Violet Roumeliotis has been recognised as the 2017 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year. As the CEO of SSI, Ms Roumeliotis has overseen innovative diversification leading to more than 1,100 per cent revenue growth
Read more: CEO Violet Roumeliotis 2017 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year
Originally from Syria, Dana came to Australia via Iraq in search of safety.
“I was born and raised in Damascus, Syria. Syria is the country where I attended school and university for free, where I enjoyed safety and security, where I learned to communicate and respect others even when we have differences in religion, thought, doctrine or ideology,” she said.
Read more: Bright future ahead for new Australian Dana Al Samaan
Ania Kebabjian fled Syria via Lebanon and arrived to Australia in 2016 as a refugee. She admits that starting up a new life and settling in takes time - but 2017 was different, Ania explains to Marie Claire magazine, as she finally feels at home.
Read more: Ania Kebabjian story featured in Marie Claire Fashion Magazine: "I made Australia home"
Bassam Maaliki, a 14-year-old student at Homebush Bay High School and founder of the social change campaign #uBelong, was announced winner of the Youth Medal at the NSW Premier’s Harmony Dinner on 21 March 2018.
Arriving in Australia in 2013 marked the beginning of a new life and career for 49-year-old Saman Khaladj.
Read more: Ignite helps Saman Khaladj Iranian refugee forge new career path
No-one knows more about the barriers people with disability face every day than someone with a lifetime of first-hand experience. But what can apparently be a drawback has been used by Yagoona resident Quang Nyugen as a drive to establish his own business, while also finding a way to help the community.
Read more: Quang Nyugen an entrepreneur with disability breaking down barriers
Being witness to acts of war as an adolescent has increased the maturity of 22-year-old graphic design teacher Talar Hagob, who has recently secured part-time employment with Australia for UNHCR.
Read more: Talar Hagob Syrian graphic design teacher secures a role with Australia for UNHCR
One of the best ways to excel at your job is to start from the bottom and work your way up. Chris Blackwell, Team Assistant with SSI Employment Services, knows this well.
Read more: Chris leads the way to employment success with SSI
Karim* arrived in Australia in 2012 to seek asylum when it became unsafe for him to stay in Iran.
An electrical engineer by trade and with a wealth of experience, he owned and operated his own business in his home town of Shiraz, Iran.
Read more: Karim's small business success while seeking asylum
Arash Bordbar, who came to Australia as a refugee, is taking his passion to help others to an international level in a bid to shed light on the issues affecting young refugees and people seeking asylum.
Read more: Arash Bordbar has a global ambition for helping young refugees
