Graduate profiles

Hear some stories and experiences of graduates during their time with the Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme.

Shina Asadi

"The Ethnic Communities graduate programme is the perfect opportunity to influence and drive positive change for the benefit of people and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand', says Shina Asadi, whose work with the New Zealand Police is improving police service to victims of crime."

Sheheryar Baber

Working as a Graduate Project Analyst & Advisor at Inland Revenue - Te Tari Taake, Sheheryar wants to learn, grow and make the most of this opportunity to serve the people of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Shanya Fae Beltran

Originally from the Philippines, Shanya moved to Aotearoa New Zealand with her family at a young age and grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau. She believes ethnic communities have plenty to offer Aotearoa as they continue to contribute to the diversity and sense of community in spaces such as the Public Service.

Gaurav Bhim

"I think a diverse Public Service will help shape our future. If we want a future where all cultures are understood and welcomed in New Zealand, then this is a step in the right direction", says Gaurav Bhim, whose work at the Ministry of Social Development is helping the Government understand and diminish barriers to employment faced by minority groups.

Shisla Carvalho Macleod

From her placement in the Trade Policy Team at the New Zealand Customs Service Shisla has been very involved in APEC and has been enjoying sitting in on trade negotiations. She believes diversity brings a range of perspectives and ideas which are key to creating meaningful and powerful progress.

Anthony Chhun

A first-generation Kiwi born to Cambodian parents who migrated to New Zealand as refugees, Anthony believes the importance of having a diverse Public Service comes from New Zealand becoming such a diverse place, with many Kiwis who have different ethnic backgrounds calling the country their home.

Fay Elhanafy

"As a Palestinian Kiwi, I value this meaningful first employment opportunity in the public sector because it improves representation and diversity and empowers ethnic communities", says Fay Elhanafy, a Community and Partnerships Advisor at the Ministry for Ethnic Communities."

Edward Ennion-Dickison

"Any system benefits when you have a diverse range of lived experiences to draw from", says Edward Ennion-Dickison, whose work in the Regional Development Policy team at the Ministry of Social Development is promoting better connections and cooperation between government agencies in the various regions across the country.

Portraits of Laila Farah

Laila Farah

"Diversity in the public service plays an important part in shaping, maintaining and improving social policies and the quality of public services. It allows for new voices to be heard and for new ideas and systems to be founded based on diverse experiences", says Laila Farah, a graduate at Inland Revenue, Te Tari Taake."

Maha Jaffari

"Having a diverse public sector can help to reach political, social, and economical goals such as social stability, equality and innovation" says Maha Jaffari, whose career goal is to become a senior policy advisor and bring positive change for our communities and society.

Sanduni Karunachcharage

"By having diversity within the public service, I believe we are saying yes to all the diverse ideas and thinking that we, as a multicultural nation, bring to the table", says Sanduni Karunachcharage, a graduate policy analyst at the Department of Internal Affairs."

Portraits of Chikita Kodikal

Chikita Kodikal

"I truly believe magic can happen if we set aside our perceived differences, recognise each other’s talents and abilities, and meaningfully collaborate and contribute to create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable public service", says Chikita Kodikal, a graduate with Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission."

Nataliya Kuzmina

Nataliya's advice to graduates considering a career in the Public Service is to look out for opportunities to gain work and/or volunteering experience, not only to enhance your CV but to get insight into the type of work you enjoy and are motivated to do.

Rachel Liao

"As an Ethnic Communities graduate, I am extremely humbled to be part of something that is more than just a job; it represents meaningful progress towards Aotearoa’s future of diverse and inclusive leadership", says Rachel Liao, a Graduate Advisor at Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa New Zealand Customs Service."

Muhammad Mulla

"The public sector is not as scary as you imagine it to be. It really is an enjoyable environment to be a part of. Relax, and enjoy the ride. You will not regret this decision", says Muhammad Mulla, a graduate at Manatū Hauora - the Ministry of Health.

Read mre about 'Muhammad Mulla' ...

Portrait of Juan Quintero

Juan Quintero

Increasing the scope of backgrounds, experiences and ideas in the Public Service will lead to more resilient decisions, says Graduate Policy Analyst Juan Quintero.

Owen Segismar

Owen is a Graduate Advisor to the Policy Unit at the National Emergency Management Agency NZ (NEMA). He is passionate about making a difference, particularly creating communities and spaces where everyone feels protected and included.

Subhan Talash

"In a world that increasingly becomes more integrated, where no country can remain in complete isolation, it is important to have different views as it enriches a country’s perspectives and leads to the development of better public policies", says Subhan Talash, a graduate at Te Kawa Mataaho, the Public Service Commission."

Dana Visnovsky

Dana is hoping that her time in the Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme will allow her to develop the skills necessary to confidently connect ethnic communities to the Public Service. If you are looking at starting a career in the Public Service, her advice is to be patient with your professional growth and remember your why.

Manisha Viyakesparan

Manisha was born in England to a Sri Lankan Tamil family and is hoping her placement with the Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme is the beginning of a long and fulfilling career in government. "New Zealand is home to many cultures that have valuable knowledge and experience to share. Graduate Programmes such as this are vital in providing that ‘foot in the door’ for those wanting a career in government", she says.

Last modified: 22 November 2023