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Shabnam Safa
Chair at National Refugee-led Advisory and Advocacy Group (NRAAG)
Professional Background
Shabnam Safa is a dedicated community advocate with a strong background in health science, social entrepreneurship, and community development. With a focus on refugee advocacy and youth leadership, Shabnam has built a remarkable career, marked by her commitment to improving the lives of those from diverse backgrounds. She currently serves as a Community Development Officer at Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia, where she plays a pivotal role in supporting refugees and ensuring their successful integration into Australian society.
Previously, Shabnam held the position of Chair at the National Refugee-led Advisory and Advocacy Group (NRAAG), where she represented the voices of refugee communities at a national level. Her influence extended to the Metropolitan Partnerships at the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, where she served as a Board Member and contributed to the strategic direction and initiatives surrounding community development.
Shabnam’s early career included various project officer roles at the Centre for Multicultural Youth, where she focused on enhancing sector capability and fostering youth leadership. Her experiences as a Community Organising Intern at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre further enriched her understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers, helping her develop effective grassroots strategies for advocacy and support.
Education and Achievements
Shabnam Safa holds a Bachelor of Health Science specializing in Neuroscience from Swinburne University of Technology. This educational foundation has not only provided her with a solid understanding of health in diverse populations but has also equipped her with critical problem-solving skills applicable to her community work.
In addition to her academic credentials, Shabnam has expanded her knowledge in social entrepreneurship through a specialized module at Babson College, one of the leading institutions for entrepreneurial studies. Here, she learned how to leverage social innovation to drive positive change, particularly in communities facing socio-economic challenges.
Shabnam also participated in the UNAOC-EF Summer School at EF International Language Campuses, which underscores her commitment to cross-cultural communication and understanding, essential skills in her line of work promoting the welfare of refugees.
Notable Contributions
Shabnam has made significant impacts through her collaborative work with various organizations. As a co-founder at ReConnect, she was instrumental in strategizing business development initiatives aimed at connecting refugees and immigrants with resources and support necessary for successful resettlement.
Her leadership role at Noor Foundation Inc., where she served as an Executive Committee Member, further highlights her dedication to community service and philanthropy, focusing on empowering marginalized groups within society.
As a public speaker at the Centre for Multicultural Youth, Shabnam has shared her profound insights on refugee issues, leadership, and social equity, inspiring audiences and empowering youth leaders within the multicultural community.
Shabnam's experience as an Access & Equity Project Advisor at the Victorian Refugee Health Network exemplifies her commitment to health equity, working diligently to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, receive the quality health care they deserve. Through her role as a Client Management Officer at Sweda Migration Agents, she gained substantial experience in providing practical support and guidance to migrants, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the Australian immigration system.
In every role she has taken on, Shabnam has displayed an unwavering commitment to community service, advocacy, and social equity, making her a respected figure in the fields of community development and refugee support. Her background in neuroscience adds a unique perspective to her advocacy work, allowing her to approach complex issues with analytical rigor and compassion.
