CMY People
Adriel
Adriel (he/him) is a first-generation immigrant with a profound commitment to mental health, cultural identity, and social justice. Born in Sri Lanka and arriving in Australia as a young refugee of Tamil heritage, Adriel is a current medical student who brings a unique and empathetic perspective to his work.
Adriel has actively engaged with various organisations, including the Department of Home Affairs, Orygen, Youth Affairs Council Victoria, and Headspace, contributing to initiatives focused on improving the well-being of young people. His lived experience as a refugee fuels his passion for advocating for marginalised communities and addressing the intersectional challenges they face.
Driven by a desire to bridge the gap between healthcare and social equity, Adriel aspires to contribute to research and policy that promotes inclusive and culturally sensitive support for young people. He believes in the power of lived experience and community engagement to create meaningful change.
CMY People
Florencia
Florencia is a young lawyer and researcher with a passion for human rights and international law. She graduated with honors and pursued diplomas in International Policy Analysis and Migrant and Refugee Protection, the latter being her main area of interest.
Over the past year, she collaborated with an NGO focused on the promotion and defense of human rights within the Inter-American Human Rights System. She co-coordinated a diverse team of interns and assisted in the research and drafting of legal documents, in particular a shadow report on women deprived of their liberty, which will soon be submitted to the United Nations.
Additionally, she has participated in various international programs that promote youth leadership and cultural diversity. She is recognized for her strong skills in research, critical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication.
CMY People
Mandy
Mandy Ho (they/them) is a second-generation Chinese Vietnamese-Australian, raised on Wurundjeri land and a current medical student on the lands of the Gunaikurnai people.
Fostered in their studies and volunteer experience, Mandy is passionate about health as a holistic expression of young multicultural people and their communities, especially delving into mental health, queerness, and cultural assimilation.
They hope to continually recognise the privilege their access to education carries and will strive to utilise the skills that it has afforded them to champion youth participation as a Youth Researcher in Explore and throughout their professional career.
CMY People
Minaal
Minaal is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, education, and social equity. Coming from a multicultural background and currently completing her Bachelor of Science majoring in psychology at Monash University, she is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and ensuring young people have access to opportunities that help them thrive.
As an Explore Youth Researcher with the Centre for Multicultural Youth, Minaal uses her background in psychology and community engagement to drive meaningful change. She has worked in mentoring, advocacy, and leadership roles, focusing on education, mental health, and leadership for young people.
With a strong commitment to advocacy and social change, Minaal continues to use her voice and skills to create meaningful impact—whether through research, mentorship, or community-driven initiatives. She believes that by uplifting each other, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
CMY People
Naaki
Naaki is a Māori, Tongan and Filipino young person who has a keen interest in youth, pre-colonisation and intersectional research and policy.
Heading into Explore, they have an academic background in criminology and gender studies alongside experience working with young people through the Victorian Youth Congress, Le Mana, Minus 18 and HoMie.
During their time as part of Explore, they hope to take part in research and contribute to future policies that greatly impact young multicultural people in a positive way.
CMY People
Uyen Ho
Uyen Ho (she/her) is a social work graduate who moved to Melbourne in 2017. With experience as a youth facilitator and caseworker at Southeast Community Links and Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Uyen has worked closely with diverse groups, fostering positive change in their lives through culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches.
As an international student, she understands the unique challenges young people face when navigating new environments and is committed to amplifying their voices through research.
Throughout her professional journey, listening to the stories and experiences of young people has inspired Uyen to bring their voices to the forefront of research and policy discussions. Her areas of interest include racial justice, access to services, cultural identity and mental health.
Adriel
Adriel
Adriel (he/him) is a first-generation immigrant with a profound commitment to mental health, cultural identity, and social justice. Born in Sri Lanka and arriving in Australia as a young refugee of Tamil heritage, Adriel is a current medical student who brings a unique and empathetic perspective to his work.
Adriel has actively engaged with various organisations, including the Department of Home Affairs, Orygen, Youth Affairs Council Victoria, and Headspace, contributing to initiatives focused on improving the well-being of young people. His lived experience as a refugee fuels his passion for advocating for marginalised communities and addressing the intersectional challenges they face.
Driven by a desire to bridge the gap between healthcare and social equity, Adriel aspires to contribute to research and policy that promotes inclusive and culturally sensitive support for young people. He believes in the power of lived experience and community engagement to create meaningful change.
Florencia
Florencia
Florencia is a young lawyer and researcher with a passion for human rights and international law. She graduated with honors and pursued diplomas in International Policy Analysis and Migrant and Refugee Protection, the latter being her main area of interest.
Over the past year, she collaborated with an NGO focused on the promotion and defense of human rights within the Inter-American Human Rights System. She co-coordinated a diverse team of interns and assisted in the research and drafting of legal documents, in particular a shadow report on women deprived of their liberty, which will soon be submitted to the United Nations.
Additionally, she has participated in various international programs that promote youth leadership and cultural diversity. She is recognized for her strong skills in research, critical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication.
Mandy
Mandy
Mandy Ho (they/them) is a second-generation Chinese Vietnamese-Australian, raised on Wurundjeri land and a current medical student on the lands of the Gunaikurnai people.
Fostered in their studies and volunteer experience, Mandy is passionate about health as a holistic expression of young multicultural people and their communities, especially delving into mental health, queerness, and cultural assimilation.
They hope to continually recognise the privilege their access to education carries and will strive to utilise the skills that it has afforded them to champion youth participation as a Youth Researcher in Explore and throughout their professional career.
Minaal
Minaal
Minaal is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, education, and social equity. Coming from a multicultural background and currently completing her Bachelor of Science majoring in psychology at Monash University, she is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and ensuring young people have access to opportunities that help them thrive.
As an Explore Youth Researcher with the Centre for Multicultural Youth, Minaal uses her background in psychology and community engagement to drive meaningful change. She has worked in mentoring, advocacy, and leadership roles, focusing on education, mental health, and leadership for young people.
With a strong commitment to advocacy and social change, Minaal continues to use her voice and skills to create meaningful impact—whether through research, mentorship, or community-driven initiatives. She believes that by uplifting each other, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Naaki
Naaki
Naaki is a Māori, Tongan and Filipino young person who has a keen interest in youth, pre-colonisation and intersectional research and policy.
Heading into Explore, they have an academic background in criminology and gender studies alongside experience working with young people through the Victorian Youth Congress, Le Mana, Minus 18 and HoMie.
During their time as part of Explore, they hope to take part in research and contribute to future policies that greatly impact young multicultural people in a positive way.
Uyen Ho
Uyen Ho
Uyen Ho (she/her) is a social work graduate who moved to Melbourne in 2017. With experience as a youth facilitator and caseworker at Southeast Community Links and Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Uyen has worked closely with diverse groups, fostering positive change in their lives through culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches.
As an international student, she understands the unique challenges young people face when navigating new environments and is committed to amplifying their voices through research.
Throughout her professional journey, listening to the stories and experiences of young people has inspired Uyen to bring their voices to the forefront of research and policy discussions. Her areas of interest include racial justice, access to services, cultural identity and mental health.