Circle of Community Advisors

The Circle of Community Advisors brings together women from diverse communities to help shape the work and future direction of Think+DO Tank Foundation.

Grounded in the belief that communities hold deep expertise, the Circle ensures that lived experience, cultural wisdom, creativity, leadership and community knowledge meaningfully inform our programs, partnerships, advocacy and organisational direction.

The Circle works alongside the Think+DO Tank Foundation team and Board, offering strategic advice, reflection, community insight and relational accountability. It is not a formal governance body, but an advisory space rooted in trust, community leadership and shared learning.

Who is part of the Circle?

The Circle includes women with diverse lived experiences, cultural backgrounds, identities, skills and community connections. Members may include community leaders, artists, mothers and carers, young women, elders, and women with lived experience of migration, displacement, disability, systemic barriers or social exclusion.

We recognise both formal and informal leadership, and value lived experience as a powerful form of expertise.

Supporting leadership over time

The Circle also creates pathways for community members to strengthen their leadership, build confidence, contribute to strategic conversations, and potentially step into Board roles over time.

Think+DO Tank Foundation acknowledges the value of lived experience, cultural labour, emotional labour and community expertise. Where possible, we seek to support members through honorariums, participation expenses, accessible engagement options, mentoring and leadership development.

Meet the Circle

Nga Le

Vietnamese

Languages: Vietnamese, English
Research scientist and community educator with experience in skills development, faith-based community leadership, and social impact initiatives.

Kawssar Hanboury

Lebanese

Languages: Arabic, French, English
Journalist, producer, presenter, coach and media advisor with extensive experience across Lebanon and Australia. Kawssar is a member of the Lebanese Journalists Syndicate, the Lebanese Women Leadership Association, and the Advisory Committee for Cultural and Artistic Projects with Fairfield City Council. She is an advocate for human rights and women’s leadership, and actively volunteers with community organisations across Sydney, bringing creative ideas and strong community connections to support positive social change.

Venus Ishaia

Assyrian

Languages; Assyrian, Arabic, English
Emerging community services practitioner with lived experience of migration and a strong commitment to learning, inclusion, and community support.

Haneen Al Sammak

Palestinian

Languages: Arabic, English
Community leader and multicultural practitioner with experience in NGO leadership, HR, casework, and humanitarian response in Gaza and Australia.

Vicky Rattenvong

Lao

Languages: Lao, French, English
Community leader and linguistics graduate with extensive experience in cultural advocacy, storytelling, and multicultural community development. Founder of Lao School of Language.

Angiza Ali Zadah

Afghan

Languages: Dari, Persian
Community services practitioner with lived experience of displacement and expertise supporting refugee and newly arrived communities.

Hafida Drissi

Morrocan

Coming soon

Riam Jamel

Mandaean Iraqi

Languages: Arabic, English
Community program coordinator and science professional working across storytelling, community support, and culturally responsive community engagement. Also part of Suma Association of Culture and Arts and Mandaean Media Network MMN

Ronda Duong

Vietnamese

Languages: English, Vietnamese
Research and social policy practitioner with experience across homelessness services, community organising, and advocacy.

Faten Airha

Arab

Languages: Arabic, English
Community member and emerging leader focused on education, family wellbeing, and strengthening community participation.