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Kumari Middleton

Youth Settlement Worker at Spectrum MRC

Kumari Middleton, born in Sri Lanka and adopted into an Australian family, is a passionate individual dedicated to fostering inclusivity and empowerment. Her early career in professional dance took her to Melbourne and New York, but a health challenge led her to co-found Mayibuye, a community arts organization where she now serves as CEO. Through Mayibuye, Kumari utilizes performing arts to empower disadvantaged youth in various countries including Australia, South Africa, Cambodia, India, and Brazil.

As the CEO of Mayibuye, Kumari has launched 'Care Two Dance,' a social enterprise dance school that provides direct funding for Mayibuye's global initiatives. Concurrently, she holds the position of Youth Settlement Worker at Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre and is pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact at Swinburne University on a Shark Island scholarship.

Kumari is actively involved in various organizations, holding roles such as a Committee Member at Gippsland Multicultural Services, Vice President at Richmond Union Bowling Club, and previously serving on the board of Women with Disabilities Victoria and Young Social Pioneers. She has also coordinated educational programs like Mayibuye's Certificate III in Community Dance at Melbourne Polytechnic. Moreover, she has experience working with marginalized teenagers in transitional living situations during her tenure at Melbourne City Mission.

Recognized for her leadership and social impact, Kumari has been selected for prestigious programs like Young Social Pioneers, IYF Global Fellows in Brazil, Cordes Fellowship in Mexico, and Asialink Leaders Program. Her accolades include the Victorian Multicultural Award of Excellence and being named among JCI's Top Outstanding Young People of Australia. Notably, she was a finalist for both Young Australian of the Year and the Pride of Australia Medal.

Kumari's educational background includes a Laureate Global Fellowship from the International Youth Foundation, participation in the Asialink Leaders Program, and formal training in Dance and Performance at Dance Factory. She also holds a Diploma in Community Development from Swinburne University and has completed programs at the School of Social Entrepreneurs Australia.

In summary, Kumari Middleton's journey from a professional dancer to a social entrepreneur and community leader highlights her commitment to using the arts as a tool for positive change and empowerment in diverse communities worldwide.

Kumari Middleton
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Location

Altona North, Victoria, Australia