Meet our Board
Image of Abrahim
Abrahim Darouiche - President
Abrahim is passionate about helping our community to be more accessible for people with disability. Being diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder at the age of 5, the muscles in his legs became weaker so, from the age of 15, he started using a powered wheelchair.
Abrahim has worked in numerous administrative roles. In 2017, he was an Ambassador for Ability Links NSW, promoting inclusion for people with disability from the CALD community.
With DDAlliance, he has contributed to many projects, and is works as a Peer Facilitator and Peer Mentor. Abrahim has also been an active member of the DDAlliance Board, being a Secretary from 2018-2019, Treasurer from 2020-2021, and President from 2022.
Abrahim has several qualifications, including a Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Accounting) and a Master of Business and Commerce from Western Sydney University, Diploma of Leadership and Management from Evocca College and a Certificate IV in Customer Engagement from Managed Corporate Outcomes Pty Ltd.
Abrahim is a member of the alumni group for Western Sydney University and Wheelchair Sports NSW. Before becoming an active member of DDAlliance, he has been involved in numerous peer support groups from the Physical Disability Council of NSW (PDCN), the Liverpool Peer Support Group and the Blacktown Peer Support Group.
Abrahim is passionate about helping our community to be more accessible for people with disability. Being diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder at the age of 5, the muscles in his legs became weaker so, from the age of 15, he started using a powered wheelchair.
Abrahim has worked in numerous administrative roles. In 2017, he was an Ambassador for Ability Links NSW, promoting inclusion for people with disability from the CALD community.
With DDAlliance, he has contributed to many projects, and is works as a Peer Facilitator and Peer Mentor. Abrahim has also been an active member of the DDAlliance Board, being a Secretary from 2018-2019, Treasurer from 2020-2021, and President from 2022.
Abrahim has several qualifications, including a Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Accounting) and a Master of Business and Commerce from Western Sydney University, Diploma of Leadership and Management from Evocca College and a Certificate IV in Customer Engagement from Managed Corporate Outcomes Pty Ltd.
Abrahim is a member of the alumni group for Western Sydney University and Wheelchair Sports NSW. Before becoming an active member of DDAlliance, he has been involved in numerous peer support groups from the Physical Disability Council of NSW (PDCN), the Liverpool Peer Support Group and the Blacktown Peer Support Group.
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Pauline David - Vice President
Born in Australia to parents from Assyrian background who migrated from Iraq, Pauline is a person with physical disability. She has experienced cultural, structural and systemic barriers throughout her life, which have fuelled her passion to work in the disability space.
As an advocate, facilitator and peer mentor, Pauline continuously challenges perceptions, attitudes and stigma to help improve community access and promote independence for people with disability from CALD backgrounds.
Pauline has extensive experience in providing advice to local councils on the implementation of Disability Inclusion Action Plans; ensuring real change for people with disability within their communities. She’s also involved with the Zero Barriers initiative.
As a Peer Facilitator, Pauline facilitates discussions on issues such as the NDIS, accessible events, living independently, accessible transport and advocating for yourself. As a Peer Mentor, Pauline supports peers to be empowered to live the life they choose under their own terms.
Born in Australia to parents from Assyrian background who migrated from Iraq, Pauline is a person with physical disability. She has experienced cultural, structural and systemic barriers throughout her life, which have fuelled her passion to work in the disability space.
As an advocate, facilitator and peer mentor, Pauline continuously challenges perceptions, attitudes and stigma to help improve community access and promote independence for people with disability from CALD backgrounds.
Pauline has extensive experience in providing advice to local councils on the implementation of Disability Inclusion Action Plans; ensuring real change for people with disability within their communities. She’s also involved with the Zero Barriers initiative.
As a Peer Facilitator, Pauline facilitates discussions on issues such as the NDIS, accessible events, living independently, accessible transport and advocating for yourself. As a Peer Mentor, Pauline supports peers to be empowered to live the life they choose under their own terms.
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Julie Magill - Treasurer
Julie is passionate about being an advocate for changing attitudes, perceptions and inclusion in the disability sector and in her local community. She would like to see people with disability from multicultural backgrounds to be respected, valued, connected, and included within their communities.
Since joining DDAlliance, Julie enjoys seeing peers look out for each other. She enjoys connecting with peers and sharing her knowledge, experiences and stories. She has also built strong relationships with other organisations and made new friends.
