Our Story

Tasneem Zavery
Newsletter Writer & PR Support

Tasneem is passionate about people and community  stories. A skilled storyteller, she has more than ten years of experience within national, and international media. She has worked, and gained work experience in the capacities of a print journalist, feature writer, content writer, copywriter and a community correspondent for radio.

Her family, and friends swear by her gooey brownies. Mum to a cheeky toddler, and an avid reader.

Her quest for sharing people stories continues…

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Megan Tapia
Grants Researcher & Writer

Megan has spent the past fifteen years working in the higher education & research sector in London and Sydney. Her current management role at UNSW supports her development as an authentic and purposeful leader, motivated and energised by the positive social impact created by making responsible decisions through inclusive collaboration with diverse groups of stakeholders.

With a background in hospitality and complementary medicine, Meg has previously studied Business-Marketing & Remedial Massage and is currently completing a Health Science degree, as part of her life-long learning journey.

Practicing yoga and meditation, cat cuddles, and travel are some of her great joys.

Ellie Stamelos
Blog Contributor

Ellie is a qualified English/History teacher and has experienced great fulfilment working with students and families from refugee and migrant backgrounds. She is passionate about feminism, equity and social justice in general, and have been writing/blogging about these topics for various Australian publications since her early 20s. She looks forward to joining the team at Welcome Merchant.

Mariia Zhuchenko
Events Management & Curating

Mariia is a multidisciplinary artist, curator, experienced Front of House manager and event producer. Her working methodology is dialogical and collaborative, and her practice is inspired by her Russian heritage, storytelling and placemaking. She completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts with Honours at USYD and a Master of Curating and Cultural Leadership at UNSW. Mariia currently works as Sales Associate at Sullivan+Strumpf Sydney, where she manages client relationships and overseas art fair partnerships. As Deputy Chair, she contributes extensive knowledge of the food and hospitality sectors, visitor engagement and project management.

Katie Clinch
Events

Katie grew up in England, in 2010, she planned to travel across Australia for a year, but 12 years later, she’s still here. Katie has a deep passion for quality customer service, creating memorable moments and experiencing new cultures.

Katie has partnered closely with WM Founder Marjorie on several events over the past 5 years and is a very proud member of the WM community. When Katie’s not volunteering at WM events, she’s leading the team of Customer Success Managers at LinkedIN, eating donuts and catching up on her never ending reading list.

Lulu Dowell
Marketing

With a strong background in marketing and events, Lulu is a passionate advocate for human rights, feminism and racial justice, and wants to utilise her skills and knowledge to make a positive impact. Having spent many years traveling and living abroad, she values the opportunity to experience different cultures and meet people from all walks of life. Lulu holds a Bachelor of Business (Management) and an MBA (Marketing).

In her spare time, Lulu can be found walking her dog, immersing herself in nature, being active and spending time with friends and family. As a self-described food lover, she believes that the only thing better than a well-cooked meal is a perfectly-baked dessert.

Sasha Manusama
Web Content

Sasha is a content producer based in Melbourne. She has worked in various creative roles across different companies ranging from mid-sized startups to large national corporations. She’s passionate about refugee rights and is excited to get to know the asylum seeker entrepreneur community in Melbourne and right around Australia.

Sasha is known for dropping random (mostly useless) historical facts in conversations, and she’s always fueled by 2 coffees a day.

Rochelle Gunn
Blogging

Rochelle is a Perth based freelance writer with a passion for sustainable living and wellness. She uses her writing to inspire others to lead more mindful and environmentally conscious lifestyles, exploring topics such as natural skincare and tiny homes.

With a background in the higher education and research sector, Rochelle spent many years welcoming international PhD students to Perth and helping them adjust to life in a new country.

Rochelle has studied abroad in Indonesia and travelled extensively throughout South East Asia. She spends her downtime playing with her pup Emi, reading cookbooks but never making anything from them and seeking out waterfalls on scenic hikes.

Marielle Punzal
PR Campaign

Marielle has a background in public relations, marketing and publishing. She discovered a passion for beauty when she interned for a beauty site and has her work published in a variety of beauty publications. She has also worked on the PR and Marketing side for luxury beauty brands and champions diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry. Her passions include reading, writing, makeup, skincare and spending time with family, friends and her dog, Maisy. 

Madhavi Sekaram
Events Support

Madhavi is a lawyer at Slater and Gordon and currently works in civil child abuse claims for First Nation Elders. Her areas of focus lie in human rights law, international policy and social justice.  She grew up in Sri-Lanka, and is now based in Naam/ Melbourne.