TDTF FoodLab Collective Shines at the Arts Leadership Forum

On March 14, Think+DO Tank Foundation (TDTF) proudly partnered with Western Sydney University Creative to present the Arts Leadership Forum.

This event was about dialogue and ideas—a celebration of culture, community, and food, featuring the remarkable women of the TDTF FoodLab Collective.

A Platform for Leadership and Storytelling

FoodLab Collective members Faten, Hakima, Helen, Janeet, Nabilah, Faiza, Wedad, and Randa worked alongside their mentors, Sivine Tabbouch from Sunday Kitchen and Palestinian community leader Mago Shaheen, to provide an extraordinary spread throughout the day. However, their contributions went far beyond the kitchen. These women were given a platform to share their experiences, insights, and aspirations. Through community-led discussions, they spoke about the intersection of food, culture, and identity, showcasing how culinary traditions are deeply woven into the fabric of their lives. These conversations reflected TDTF’s commitment to co-design and community-led initiatives, ensuring that diverse voices are not just included but genuinely heard and valued.

A Culinary Celebration of Culture

The FoodLab Collective embodies the power of food as a means of connection, storytelling, and economic empowerment. Originating from the Seed of Hope, this initiative was born out of a shared love for cooking, eating, and exchanging recipes. Over the years, the women have transformed their passion into a professional catering venture, gaining accredited Food Safe Handling training through TDTF and its partners. They are more than caterers; they are custodians of culinary traditions, each dish carrying the essence of their heritage and lived experiences.

For those who enjoyed the condiments served at the forum, be sure to explore Randa’s Kitchen, a testament to the vibrant flavours and expertise within the FoodLab Collective.

Music, Art, and Community

The Arts Leadership Forum was a holistic cultural experience. As the day unfolded, it was punctuated by performances from esteemed Palestinian musicians Majdi Al Jelda and Hala Sumak, who brought the event to a celebratory close. Their music resonated deeply, underscoring the themes of identity, resilience, and artistic expression that were at the heart of the forum.

Book FoodLab Catering Collective

FoodLab Collective catering is available for a range of events, from sit-down meals and picnics to buffets, breakfasts, teas, and late-night suppers. Whether it’s a formal gathering or a casual get-together, their inventive, delicious food brings warmth and soul to any occasion. The women of the FoodLab Collective are not only food-safe certified professionals but also storytellers who use food as a bridge between cultures, fostering understanding and appreciation through every shared meal.

By choosing FoodLab Collective catering, you are not just supporting a meal service—you are investing in a model of community-led economic empowerment, cultural exchange, and social connection. If you have an event that calls for good food and great stories, FoodLab Collective catering is ready to bring their expertise and passion to your table.

Photography: @salseye

Think+DO Tank Foundation Joins the Observership 2025 Program: Welcoming New Board Observers

On the 18th of February, TDTF attended the Observership 2025 observership.com.au program launch. Program Patron and guest speaker, David Gonski AC, delivered an inspiring speech to the upcoming board observers, offering valuable insights on the importance of communication, building relationships with executives, and engaging effectively with other board members. 

About the Observership Program 

The Observership Program founded in 2014 facilitates the involvement of young, talented and energetic individuals in a structured experience on non-profit and Government appointed boards. Each Observer is paired with an organisation for a 12-month period. During that time, Observers attend all board and/or committee meetings as non-voting members and learn about fundamental principles and functions of not- for-profit and Government appointed boards, the roles of board members, fiscal processes and other governance priorities. 

“The Observership Program and Westpac Board Observer Program provide invaluable opportunities for emerging leaders to gain firsthand experience in the full complexity of governance while contributing their expertise to the non-profit sector. At Think+DO Tank Foundation, we see this as a meaningful way to strengthen our work in community-led impact. We’re grateful to be part of a program that fosters leadership, good governance, and real-world change.”

— Jane Stratton, CEO, Think+DO Tank Foundation 

Meet Our New Board Observers  

Think+DO Tank Foundation is proud to be participating in the program. Think+DO Tank Foundation (TDTF) Administrator Maysoon Elnigoumi, attended alongside the two selected Board Directors. 

• Kuppal Palaniappan (Associate Director at Multicultural NSW, TDTF Board Observer), who has a background in business, information, social impact, and design. She brings a wealth of experience and skills, and her recent work in anti-racism early intervention aligns closely with TDTF’s mission of using art to amplify community voices. 

• Carolina Zequim (Senior Associate at Architectus and TDTF Board Observer) who has a background in architecture and experience in planning health facilities and spaces—an area of interest for TDTF in designing modern, inclusive, and empowering community spaces. 

• We’re also pleased to welcome Antonija Lousin from the Westpac Board Observer Program as a TDTF Board Observer. With over 15 years of experience in risk, strategy, and governance, Antonija’s expertise in business intelligence and data visualisation will be invaluable to TDTF’s mission and impact reporting. 

Board Director Sera Mirzabegian SC (Senior Counsel, Omnia Chambers) also attended, offering support and well wishes to all new Board Observers participating in the 2025 program. 

“Congratulations to the Observership team on the launch of the 2025 program! Wishing the best of luck to all the new board observers, and a warm welcome to Kuppal and Carolina—we look forward to your contributions to TDTF’s mission of empowering and connecting communities.”

— Maysoon's reflection

MIRROR 2025 Winners Announced in Books+Publishing

Last week, we revealed the winners of our 2025 MIRROR Mentorship project, which you can read more about on our website dedicated to the fostering of bilingual children’s literature: MIRROR.

Trade publication, Books+Publishing has picked up this story here.

Leila Frijat, Lia “Lima” Maula (also shortlisted in 2022), and Huaning Wu are the fantastic illustrators taking part in this unique program.

Frijat, Maula and Wu will receive a year-long mentorship—with author-illustrators Freda Chiu, Sher Rill Ng, and Zeno Sworder respectively—as well as a $4000 stipend, alongside publishing masterclasses and networking opportunities.

Established in 2022, the mentorship program is designed to connect industry professionals with emerging writers, illustrators and literary translators who come from historically marginalised communities and who are developing literary work for children and young people for publication in English and in languages other than English (bilingual works). The inaugural recipients were Afsaneh Khoramshahi, Audrey Villafaña and You Mu Amy Ge.

Think+DO Tank Foundation said of these inaugural recipients’ progress during the mentorship year: ‘These extraordinary young women produced singular leporellos and went on to secure agent representation as well as publishing opportunities.”