Omar  Fahmy-Chair

Originally from Sri Lanka. People with the right attitude, skills, and incentives can be motivated to achieve the best outcome for our community's well-being and social cohesion in Whau Ethnic Collective Inc.  A resident of Avondale with an Academic background. His passion for fostering unity and understanding among diverse cultures aligns perfectly with our organization's mission and vision.  

Faranak Saidi - Secretary

I am originally from Iran, lived in NZ for 36 years. I am a teacher, a role that continues to inspire and challenge me. I am the founder of Peyvand Academy, an organisation dedicated to empowering Farsi-speaking children and youth. I am married with two children and I am a grandmother of four. My passion lies in education, cultural preservation, and community building - creating spaces where young people can thrive and feel connected. 

Helenie de Souza Jensen - Coordinator. 

I have a Tanzanian, Greek, and Indian ethnic mix.  I believe WEC has made me open to connecting with people from all walks of life. I feel strongly about equality and human rights. I’m passionate about music, art & community connection. My involvement in the community has steadily grown from Ambrico coordinator to Square Sounds + sessions coordinator. 

Jyoti Parashar  - Treasurer

Originally, from Jaipur, India. I have been involved in volunteering for community projects and charities at Bharatiya Mandir (Indian Temple) Inc. DISHA NZ Charitable Trust and  Sakhi. She has initiated and facilitated various educational, health, and well-being programs and activities catering to all age groups, from children to the elderly.

Vishal Rishi - Community Services

Migrated from India twenty years ago. He is the director for TANI, The Asian Network Trust, and has been working in the public health sector. This includes transforming research into practice by contributing to the health research centers across NZ, leading national campaigns, initiating several community development projects, and working along with the social sector and grassroots communities to focus on community health & well-being. 

David Guo - Elderly Services 

I am a dynamic professional with over 10 years of leadership experience in community sports and 5 years in the commercial sector. My career has equipped me with strong governance expertise, business acumen, and a passion for fostering inclusive, community-driven sports initiatives. As a strategic leader, I excel at aligning business strategies with organizational missions, driving financial sustainability, and developing partnerships that strengthen community engagement. I am originally from China.

Komiko Tanaka - Community Services

Originally from Japan, Kumiko has been living in New Zealand for over 15 years. With a background in health and rehabilitation and having studied health promotion and health coaching in New Zealand, Kumiko is passionate about empowering ethnic communities. Additionally, Kumiko is a big cat lover.

Adem Soylemez - Youth Services

I was actively involved in mentoring and volunteering at private schools and nonprofit organizations in Melbourne, fostering youth development and community support. I then served as an Education Services Coordinator, overseeing educational programs and initiatives.  My professional journey has been centered around education, community engagement, and religious leadership also completed studies in Islamic Theology in Turkey.

Lourdes Trainor

Born in the Philippines, lived in NZ for a long time, passionate and an innovative event organiser. She gained cultural understanding through cultural dancing events organized and presented.  The sense of success came through engagement which flourished within the community.

Asya Faraj

Born and raised in Tanzania. Holding Master's degree in Computer systems and networking, and a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering,  from Ukraine.  Lives in  Avondale, NZ for 8 years she is one of the original members of Ethnic Collective.

Salman Mahmood

I am from Lahore Pakistan. I am married with one daughter. I am an architect by profession who enjoys occasional cooking quite a lot. I am currently practicing architecture and working remotely for a Design firm. I used to run a home based culinary/catering business back in my home country. Moreover, I am a fitness enthusiast and love going to the gym and working out on a daily basis.

Nobia Fawad 

Born in Pakistan. Member of the New Windsor Hub collective, events coordinator. She enjoys connecting with individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds and actively participates in celebrating various cultural traditions. She believes embracing our differences can create a more harmonious and united society.