Executive and Council

Belinda Mason Knierim OAM – President

Belinda Mason Knierim OAM is a human rights social documentarian, Founder and Director of the Museum of Understanding Through Tolerance and Inclusion, and President of Australian Graduate Women Inc. Her three decade practice centres marginalised voices through internationally recognised multimedia works grounded in ethical collaboration and lived experience testimony. She began her career as a photojournalist with News Limited, developing a strong foundation in visual storytelling, social documentation, and public accountability. In 2016 Belinda presented at the United Nations in Geneva on violence against women with disability and women who acquire disability through violence. Since 2013 she has co hosted United Nations events with the Australian Government in Geneva and New York and has represented Graduate Women International in New York discussions on the emerging treaty on the Prevention of Crimes Against Humanity. She holds a Bachelor of Communications, a Master of Human Rights with Distinction, and is a Doctor of Philosophy candidate researching testimonial justice. In 2023, she received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her contribution to human rights and the arts.

Ly Nguyen – Treasurer

Ly Nguyen is a passionate educator and advocate dedicated to transforming lives through education. With over 15 years of teaching experience in Business, specialising in Accounting and Finance at Curtin University’s Faculty of Business and Law, she also serves as Program Coordinator for UniReady– Centre of Enabling Pathway, supporting students who might otherwise be excluded from higher education. A fully qualified Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ), an active member of the Economic Society of Australia (ESA) and the Women in Economics Network (WEN), and Best Graduating Student of her Master of Professional Accounting course, Ly champions women’s empowerment, gender equality, inclusivity, and the prevention of domestic violence. Her values strongly align with AGW’s mission to elevate women and girls through education, financial assistance, and lifelong learning. She plans to further her education with a PhD in 2026.”

Dr Ioanna Katiforis  – Secretary

Dr Ioanna Katiforis is a post-doctoral researcher and Secretary of Australian Graduate Women. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, and a PhD in Human Nutrition. Ioanna is committed to advancing social justice and supporting the empowerment of women through education. Ioanna was Young Members’ Coordinator for Graduate Women Otago in New Zealand (2021-2024) and is currently an International Fellowships Committee Member for Graduate Women International (2026-2028).

Shalwa Shams – Coordinator of International Relations

Salwa Shams is a business and technology consultant and International Coordinator at Australian Graduate Women, working across global education, advocacy, and leadership networks. She brings a strong multicultural perspective to her work, bridging business strategy, digital transformation, and community empowerment. Salwa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and a Master’s in International Business, with a career spanning consultancy, enterprise technology, and advisory roles across Australia and international markets. Her work focuses on building inclusive systems, strengthening organisational capacity, and advancing women’s leadership through education and global collaboration. She is deeply committed to social impact, international engagement, and creative advocacy, and is passionate about using technology and innovation to create meaningful, sustainable change for diverse communities.

Mansi Zaveri – Coordinator of International Relations

Mansi Zaveri is a senior executive with experience in the Oil & Gas and Mining sectors in areas of International HR, Contracts, and Procurement across the UK and Australia. She is the Founder of Circular Fibres , a sustainability consultancy based in Perth. Her consultancy was awarded Winner of the 2024 BEC Small Business Award for promoting sustainability education within schools and multicultural communities. Mansi holds a degree in Engineering, a Master’s in HR from the University of Westminster, UK, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Mansi has a strong commitment towards UN SDGs and has background in policy advocacy. In her work and volunteering, she is focused on collaboration and thought leadership to drive ESG goals. She also serves as part of Executive Committee of the Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA), a peak body of Indian Origin organisations, leading women empowerment and community engagement programs working closely with stakeholders in government, local council, diplomatic mission and diaspora leaders. She is currently part of the Executive Committee of Australian Graduate Women (AGW) and Australia Chair for G100 Women. Mansi brings strategic insight and cross-sector collaboration to her sustainability work and aims to contribute to a holistic approach to Sustainability and Climate Change related issues