Dr Casty Nyaga Hughes, CPA, is a professional practising accountant and businesswoman. She co-founded Choice Health and Wellbeing Group (CHWG, NDIS-approved provider) and Choice Accounting & Taxation Services, an accounting practice firm based in Wanneroo, WA, which empowers and enhances growth at individual and business levels. Business demands can be involving and time-consuming, but Dr Casty is a very organised and dynamic time management expert with a balanced lifestyle for her business, family and community involvement. As the second president of the Organisation of African Communities in WA (OACWA) and the first woman elected to this position, Dr Casty is determined to continue working with the African community leaders to advance the vision and objectives of OACWA. As the president of OACWA, Dr Casty is diligent and committed to the service of the community. Dr Casty has been involved in community work from her early years, having served as a board member of several academic, religious and social institutions in Kenya and a well-respected community leader. As an experienced leader, Dr Casty brings tremendous positive energy to the African community leadership. Her impact extends to the wider WA’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community, politicians, and local community leaders. OACWA and the African community will continue to benefit from her knowledge and uniqueness as a planner, goal setter, trainer, motivator, hard worker and team player, bringing the best out of each person. Dr Casty migrated to Australia to pursue a Doctoral degree (Doctor of Business Administration (Information Systems) at Edith Cowan University. In addition, Dr Casty is a holder of a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM), Graduate Diploma in Financial Management (GDip Fin Mgt), and Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science. She is a passionate advocate of academic pursuant, a quality reflected by her interest in and support of continuous improvement at all levels for individuals, families, organisations and leaders. Dr Casty believes it’s never too late to start again and make a difference to oneself and those around you. She is a great example and inspiration to women determined to progress and make a positive difference within their families, workplace, career and community. As an ‘Aussie’ woman with African rural roots, Dr Casty understands the challenges facing migrant women in trying to break the barriers within the leadership arena in Australia. Dr Casty is passionate about motivating and inspiring women of all ages and backgrounds in various areas, such as education, career and personal growth, financial stability, and sustainability. Her passion for helping extends to professional migrants, where Dr Casty focuses on mentoring accountants from African countries and empowering them to find their future in the local economy of Australia. In 2019, Dr Casty was awarded Australia Day Individual Award by the City of Wanneroo due to her continued commitment to mentoring and supporting community members. In 2021 she was awarded Australia Women in Finance Award Mentor of the Year. Dr Casty is determined to help develop a strong community and put in place systems, internal controls, policies, procedures, resources management tools and values on behalf of WA’s African communities, which will promote and strengthen sustainable African communities. Over the years, Dr Casty has been very instrumental in the computerisation of OACWA and Kenyan Community in Western Australia (KCWA) accounts, in addition to putting in place financial and management reporting systems to enhance transparency, accountability, and event/program budgeting which are key to timely and accurate reporting to the stakeholders. Dr Casty believes that as the president of OACWA, the executive team and the African community leaders form a great and strong base to Build a Better Future for Africans in Western Australia. Reach out to Dr. Casty through: president@oacwa.com.au