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This category recognises a young African Australian aged 18 to 25 years who has demonstrated leadership in the community. The person may demonstrate leadership qualities such as mentorship through involvement in entertainment, sports, coaching or other pursuits and contributions and is regarded by others as a setting a good example.
Nyat Mulugeta
Nyat Mulugeta
Nyat Mulugeta is a youth leader with the WA Habesha Youth Group. A former Miss Africa Perth contestant, Nyat strives to create a positive image of Africa in Australia by empowering Ethiopian and Eritrean youth to confidently embrace their heritage.
Through her leadership role with the WA Habesha Youth Group, Nyat liaises with community organisations to provide essential support to African youth relating to mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and drug and alcohol abuse.
At the young age of 20, Nyat also exercises leadership in various capacities with the Australian Institute of International Affairs, Aus-Afri Trade, and the University of Western Australia’s French Club and Amnesty International branch.
Working against all odds, Nyat always perseveres to engage African youth on vital issues facing the community.
Sara Shengeb
Nyat Mulugeta
Sara Shengeb is a youth leader with the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network, the WA Youth Affairs Council, and the Commissioner for Children and Young People. In 2017, Sara was nominated for the Young Citizen of the Year Award by her local government. She also received the inaugural Geoff Rusmussen Scholarship for her voluntary work in the community.
At the young age of 24, Sara sits on the WA Public Employment CaLD Reference Group, a joint initiative of the Public Sector Commission, the Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment, and the Office of Multicultural Interests, on which she advocates the specific needs of young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. She serves as a Ministerial Advisor to Hon. Paul Papalia, Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural interests, on issues facing youth from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Sara also sits on the Equal Opportunities Commission New and Emerging Communities Reference Group and assists in the development of a coordinated and coherent strategy to address racial harassment and discrimination faced by new and emerging communities in WA.
Having come to Australia as a refugee six years ago, Sara is passionate about changing mainstream perceptions of people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
Gisele Ishimwe
Nyat Mulugeta
Gisele Ishimwe is a youth leader and mentor who uses education and art to empower African youth to realise their potential using education. She is an aspiring screenwriter and playwright who has directed short films addressing social issues facing African youth in Perth.
A mentor with the University of Western Australia’s Fairway and Aspire Program, she actively works with disadvantaged students from schools across Perth to improve their motivation and encourage them to pursue higher education.
Gisele also inspires African youth through her involvement with the African Women’s Council of Australia, Miss Africa Perth, Soul Alphabet, the UWA African Students’ Union, and Nations Youth. In 2015, Gisele was a finalist for the Youth Affairs Council of WA’s Youth Awards.
A young woman of faith, Gisele is dedicated to leading a life of service and encouraging active citizenship in others.