David Guo 

Chair

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.

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

Kia ora koutou / hej! I’m Helenie. My heritage is pretty mixed - my dad’s Danish and my mum is Tanzanian, Greek, and Portuguese-Indian. I’ve lived all over the world, and I think that’s really shaped my openness and my commitment to anti-racism. My background is in the arts  and community work in Aotearoa/New Zealand and I love bringing people together through both. I've lived in the Whau area for 9 years now and this is the 8th country I've lived in! Since childhood, I’ve always wanted to make a positive impact in the world. For me, community work is its own kind of activism - it’s where real change starts. Connecting with others is what lights me up, and I try to do everything with love and care. If you spot me around, feel free to come say hi!  

Jyoti Parashar 

Senior Services

Originally from Jaipur, India, Jyoti Parashar is a dedicated community leader with over two decades of experience in volunteering and social services in New Zealand. She has been actively involved with organisations such as Bharatiya Mandir (Indian Temple) Inc., DISHA NZ Charitable Trust, and Sakhi, contributing significantly to community development initiatives.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the community, Jyoti has received the Local Hero Award from the Albert-Eden Local Board and has been honoured with the King’s Service Medal (KSM). She also serves as a Justice of the Peace.

Omar Fahmy 

Treasurer

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 organisation's mission and vision. 

Adem Soylemez 

Youth Services

I was actively involved in mentoring and volunteering at private schools and nonprofit organisations 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.

Kumiko Tanaka  

Cultural 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.

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.