With DDAlliance, she has worked in numerous roles and projects. In 2022, she was elected as Treasurer of the Board, and looks forward to providing a valuable contribution in this role. She’s also a Peer Facilitator with our Peer Cafes, a Circles Facilitator with the Circles Widen project, and a Peer Researcher with the Evaluation team. She has learnt new skills, including the recruitment and interviewing of peers for our research project, research skills, chairing and facilitating meetings, note taking, person-centred practice and community engagement.
Currently, Julie is involved with two reference groups with the Canterbury-Bankstown Council. These include the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) and the Disability Inclusion Action Plan reference groups. She is also involved with the Zero Barriers initiative.
She enjoys watching sports such as cricket, basketball (Sydney Kings), AFL; catching up with extended family and friends; and plays bocce, cricket and trivia.
Julie is passionate about being an advocate for changing attitudes, perceptions and inclusion in the disability sector and in her local community. She would like to see people with disability from multicultural backgrounds to be respected, valued, connected, and included within their communities.
Since joining DDAlliance, Julie enjoys seeing peers look out for each other. She enjoys connecting with peers and sharing her knowledge, experiences and stories. She has also built strong relationships with other organisations and made new friends.
With DDAlliance, she has worked in numerous roles and projects. In 2022, she was elected as Treasurer of the Board, and looks forward to providing a valuable contribution in this role. She’s also a Peer Facilitator with our Peer Cafes, a Circles Facilitator with the Circles Widen project, and a Peer Researcher with the Evaluation team. She has learnt new skills, including the recruitment and interviewing of peers for our research project, research skills, chairing and facilitating meetings, note taking, person-centred practice and community engagement.
Currently, Julie is involved with two reference groups with the Canterbury-Bankstown Council. These include the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) and the Disability Inclusion Action Plan reference groups. She is also involved with the Zero Barriers initiative.
She enjoys watching sports such as cricket, basketball (Sydney Kings), AFL; catching up with extended family and friends; and plays bocce, cricket and trivia.
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Mary Liang – Secretary
Mary is deeply motivated by the vision of an equitable, accessible and inclusive society for all. She believes that everyone should be able to take part in our society meaningfully and fully, regardless of their gender, age, cultural background or ability. She is an ally of people with disability and comes from a multicultural background.
Mary is a community policy and project professional with over 10 years of experience in both non-for-profit and public sectors. As a Board member of DDAlliance, she looks for innovative ways to apply her research and project management skills to continuously advance the DDAlliance's achievements and the rights of people with disability.
Mary is currently working with the Department of Premier and Cabinet as an advisor. She is a mother of two, and enjoys reading, learning new languages, yoga and running.
Mary is deeply motivated by the vision of an equitable, accessible and inclusive society for all. She believes that everyone should be able to take part in our society meaningfully and fully, regardless of their gender, age, cultural background or ability. She is an ally of people with disability and comes from a multicultural background.
Mary is a community policy and project professional with over 10 years of experience in both non-for-profit and public sectors. As a Board member of DDAlliance, she looks for innovative ways to apply her research and project management skills to continuously advance the DDAlliance's achievements and the rights of people with disability.
Mary is currently working with the Department of Premier and Cabinet as an advisor. She is a mother of two, and enjoys reading, learning new languages, yoga and running.
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David Daoud
David is from a Lebanese background and grew up in Sydney. Having been vision impaired since the age of 19, David enjoys and appreciates the value in promoting a more accessible and inclusive society and helping people to achieve their goals.
David is very active in his community. He’s been a co-facilitator at the Liverpool Peer Support Group and a Lived Experience Educator with Settlement Services International. With the latter, David shared his lived experience to help educate people about inclusion and culture. He now contributes to a podcast run by Australian Disability Limited that talks about all things disability.
David has a very creative mind and a passion for computer programming and coding. His interests include solving riddles, brainteasers and puzzles, and travelling throughout NSW while being accompanied by a support worker.
David is from a Lebanese background and grew up in Sydney. Having been vision impaired since the age of 19, David enjoys and appreciates the value in promoting a more accessible and inclusive society and helping people to achieve their goals.
David is very active in his community. He’s been a co-facilitator at the Liverpool Peer Support Group and a Lived Experience Educator with Settlement Services International. With the latter, David shared his lived experience to help educate people about inclusion and culture. He now contributes to a podcast run by Australian Disability Limited that talks about all things disability.
David has a very creative mind and a passion for computer programming and coding. His interests include solving riddles, brainteasers and puzzles, and travelling throughout NSW while being accompanied by a support worker.
