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.
Zenovia Pappapetros - Secretary
A Greek Australian resident of Aotearoa for seven years, she brings a rich background in mihi art, heritage libraries, and community-led exhibitions. She is eager to contribute to cultural narrative documentation. Additionally, with a legal background from studying Law in Brisbane, she currently serves as an engagement adviser for Auckland Council, holding IAPT 2 qualifications in engagement. Her work involves engaging with diverse ethnic groups. .
Nobia Fawad - Coordinator
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.
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.
Liz Ellis - Youth Services
Born in Hong Kong. Raised in New Zealand. Current position - Stakeholder Relationship Manager in the construction industry working in Auckland. Background in Community Engagement. This includes building relationships, developing communications, and managing interactions to achieve specific outcomes for the projects and communities in which they occur.
Komiko Tanaka - Elderly 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.
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.
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.
Karen Fletcher
Born in Brazil, living in New Zealand over 11 years, Community Co-ordinator for Ambrico Place New Lynn. Background in Economics and commerce with a MBA in Data Science.