Our Story Begins Here

“I believe that nurturing, mentoring and believing in the power of all individuals forms the collective strength of a community.”

I am the Co-Founder and President of RAW, an entrepreneur, speaker, life coach, story-sharer and educator specializing in holding space for both group and personal growth. I am committed to offering tools that bring collaborative, empowering outcomes. Adversity has gifted me a potent understanding and ability to turn my experiences of suffering into compassionate conversations that help others tap into their inner reservoirs of resourcefulness. My African heritage, and a contemporary exploration of Islam, have helped me hone an expression of inclusive faith that speaks of diversity, resilience, courage, and belonging.

RAW’s acronym ‘Resilient Aspiring Women’ holds an immensely powerful meaning for me. It embodies not only my journey, but a transformational state of being for all. This is clear in the lives of female immigrants when challenged by the upheaval and change of country and culture. I am proud to be a supportive bridge to better worlds for such women and their families. I desire to serve our garden and global community by such generous planting of seeds of love. To also weed out fear and break down barriers to growth, in order for all to flourish.

My hobbies are gardening (no surprises there) and nature walks. To sustain my sense of wellbeing, I sit in a women’s circle and also treat myself to a massage once a month, then walk with friends twice a week. A fun fact about me: I speak four languages—try to guess what they are? I find it fascinating how the rhythm of speech changes body-language & even personality.

“What you do each day is important, because you are exchanging a day of your life for it”—My Mum

I was fortunate to grow up with parents who supported me in all I did and instilled a belief I could do whatever I set my mind to. Having worked in several fields, in both small and large companies, mentoring women by encouraging the belief that capability lives in us all is a passion of mine.

We are at our best when we have faith in ourselves and the courage to pursue our dreams, whatever they may be. My time with the amazing women at RAW Garden has taught me we are more alike than we are different. Being part of conversations and activities that support women to learn, grow and achieve their goals and dreams is truly magical.

As a passionate Bayside resident of 50 years, an avid gardener, dog lover, and outdoor enthusiast, RAW provides opportunities for me to unite my skills and interests to continue my personal growth, whilst being part of a wonderful community space.

My vision for the RAW garden is to play a role in the continuance of creating opportunities to cultivate talent, nurture creativity, and grow the community spirit in our space and beyond.

’There is nothing more precious than laughter - it is strength to laugh and lose oneself, to be light.’ - Frida Kahlo (quoted in How to Live and Artful Life by Katy Hessel)

I grew up in a small dairy farming community in Gippsland. My first love was ceramics, and I practiced as an artist for many years after finishing a diploma in Fine Arts. I also have a Degree in Communication and Cultural Studies and a Master of Regional and Community Development. My working life has been in the arts, Local Government and the University and Community Sectors. From 2001 to 2007 I lived and worked in Devon in the UK. 

I’ve travelled extensively and trips to Central Australia, Cuba and Iceland are just some of the highlights. 

I love R.A.W. garden because it provides an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and share the stories that enrich our lives and sustain a sense of connection and community. 

A long-time local resident, my husband and I have raised our three children here in Bayside. I value family, friendship, community and connection, and find joy in gardening, walking, and creating beautiful, thoughtful spaces.

With a background in science, education, marketing and business, I built a corporate career across multinational organisations, including leadership roles as Head of Marketing. I currently

work in education, continuing my passion for education whilst also caring for my parents—an experience that has deepened my empathy and sense of community.

I am an Australian-born daughter of Turkish parents, raised between cultures that shaped my love for Mediterranean living—productive gardens, shared food, and a strong focus on education and community.

I believe it truly takes a village to nurture a thriving community.

My professional background is in visual communication design, and I'm originally from Uruguay, in South America. I'm also a singer and an artist, so expressing myself is a really important part of who I am.

At RAW, I collaborate on managing social media, designing the website, sending out emails, and creating printed pieces like brochures and flyers.

What brought me to RAW was the need to connect with like-minded people and expand my network. Being an immigrant can be challenging, and RAW not only gave me the possibility to meet incredible people, it gave me a home.

At a time when I needed to reconnect with what I love to do, RAW opened that door: to create and bring people together.

It's a very valuable experience to collaborate with a multicultural organisation where the power of women is encouraged, because as we say: when women thrive, communities thrive.

I love being in nature, and RAW is an incredible and powerful demonstration of how a green lung can be built in the middle of an urban environment.

My name is Marianna and I have been part of RAW since 2023. I come from a beautiful town located in the mountains in north Italy and I have inherited the "gardening" genes from my grandfather and the community I grew up with. R.A.W. Garden allowed me to practice what I have learned in the Permaculture course I did in 2023 and follow its principles. Also, it creates community, that is what I've been looking for since I arrived in Australia. I have a background in hairdressing and I am now involved in support work for elderly and in disability. I love spending time in nature, connecting and grounding. I am very passionate about health and the role that nature plays in it. My greatest project is to study Naturopathy and be part of a supportive community. I also love music and I recently joined a loving singing group, as well as develop other skills like sewing, cooking, playing an instrument and many others.