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Mirella Manna
Mirella is committed to creating inclusive communities, where people are valued, can actively contribute, and have a sense of belonging. She is an Ally and advocate and would like for people with disability from multicultural backgrounds to have more opportunities to contribute to our society.
Mirella has worked in the disability sector for 20 years. She joined the DDAlliance Board with the shared values that people with disability have the right to lead full lives and to support an organisation that champions the peer-to-peer approach.
Mirella shows her commitment to the disability sector by sitting on committees that aim to raise awareness and improve employment outcomes for people with disability, improving access to health care for people with disability and facilitating information sessions to disability workers to ensure the rights of people with disability are upheld.
Currently, Mirella is the NSW Community Engagement Manager at Mable, is a proud aunt to Giselle and Orlando and carer to the best father in the world.
Mirella is committed to creating inclusive communities, where people are valued, can actively contribute, and have a sense of belonging. She is an Ally and advocate and would like for people with disability from multicultural backgrounds to have more opportunities to contribute to our society.
Mirella has worked in the disability sector for 20 years. She joined the DDAlliance Board with the shared values that people with disability have the right to lead full lives and to support an organisation that champions the peer-to-peer approach.
Mirella shows her commitment to the disability sector by sitting on committees that aim to raise awareness and improve employment outcomes for people with disability, improving access to health care for people with disability and facilitating information sessions to disability workers to ensure the rights of people with disability are upheld.
Currently, Mirella is the NSW Community Engagement Manager at Mable, is a proud aunt to Giselle and Orlando and carer to the best father in the world.
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Nidhi Shekaren
Nidhi believes it’s important to strive towards an inclusive society. She admires how peer support is done at DDAlliance, and would like to share her unique insights to the Board.
She was born in India and moved to Australia in 2000. Since being here, she has gained lived experience of advocating for herself in the disability system. She is active in her community, often supporting her peers or being called upon to share her insights or advice. She speaks five languages, including four Indian languages and English.
Currently, Nidhi is Chair of the Inclusion (Disability) Advisory Panel with the City of Sydney, and a Peer Mentor with DDAlliance. She has completed leadership courses, attended Toast Masters, and in her own time, loves Bollywood singing and dancing.
Nidhi believes it’s important to strive towards an inclusive society. She admires how peer support is done at DDAlliance, and would like to share her unique insights to the Board.
She was born in India and moved to Australia in 2000. Since being here, she has gained lived experience of advocating for herself in the disability system. She is active in her community, often supporting her peers or being called upon to share her insights or advice. She speaks five languages, including four Indian languages and English.
Currently, Nidhi is Chair of the Inclusion (Disability) Advisory Panel with the City of Sydney, and a Peer Mentor with DDAlliance. She has completed leadership courses, attended Toast Masters, and in her own time, loves Bollywood singing and dancing.
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Qian Fang
Dr. Qian Fang is an applied policy researcher. Her research combines Chinese and Australian comparative analysis with particular focus on cultural responsiveness of social support and international Chinese community comparative research.
Between 2018 and 2021, she was employed as a post-doctoral researcher at the Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales. She has extensive experience leading research projects on culturally responsive disability support in the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and peer support run by and for people with disability and older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. She has gained rich knowledge about issues that are of importance to people with disability from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Qian Fang joined the DDAlliance Board in 2022 because she strongly believes in the power and value of peer support and strongly advocates for including people from the disability and culturally diverse communities in the development of social policy and support provision.
When she is not busy for work, she enjoys hiking and reading, particularly classical Chinese poetry.
Dr. Qian Fang is an applied policy researcher. Her research combines Chinese and Australian comparative analysis with particular focus on cultural responsiveness of social support and international Chinese community comparative research.
Between 2018 and 2021, she was employed as a post-doctoral researcher at the Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales. She has extensive experience leading research projects on culturally responsive disability support in the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and peer support run by and for people with disability and older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. She has gained rich knowledge about issues that are of importance to people with disability from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Qian Fang joined the DDAlliance Board in 2022 because she strongly believes in the power and value of peer support and strongly advocates for including people from the disability and culturally diverse communities in the development of social policy and support provision.
When she is not busy for work, she enjoys hiking and reading, particularly classical Chinese poetry.
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Sophon Neang
For Sophon, DDAlliance is our space. Peers are equal, and we should cherish peer relationships as we build rapport. She would like all peers at DDAlliance to feel included, accountable, and comfortable to be themselves and support each other. She believes we can overcome stigma and create change by sharing stories and experiences.
