Dr Faiza El-Higzi is a nationally recognised academic and social change advocate with a distinguished record in public service and governance. Awarded the Order of Australia in 2020, she brings expertise in cultural, social, and economic development across sectors. A research fellow at the University of Queensland, she advises the Queensland Government on multiculturalism, domestic violence, and health equity.
Nationally, she chairs Welcoming Cities and supports ethnic media and refugee advocacy. With multiple degrees, including a PhD in political science, her contributions have earned her the Human Rights Award (2013) and Queensland’s Outstanding Individual Award (2018).
Samir Bennegadi is a principled executive professional with over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, business development, and stakeholder engagement.
As Managing Director and Board Trustee, he has successfully managed portfolios exceeding AUD 250 million and led operational teams of more than 2,500 employees. He brings extensive governance and advisory experience across the not-for-profit and community sectors, with a strong focus on institutional development, faith-based initiatives, and international charitable programs.
Samir holds board positions with several prominent organisations, serving as a strategic adviser to Islamic community bodies across Australia, driving impactful, values-aligned outcomes at both local and global levels.
Ahmed Hegazi is a management and communications academic, teaching at leading Australian universities including ACU, the University of Sydney, and UNSW. A Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy, he received the 2021 Innovation Excellence Award. His expertise spans strategy, governance, development economics, and intercultural communication. He has served on the boards of UTS’s and UNSW’s Postgraduate Council.
Ahmed holds a Bachelor’s in HR Management (ACU), a Master’s in Communications Management (UTS), and an Executive MBA (UNSW), with an exchange at Yale School of Management. He is dedicated to advancing collaboration, social harmony, and shared prosperity through education and leadership.
Dr Saied Altabaa is an educator, public speaker, and community advocate with a PhD in Teaching Arabic and Qur’an to Non-Native Speakers. He also has qualifications in computer engineering and cybersecurity. He is the Principal of a community language school in Victoria and has played a key role in establishing multiple schools across Victoria and NSW.
A regular khateeb and leadership trainer, Dr Saied is committed to empowering youth and communities through education, faith-based initiatives, and capacity-building programs. His work is rooted in service, identity, and social justice, principles that strongly align with the values and mission of Islamic Relief.
Mona Abdelraheem is a dedicated psychologist, mother, and active member of the Muslim community. She is the director of Olive Tree Psychology and is currently undertaking advanced training to become a clinical psychologist.
With a strong focus on women’s mental health, Mona advocates for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, particularly within the Muslim population. She previously worked as a school counsellor, gaining insight into the mental health needs of children and families. Holding a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and a Master of Clinical Psychology, Mona also volunteers her time several centers, supporting community wellbeing.
Hoosein Ismail is a seasoned finance professional and community advocate with decades of experience in bookkeeping, accounting, and financial advisory services. He is the founder of RegalBiz Bookkeeping and Accounting Services, where he supports businesses and community organisations with financial management and compliance.
Born in South Africa, he began his lifelong commitment to social justice by opposing apartheid. After moving to New Zealand in 1999, he supported migrant communities with both settlement and financial literacy. Now based in Western Australia, he continues to advance inclusion and economic empowerment. In 2019, his human rights work was recognised in a United Nations exhibition in Fremantle.
