Forough Ataollahi (Iran), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga.
Forough arrived in Wagga Wagga in the NSW Riverina region from Shahr-e Babak, Iran, in 2015. Here she began a Doctor of Philosophy at Charles Sturt University (CSU) and quickly proved herself to be a passionate advocate and leader for international students at the local, state and national level. The 33-year-old is also tireless in her service to newly arrived immigrants in the local community.From the first day, Forough has been involved in the CSU International Club, becoming club president in 2016. In September 2017 she was elected women’s officer for national peak international student body, the Council of International Students Australia (CISA). In this role, Forough delivered the first CISA International Women’s Conference, and continues to work hard to establish international student workshops on leadership and sexual assault. Outside university, Forough volunteers with several community organisations, including the St Vincent de Paul’s Resettlement Program and the Wagga Wagga City Library’s Language Café initiative. Forough also provides valued input at the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga’s informal Cultural Club meetings.
