic, social, and environmental fields. Louise is a dedicated leader, supporting her community in Western Sydney through running the multicultural Children’s Festival and other community focused initiatives.
Treasurer
Karen Kandur
Karen is has spent over 20 years working in financial and business operations in the charity sector. As COO for Environmental Leadership Australia she has overseen and managed ELA’s exponential growth in the last 12 months. As Chief Operating Officer at ActionAid and former Chief Financial Officer at Opportunity International Australia, Karen played instrumental roles in fiscal and organisational compliance as well as marrying agile organisational processes to robust real world impact. Karen was also instrumental in developing Opportunity's volunteer and intern program and performance management system, recognised as one of the best in Australia's non-profit sector. Karen is also board Director and Treasurer at two other Australian nonprofits, Australian Progress and Democracy in Colour. She is a Chartered Accountant and has a Masters in International Development and an Executive Masters in Business Administration. As a first generation Indian-Australian Karen is passionate about creating spaces for climate impacted CALD communities in Australia and abroad.
Board Member
Corrine Hodson
Corinne is a proud Ngunnawal Wiradjuri Aboriginal woman and has spent the last 25 years working in Indigenous Community capacity building, Health and Community practice, Aboriginal Land Rights, Environmental Protection and Government Relations. She is widely recognised for her skills in First Nations community engagement and empowerment, enabling the implementation of countless change processes towards increased public leadership presence of Indigenous peoples. Corinne is the Chair of the Ngiyang Wayama Aboriginal Regional Data Network and on the Board of Directors of Yerin Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Service. An alumni of the Jawun Emerging Leadership cohort and Stories of Female Leadership Network, Corinne has family links to the Riverina region of New South Wales, connection to the Pilbara region of Western Australia and an extensive work history across diverse Aboriginal regions all over Australia. Corinne undertook undergrad studies at the Sydney University and University of Western Sydney, completing further postgraduate studies in Indigenous Trauma and Recovery. Corinne was recently short listed for Pro-Bono Australia’s Impact 25 as one of Australia’s leading influential not-for-profit change agents.
Board Member
Rathana Chea
Rathana has spent over 20 years working internationally strengthening people, building organisations and delivering impactful strategies. He has worked in the areas of environmental sustainability, climate change, human rights and technology. He has served on senior management and executive teams in Europe, Australia, Asia and globally for Greenpeace, Amnesty International, the Sunrise Project and other leading change agents. He has also served on countless boards, including as Vice Chair of ECC, a peak body for multicultural communities, as well as serving on the board of leading advocacy and campaign training institutes such as, New York based Mobilisation Lab and regionally-focused AktivAsia. Rathana has co-founded and successfully scaled up numerous social enterprise, not-for-profit and charity startups into fully-fledged impact-focused organisations across Asia and Australia. Rathana holds several qualifications across multiple disciplines from Oxford University, UNSW, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and the University of Technology Sydney where he was awarded the Vice Chancellors’ Human Rights HC Award.
STAFF LEADERSHIP TEAM
If you are interested in working with the Multicultural Leadership Initiative, we are always keen to have a conversation whether we have positions advertised or not. We firmly believe in hiring people not functions and nurturing talent not just doing tasks. Take a read of our team member's bios, if you think you've got what it takes then reach out via recruitment@multiculturalleadership.org
Chief Executive Officer
Rathana Chea
Rathana has spent over 20 years working internationally strengthening people, building organisations and delivering impactful strategies. He has worked in the areas of environmental sustainability, climate change, human rights and technology. He has served on senior management and executive teams in Europe, Australia, Asia and globally for Greenpeace, Amnesty International, the Sunrise Project and other leading change agents. He has also served on countless boards, including as Vice Chair of ECC, a peak body for multicultural communities, as well as serving on the board of leading advocacy and campaign training institutes such as, New York based Mobilisation Lab and regionally-focused AktivAsia. Rathana has co-founded and successfully scaled up numerous social enterprise, not-for-profit and charity startups into fully-fledged impact-focused organisations across Asia and Australia. Rathana holds several qualifications across multiple disciplines from Oxford University, UNSW, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and the University of Technology Sydney where he was awarded the Vice Chancellors’ Human Rights HC Award.