Currently, Sophon is a Peer Mentor, Researcher and Facilitator with the Khmer Peer Café. She volunteers at St Mary Mackillop Place and Josephite Companion Bankstown Central Group, and is a member of the Villawood Housing Committee and Villawood Alliance Craft Group.
Sophon enjoys gardening, learning new languages, swimming, and singing hymns and Khmer poems. She speaks Khmer, Vietnamese, English and Teochew Chinese.
For Sophon, DDAlliance is our space. Peers are equal, and we should cherish peer relationships as we build rapport. She would like all peers at DDAlliance to feel included, accountable, and comfortable to be themselves and support each other. She believes we can overcome stigma and create change by sharing stories and experiences.
Currently, Sophon is a Peer Mentor, Researcher and Facilitator with the Khmer Peer Café. She volunteers at St Mary Mackillop Place and Josephite Companion Bankstown Central Group, and is a member of the Villawood Housing Committee and Villawood Alliance Craft Group.
Sophon enjoys gardening, learning new languages, swimming, and singing hymns and Khmer poems. She speaks Khmer, Vietnamese, English and Teochew Chinese.
Our Advisors
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Diana Qian
Diana is a leading practitioner specialising in the interface between disability and diversity. She acquired a physical disability in China and came to Australia with her family when she was thirteen. Diana is passionate about making full inclusion a reality for people with disability from diverse backgrounds. She has more than 20 years’ experience working in the disability sector and has developed extensive expertise in strategic policy and research, cultural competence, service design and delivery, training, organisational and project management. She has been the main driver of a number of successful government projects targeting diverse communities.
Diana has held leadership roles in the government and non-government sectors, including the Executive Officer, National Ethnic Disability Alliance, Executive Director, Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW and Senior Policy Officer at the Disability Council NSW, the official advisor to NSW Government on disability. She is currently working as a Plan Manager supporting people with disability under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Diana holds a degree in Applied Science from University of Western Sydney, an Honours degree in Social Science from University of Technology, Sydney, and a Masters in Public Administration from University of Sydney.
Diana is a leading practitioner specialising in the interface between disability and diversity. She acquired a physical disability in China and came to Australia with her family when she was thirteen. Diana is passionate about making full inclusion a reality for people with disability from diverse backgrounds. She has more than 20 years’ experience working in the disability sector and has developed extensive expertise in strategic policy and research, cultural competence, service design and delivery, training, organisational and project management. She has been the main driver of a number of successful government projects targeting diverse communities.
Diana has held leadership roles in the government and non-government sectors, including the Executive Officer, National Ethnic Disability Alliance, Executive Director, Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW and Senior Policy Officer at the Disability Council NSW, the official advisor to NSW Government on disability. She is currently working as a Plan Manager supporting people with disability under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Diana holds a degree in Applied Science from University of Western Sydney, an Honours degree in Social Science from University of Technology, Sydney, and a Masters in Public Administration from University of Sydney.
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Dinesh Wadiwel
Dr Dinesh Wadiwel is Director of the Master of Human Rights, University of Sydney and lectures in human rights and social justice. He currently is co-convenor of the Disability Rights Research Collaboration, a new University of Sydney network aimed at linking researchers with Disabled People's Organisations.
He has previously taught in sociology and politics at the University of Western Sydney, Macquarie University and the University of Notre Dame Australia. Dinesh has 15 years experience working within the non-government sector.
Between 2002 and 2007 he was employed as Senior Policy Officer at the Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS) and was a previous Executive Officer of National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA), the national peak organization representing people from Non English Speaking Backgrounds with disability. Dinesh was also employed as a Senior Policy Officer at the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW (MDAA) in 2011.
Dinesh has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), majoring in Politics and Philosophy from Macquarie University and earned a PhD from the University of Western Sydney in 2006.
Dr Dinesh Wadiwel is Director of the Master of Human Rights, University of Sydney and lectures in human rights and social justice. He currently is co-convenor of the Disability Rights Research Collaboration, a new University of Sydney network aimed at linking researchers with Disabled People's Organisations.
He has previously taught in sociology and politics at the University of Western Sydney, Macquarie University and the University of Notre Dame Australia. Dinesh has 15 years experience working within the non-government sector.
