Innovate and inspire: Forced migrant women in action

Join us for an empowering event celebrating the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of forced migrant women. 

Hosted by UNSW and UOW, to support and uplift women who are taking the first steps towards entrepreneurship.

What To Expect:

• Inspiring Stories: Hear from a dynamic panel of forced migrant women who have turned challenges into opportunities, building thriving businesses in new lands

• Practical Insights: Learn key strategies for testing and growing your business ideas 

• Networking: Connect with a community of like-minded women passionate about entrepreneurship and empowerment

• Refreshments: Upon arrival. Networking, food and beverages from 7:15pm

We look forward to welcoming you to an evening full of inspiration, connection, and opportunities to take your first step as a founder!

Meet Your Panel:

Panel moderator - Dr Parisa Glass  is Co-Founder of the newly established UNSW Justice Inclusion Access (JEINA). She is Director of Operations with UNSW Clinical Research Unit and Director of Innovation and Enterprise for The George Institute for Global Health. Parisa has a PhD, an MBA, and over twenty years of experience across healthcare, medical research, and higher education.

Narges Andar is the Client Relationship Manager at Thrive Refugee Enterprise, bringing over 10 years of experience in sales and finance. As a former refugee herself, she has supported over 100 clients in starting businesses, with 50 successfully running their own ventures. Fluent in four languages, Narges excels at bridging cultural gaps and connecting with diverse communities. She is also actively involved with Afghan Women on the Move, contributing to community empowerment. Beyond her leadership roles, she is the founder of SweetsbyNarges, a creative business specializing in custom cakes.

Zeljka Jovanovic is the founder of Apeiron Skills, a company dedicated to fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing through tailored mentoring, consulting, and interactive workshops. A former refugee from Yugoslavia, she draws on her personal journey to create meaningful change in her community. With over 17 years of experience in the community service and education sectors, Zeljka is a trusted leader and advocate for diversity, holding qualifications in psychology, leadership, and mental health. Passionate about the power of lived experience in learning, Apeiron Skills empowers individuals and organizations to thrive, reduce stigma, and prevent discrimination, making a lasting impact on both individuals and communities.

Elahe Minaei's passion for cancer research was ignited by her auntie’s battle with breast cancer, driving her to pursue a BS and MS in Biology and Medical Immunology at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, where she earned a First Class Master’s degree. Despite facing a discriminatory environment, Elahe made the difficult decision to leave Iran and further her career abroad. After migrating to Australia in 2014, she joined IHMRI at UOW, contributing to cutting-edge cancer therapy research. Elahe has published three papers, presented at international conferences, and received several prestigious awards, including the Dr. Margaret Gardiner Scholarship, 2024 UOW 3MT Winner, and Promega Rising Researcher Award.

About Us:

UNSW Founders: As Australia’s leading university-based entrepreneurial program, UNSW Founders has a proven track record of success. Since expanding to Liverpool in 2024, it has supported over 100 South Western Sydney founders on their business journeys. Last year, 85% of cash prizes were awarded to female founders, demonstrating a strong commitment to empowering women from all backgrounds through free programs and services.

UOW iAccelerate: Founded by the University of Wollongong (UOW), is one of Australia’s longest-standing innovation ecosystems and a home for entrepreneurship in the region. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals, we champion responsible innovation, diversity, and inclusion, with 52% of our startups led by women.

Justice Inclusion Access (JEINA): a UNSW Sydney initiative working to create an inclusive and connected ecosystem of support for women from forced migration backgrounds (refugees, asylum seekers, exiles and others). JEINA will be a gateway to opportunities that facilitate education, professional development and leadership aspirations for target women in their careers of choice.

The UOW's Liverpool Campus offers a world-class education in the heart of Liverpool. Gain an internationally recognised education and support without the travel. We are committed to providing the community of Western Sydney with access to a range of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

Travel Instructions: 

Public Transport Options

• Train – Liverpool Station (5 minute walk to Yellamundie)
• Buses – Closest bus stops located on Scott Street (Bus 866) and Moore Street (Buses 866, 901, 902, 903 and M90)

Car Park Options

• Civic Place – 50 Scott Street (below Civic Place/Yellamundie - access via Terminus Street)
• Warren Serviceway Carpark – located at Warren Serviceway
• Northumberland Carpark – located at Northumberland Street