Kowanj Africa Board
Ashoup Atar
Chief Executive Officer
Ash has more than 8 years experience in employment, education and personal development programs, working exclusively with CALD communities. As an ex- refugee herself, Ash is committed to supporting migrant/refugees’ communities to prosper and achieve their goals. Members of the CALD communities are often disadvantaged and under-represented in the labour market therefore, Ash's work focuses on addressing the employment barriers CALD jobseekers face and support employers promote cultural competence in the workplace, allowing jobseekers to transition effectively into their jobs.
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Over the years Ash has been able to successfully engage, manage and develop CALD job seekers through career development programs, industry specific training and job placements. Through her skills and expertise, she's been able to assist long term unemployed jobseekers to successfully complete targeted education & up-skilling programs and move into long term employment. Ash has been recently awarded the top 100 women 2021 award, The annual award recognises women who have overcome barriers, had major achievements and positively impacted the broader construction sector. Ash has an enormous impact on helping people from the African communities access education and employment within building and construction.
Akuot Mathou
Legal Policy Officer
Sylvia Akuot Bethou Kulang is a dedicated legal professional with a solid foundation in law and a strong commitment to advocating for the rights of vulnerable communities. With extensive experience as an Advocate and Legal Consultant, she has provided strategic legal counsel, conducted in-depth legal research, and managed complex case files.
Her work with organizations like Beacons of Light & Co. Advocates and the Norwegian Refugee Council has equipped her with a deep understanding of legal issues related to housing, land, property, and civil documentation in conflict-affected areas. Sylvia is adept at working under pressure, making informed decisions, and maintaining high standards of professionalism.
Fluent in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Kiswahili, and Dinka, she is well-positioned to operate in diverse and multicultural environments. Her educational background in law from Starford International University further underscores her expertise and dedication to her field.
Florence Basunyakira
Secretary ​| Kowanj Australasia
Florence holds a degree in Industrial and Fine Arts from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, and a diploma in Human Resource Management and Public Administration from institutions in Uganda.
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Before migrating to Australia, Florence served as the Academic Registrar at the Makerere Institute for Social Development (MISD), a prestigious tertiary institution in Kampala, and also acted as a community leader. Florence has over 10 years of experience in the health sector, supporting individuals with both mental and physical disabilities.
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She is a co-founder of Meadows Care Services, an agency in Victoria that offers comprehensive support to people with disabilities. Her dedication to serving her community spans both Australia and Africa, with a keen focus on the needs of new and emerging CALD communities. As a migrant woman, Florence is passionate about working with organisations that support migrant communities.
Princess Olamijulo
Board Member | Kowanj Australasia
Princess Olamijulo is a community leader with a diverse range of skills that include Counselling, Mental Health, Ergonomics, Public Health and Business Management. Before migrating to Australia 19 years ago Princess was a business analyst and consultant then shifting into nursing which she practiced in Australia for over 3 years.
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Since then she has served as a Director, President and Vice President of many boards, both National and international in women & youth led organisations.
Over the years Princess has engaged with influential decision-makers and renowned leaders internationally. Princess has an untiring commitment and drive to promote dignity and autonomy to African and African-Australian citizens. In addition, she manages a consultancy firm which focuses on Ergonomics.
Morwel Morwel
Chair
is a respected South Sudanese community leader and elder across Australia and overseas. He is renowned for teaching the Dinka language and Culture. (Dinka, a language spoken by the majority of South Sudanese). He came to Australia over 20 years ago as a refugee. Morwel is an author, artist and poet.
As a community leader, he worked with the Australian government to migrate many South Sudanese to Australia from the refugee camps in Kenya and Egypt.
In the early 2000s, Morwell introduced the Dinka Language into the Australian education system. During the 2010s, while teaching at the South Australian school of languages, he introduced the Dinka language at the secondary school level.
Throughout his years in Australia, he has worked with groups from the African, Middle Eastern and Australian communities to promote cultural events, create curriculums and help the youth with information about many aspects of their Culture and traditions. He has played a significant role in mentoring the African community living in Australia. As a community elder, he sets up campaigns to help develop and connect people to their Culture and traditions."
Peter Garang
Deputy Chair
Peter Garang Ngor is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in procurement, logistics, and program management, particularly within the context of humanitarian and development programs in South Sudan. With a strong educational background, including a Master’s Degree in Procurement and Supply Chain from Juba University and a Bachelor's Degree in Procurement Logistics from Starford International University, Peter has honed his expertise in managing complex operations.
He has held key roles such as Director General for Operations at the National Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration Commission (NDDRC), where he has been instrumental in overseeing critical projects related to food security, nutrition, and community development. Peter’s career is marked by a commitment to accountability, transparency, and efficiency, underpinned by his ability to work under pressure and lead diverse teams.
His proficiency in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, and Dinka, further enhances his capacity to navigate and manage multicultural environments effectively.
Dut Laul
Treasurer
Dut Lual Anei M. is a committed professional with a strong dedication to fostering a culture of accountability and transparency in the management of institutional resources. With a focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of organizational frameworks, he brings robust analytical and interpersonal skills to his roles.
Dut excels in making critical decisions under pressure and tight schedules, supported by his excellent communication abilities in both English and Arabic. His proficiency in office computer applications and his readiness to work in multicultural and multi-ethnic environments further underscore his capacity to contribute meaningfully to any organization.
Joseph Panaruu Achuil
Secretary
