Cultural inclusion & racial equity

Jean comes from a culturally and linguistically diverse background and has a knowledge of cultural inclusion practices by working within a range of settings; for instance, teaching at an international school in the Middle East, at a disability service, with marginalised youth, or with refugee adolescent mothers. Her doctoral study and consequent research explore school culture and the too-often made assumptions that can cause barriers to constructive relationships. At Victoria University, Jean teaches and develops units and programs in support of cultural inclusion, as well as illuminating the complexities.

"I believe cultural diversity adds richness to any collective and should be respected, valued and reflexively considered throughout one's life. Who am I? Who are we? How can we be better?"

Dr Nilufa Khanom is a career academic and researcher.

Before joining the Victoria University Business School (VUBS), she worked in the Australian Catholic University (ACU) and the University of Canberra (UC) as an academic.

Dr Jayce Naidoo is a senior lecturer at Victoria University Business School. He has held academic positions of Head of Department and Senior Lecturer in South Africa at University of South Africa, Tshwane University of Technology and Fort Cox College of Agriculture.

Professor Chris Walsh is the Dean and Chief Academic Officer of VU Online. In this role, he provides academic, administrative, research and marketing leadership to achieve VU’s Strategic Plan. Chris heads a portfolio of quality and assurance and has accountability for the superintendence of VU Online units, courses and programs. He is also responsible for the University’s academic governance, quality assurance and compliance standards, polices and processes are met throughout VU Online’s operations.

Carla’s overarching research and teaching focus on topics of sport pedagogy and social justice. Over the past seven years she has focused on understanding activist approaches within sporting contexts. Specifically, her line of research aims at co-creating a pedagogical model for working with youth from diverse backgrounds. The intent is to use sport as a vehicle for assisting youth to become critically aware of their communities’ social issues.

Jennifer is a librarian who has been at Victoria University for many years, enjoying working in an environment which is accepting of those from many different countries and cultures. Libraries are places of welcome, learning, and connection.

"We need to see each other as individuals showing respect and understanding of difference, and to provide spaces and opportunities for everyone to feel welcome."

Hailing from multicultural Singapore, where he practised law for 14 years, Abdul Rahman scouted around before deciding to settle down in Melbourne in 2001 because of its vibrancy. He taught at Monash University and practised as a community legal centre lawyer where he encountered students and clients of diverse heritage, before joining Victoria University as a law lecturer in 2008. Malay by race and Muslim by faith, Abdul Rahman has a keen interest in comparative cultures and building bridges across different faiths, including non-religious creeds. He enjoys the even greater diversity at VU, which he reckons is one of the many pluses of the University.

Anthony is a passionate teacher and researcher, holding his doctorate for nearly 20 years. His research laboratory holds students from various cultural, political and religious backgrounds, including Muslim, atheist, Christian and Hindu.

“As a first generation, Catholic male from Italian background, a dad, and a full-time employee at Victoria University, I understand the importance of equity and diversity in our multicultural environment. I feel privileged to be part of this initiative to help cement the significance of cultural diversity, so we feel accepted, inclusive, safe, important, valued and heard. Personally, I promote a zero tolerance for discrimination and oppression, which will inevitably build a better and happier workplace.”