Social impact consultant and trauma research expert Marilyn and Indian-born multicultural ambassador and ‘super connector’ Seema are the two newest members of WOB’s Cultural Diversity Committee. The CDC was established in 2020 with the aim of addressing barriers to leadership and in board and committee roles for culturally diverse women.
Dr Marilyn Metta (pictured top right) is the Director and Founder of The Metis Centre, a social justice organisation working to address gender inequality and promote women and children’s safety and wellbeing.
With over 22 years’ experience working as a trauma-integrated counsellor with culturally diverse and First Nations communities Marilyn is an expert consultant on social, cultural, and environmental impacts for First Nations communities.
“I joined the CDC because I wanted to be at the table where decisions are being made about issues that I care about and that are important to the community and have a voice on issues that are not often represented or even get on the agenda,” said Marilyn.
“I feel that boards need to embody gender and cultural diversity in meaningful ways. To meaningfully embody diversity, we need to have brave conversations and make courageous decisions.”
As a leader within the Indian community in Queensland, Seema Chuahan (pictured top left) draws on her lived experiences to foster a strong bond in the broader community. The registered migration agent and marketing consultant is also the Multicultural Ambassador for the Gold Coast Titans and Mental Health Foundation Australia and previously for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“Being passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion, I joined the Women on Board Cultural Diversity Committee to drive meaningful change, including changes that empower women from diverse backgrounds. I am eager to share my skills that contribute to that change which will positively impact the community,” said Seema.
“Australia’s success as a multicultural country is widely acknowledged, with 27.6 per cent of the population born overseas, according to the 2021 census. To truly reflect this diversity, it is essential to ensure representation of people from diverse backgrounds on boards and in leadership positions.”
Find Marilyn on LinkedIn
Find Seema on LinkedIn
About the Cultural Diversity Committee