Between 2002 and 2007 he was employed as Senior Policy Officer at the Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS) and was a previous Executive Officer of National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA), the national peak organization representing people from Non English Speaking Backgrounds with disability. Dinesh was also employed as a Senior Policy Officer at the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW (MDAA) in 2011.
Dinesh has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), majoring in Politics and Philosophy from Macquarie University and earned a PhD from the University of Western Sydney in 2006.
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Reg Raghaven
Reg is a founding Director, Program of Red Elephant Projects, an organisation pioneering in multicultural and Asian diaspora engagement programs through sport, music and the arts. As the Director of Programs, Reg has directly managed a range of programs from small community based initiatives to a large, multi-stakeholder $40 million Government project.
Reg has a special interest in entrepreneurial models of social service delivery, diaspora experiences, civilisational value systems, sport and music. His insight is through the lens of the Australian Indian diaspora, and through the study of a north east Asia language (Japanese).
His academic background covers the disciplines of Applied Anthropology and Participatory Development, Social Entrepreneurship, Information Technology, Japanese and Project Management
Reg is a founding Director, Program of Red Elephant Projects, an organisation pioneering in multicultural and Asian diaspora engagement programs through sport, music and the arts. As the Director of Programs, Reg has directly managed a range of programs from small community based initiatives to a large, multi-stakeholder $40 million Government project.
Reg has a special interest in entrepreneurial models of social service delivery, diaspora experiences, civilisational value systems, sport and music. His insight is through the lens of the Australian Indian diaspora, and through the study of a north east Asia language (Japanese).
His academic background covers the disciplines of Applied Anthropology and Participatory Development, Social Entrepreneurship, Information Technology, Japanese and Project Management
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Patrick Harris
Dr Patrick Harris (PhD, MPH, Ba Hons) is a senior researcher working at Sydney University. Patrick has 12 years of working across sectors in NSW and across Australia to improve equity.
Prior to becoming a public health researcher from 2002-2005 he worked as a project officer for the NSW Transcultural Aged Care Service, policy officer for ageing and disability at the Ethnic Council of NSW Inc. and developed a guide to culturally competent disability services for the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW.
He is passionate about social justice issues and is recognised internationally for his applied research to improve decision making about equity issues. He earned his PhD from the University of NSW in 2013.
Dr Patrick Harris (PhD, MPH, Ba Hons) is a senior researcher working at Sydney University. Patrick has 12 years of working across sectors in NSW and across Australia to improve equity.
Prior to becoming a public health researcher from 2002-2005 he worked as a project officer for the NSW Transcultural Aged Care Service, policy officer for ageing and disability at the Ethnic Council of NSW Inc. and developed a guide to culturally competent disability services for the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW.
He is passionate about social justice issues and is recognised internationally for his applied research to improve decision making about equity issues. He earned his PhD from the University of NSW in 2013.
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Sylvana Mahmic
Sylvana's interest in disability began 22 years ago, when her first child Abdul-Karim was diagnosed with a disability. Seeking to understand what lay ahead for her son, she completed post graduate study in special education and is currently the CEO of Pathways Early Childhood Intervention. She has developed several initiatives which target the wider community, in particular the culturally and linguistically diverse community. She is currently a doctoral candidate researching individualised support and self-directed funding.
Sylvana is an advocate for people with disability and their families and has served on over 15 reference and advisory groups in addition to five Ministerial appointments. She is currently the Vice President of Early Childhood Intervention Australia NSW Chapter and immediate past President. In 2013, she was appointed to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Independent Advisory Group.
Since 2009 Sylvana, her son and the extended family have been learning about how to use a self-managed package using individualised funding and she uses these experiences to shine a light on the potential of this approach for people with disability and their families.
Sylvana's interest in disability began 22 years ago, when her first child Abdul-Karim was diagnosed with a disability. Seeking to understand what lay ahead for her son, she completed post graduate study in special education and is currently the CEO of Pathways Early Childhood Intervention. She has developed several initiatives which target the wider community, in particular the culturally and linguistically diverse community. She is currently a doctoral candidate researching individualised support and self-directed funding.
Sylvana is an advocate for people with disability and their families and has served on over 15 reference and advisory groups in addition to five Ministerial appointments. She is currently the Vice President of Early Childhood Intervention Australia NSW Chapter and immediate past President. In 2013, she was appointed to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Independent Advisory Group.
Since 2009 Sylvana, her son and the extended family have been learning about how to use a self-managed package using individualised funding and she uses these experiences to shine a light on the potential of this approach for people with disability and their families.