Tedla Wanaw is a Founder and the CEO of the Magi Foundation Inc., bringing extensive experience in the humanitarian aid and not-for-profit sectors both locally and internationally. He has played key roles in major large-scale humanitarian emergency responses as a Project Officer, including emergency relief coordination during the COVID-19 pandemic government initiatives, contributing directly to crisis management, community recovery, and the delivery of vital support services.
In addition to his humanitarian background, Tedla is qualified in Migration Law and Practice, enhancing his ability to navigate the complex legal and social challenges faced by migrant and refugee communities.
Beyond his leadership at the Magi Foundation, Tedla is deeply embedded in community development initiatives. He works across unemployment support, alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges, mental health advocacy, and community engagement, often serving as a trusted liaison between multicultural communities and government agencies. His ability to connect grassroots perspectives with institutional frameworks has established him as a respected advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Through his leadership and commitment, Tedla continues to champion equity, resilience, and culturally safe responses to the evolving needs of African, refugee, and CALD communities, both in Australia and abroad.
Meet Thurbill, our General Manager. She oversees the development and delivery of specialised programs and the daily operations of our organisation. Her role includes coordinating staff, ensuring program effectiveness, and creating innovative initiatives that address both immediate needs and long-term community goals.
She is deeply passionate about mentoring and believes in investing in people as the foundation for lasting change. Thurbill works closely with teams and community partners to make sure programs are efficient, culturally relevant, and responsive to real challenges on the ground.
Beyond her daily responsibilities, Thurbill is committed to raising awareness about how public sector policies directly impact minority communities. Her vision is to amplify the voices of those too often left out of decision-making, ensuring that African and CALD communities are not only represented but also equipped with the knowledge and tools to advocate for themselves. Through her leadership at The Magi Foundation, Thurbill continues to bridge gaps, inspire growth, and drive meaningful change
Ayak is the Project Officer at the Magi Foundation, where she plays a key role in planning, coordinating, and delivering programs that support CALD communities. She will complete university with a Bachelor of Community and Human Services, with a passion for mental health, which further strengthens her commitment to community wellbeing and evidence-informed practice.
In her role, Ayak helps develop and manage initiatives that improve access to health, mental health, education, and overall wellbeing services for families and young people. She is deeply passionate about community engagement and works closely with local groups to ensure that all programs are culturally safe, inclusive, and responsive to the real needs of the community.
Ayak is especially dedicated to supporting physical fitness that aligns with health and mental health awareness and resilience-building within CALD communities. She aspires to empower young people and families by promoting healthier lifestyles, strengthening emotional wellbeing, and creating pathways for long-term support.
Through her work at the Magi Foundation, she continues to champion inclusion, opportunity, and growth for underrepresented communities.