Director of Programs
Losena Fuko
Losena is a respected Pasifika Elder and climate solutions advocate with over 35 years experience as a leader in change-making. She is deeply committed to strengthening the resilience and leadership of culturally and linguistically diverse communities on the frontlines of climate change. With deep roots in community care and environmental stewardship, she brings a values-based, intergenerational approach to climate solutions that centres Indigenous knowledge, cultural belonging, and social equity. Losena's experience and leadership includes a life of service that has been dedicated to supporting newly arrived communities to build secure, dignified and connected lives. Her leadership has spanned community-led climate adaptation, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive wellbeing initiatives from food security programs and community gardens to early intervention services for families and young people. Currently serving on the CAN Australia Grants Committee, Losena contributes to resourcing climate action that is locally grounded in impact and culturally informed. She has led major programs in settlement services, youth engagement and social enterprise. Her work also includes engaging elders in climate-responsive wellbeing programs and supporting just transition pathways for marginalised communities. Losena holds qualifications in Community Management, Climate Solutions, Training and Assessment, and Pastoral Care from multiple institutions including Cambridge University UK. Losena is deeply committed to nurturing leadership that reflects the strength and wisdom of Pasifika communities.
Director of Education & Research
Dr. Yolanda Waters
Dr. Yolanda Waters is a marine scientist and climate communications researcher passionate about creating a climate movement as diverse as our oceans. Yolanda’s journey began on the Great Barrier Reef where her work as a dive instructor inspired her to empower ocean communities to take climate action. Her research explores how human connections with the ocean and nature can inspire climate engagement, combining environmental psychology with evidence-based communication strategies. A sought-after public speaker, Yolanda has delivered over 100 invited talks, from grassroots workshops to international conferences, and is a trusted media spokesperson, frequently featured on outlets such as the ABC News, Channel 9 and Channel 7. Her work spans academia, advocacy, industry, and government, and she has designed and delivered climate communication programs for organisations such as the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia. A global ocean leader, Yolanda serves as a Youth Ambassador for Ocean Uprise and Young Ocean Leader with the Sustainable Ocean Alliance. Yolanda is also the founder and CEO of Divers for Climate, a non-profit organisation that aims to mobilise the global dive community towards stronger climate action, and a research fellow at the University of Queensland.
Director of Operations & International Partnerships
Yemi Agbeniyi
Oluwayemisi, or Yemi for short, has a background in business and operations management in the health and social impact sector. As a qualified Pharmacists, Yemi is a detail-oriented leader who approaches her work with a highly analytical and evidence based approach. This mindset led her to become concerned about the connection between human health and climate change. This led her to work for an international consultancy group where she worked on the project management and business operations side of projects for Greenpeace, Rights and Resources Initiative as well as other innovative change-makers. Leaning into growing her strategy skills Yemi's role has been recently expanded to cover scoping for potential partnerships in the African region. Yemi holds qualifications in Pharmacy from Obafemi Awolowo University and in Administration and Management from University of Cape Town, South Africa. Yemi is based in Lagos.
Director of Civic Participation
Yutong Li (Hazel)
Hazel has over 30 experience in leadership in the Chinese-Australian community having founded a number organisations as well as serving on several boards. Originally from Guangzhou, China, Hazel has a diverse background spanning nutrition, social media marketing, public speaking, event management, and leadership development. As the Vice President of the Australia Guangzhou General Association, Hazel fosters cultural and professional ties between Australian and Asia. She is also the Founder of Yutong Holistic Health and serves as a Silver Director at USANA Health Science, reflecting her commitment to promoting wellness and healthy living for our communities. Hazel is a leader in building inclusive communities and empowering individuals to act for a better world.