Our Board and Leadership

Our Board

  • Lisa Dean

    CHAIR

    Lisa has worked extensively in housing and homelessness and the community care sectors.  With a training and quality improvement background, Lisa currently works with community aged care providers, to ensure that people can access services that are inclusive and support their individual preferences, beliefs, values and needs.

  • Nicole Barwick

    DEPUTY CHAIR

    Nic has worked in the health and the community sector for more than 15 years’. She is an experienced non-executive director and chair specialising in strategy, optimising the customer experience and risk & financial management. Nic is a Chartered Accountant, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Economics and a Graduate Diploma in Information Systems.

  • Melinda Martin

    SECRETARY

    Melinda is a Melbourne based arts leader with 20 years of management experience working across both public, government and commercial settings. She is a strong strategic thinker and brings her business acumen and creative approach to help grow organisations to ensure their long-term sustainability through building a strong impact narrative. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Masters (Fine Art & Cinema Studies) from The University of Melbourne and Post Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies from Deakin University. She is a graduate of the Women in Leadership Program at Melbourne Business School. Melinda grew up in the City of Whitehorse and has strong family ties to the area.

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  • Kai Leung

    Board Member/ Director

    Kai currently practises law as a partner in a Melbourne-based law firm. Before becoming a lawyer, he spent more than 10 years managing corporate services as CFO of public-listed and private companies. He has a strong interest in the successful settlement of migrants

  • Naomi Kim

    Board Member/ Director

    Naomi is a risk and assurance leader with over 18 years of experience spanning Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. She is currently the Head of Internal Audit in the financial services industry, and also serves on the Boards of Financial Counselling Victoria and Migrant Information Centre (Eastern). She is an advocate for financial wellbeing for the vulnerable, and having been raised in a migrant family, has a passion for the successful settlement of migrants in Australia. Naomi has strong ties to the Manningham and Whitehorse communities where her family has lived for over 20 years.

  • Vinod Vijayan

    Board Member/ Director

    Vin is an accomplished technology leader with 15 years’ experience delivering digital and business/service transformation solutions in retail, education, banking, insurance, government and not for profit sectors. Vin is currently a senior IT Manager for the Country Road Group and has previously held senior management position at Carsales.com. Vin holds a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Information Technology from The University of Queensland. Vin enjoys cooking, yoga, the arts and travelling.

  • Edmond Wong

    Board Member/ Director

    Edmond is an executive leader with over 30 years of experience in primary health care, aged care, and NDIS disability services across not-for-profit and commercial organisations. Starting as a clinical physiotherapist, Edmond advanced into senior management roles, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, large multidisciplinary teams, and complex operations. He has led strategic initiatives, including launching new service lines, integrating digital systems, and achieving quality accreditations, driving improved outcomes for the communities. Edmond holds a Master’s in Applied Science and a Post Graduate qualification in Business Management. His commitment always focuses on improving community well-being through innovative, client-centric, and sustainable care.

  • Grant Davies

    Board Member/Director

    Grant is a highly accomplished Registered Nurse with a Master of Business Administration and more than 25 years of experience in the aged care sector and community health. He combines clinical expertise with strategic insight to lead policy development and drive high standards in quality aged care service delivery. His expertise in aligning clinical practice with legislative and accreditation requirements has made him a trusted advisor to executive teams and service providers alike.  With a strong background in policy development and process optimization, Grant is committed to driving impactful initiatives that support organisational growth and sustainability. Grant is passionate about contributing to a sustainable, safe, and compassionate aged care sector. His dual qualifications in nursing and business uniquely position him to influence positive change, ensuring older Australians receive high-quality, respectful, and responsive care.

  • Rachna Muddagouni

    Chief Executive Officer

    Rachna Muddagouni has been appointed as the CEO, in September 2024. With over 25 years of leadership and management experience across the legal, health, public sector, and community sectors, Rachna has dedicated her career to supporting and empowering disadvantaged and marginalized communities. Rachna’s academic qualifications include an MBA, a master’s in public policy, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) credential. She also holds certifications in accreditation(quality), mediation, leadership, and facilitation. Her commitment to promoting social inclusion, equity, and diversity underscores her leadership approach. Rachna is excited to support MIC through a period of strategic change as it evolves after 25 years of existence. Rachna is non-voting member of the Board.

Our Leadership Team

  • Linda Tan

    Senior Manager of Aged and Disability Services

    Linda has worked within the organisation for more than 20 years and currently serves as the Manager of Aged and Disability Services. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive expertise in aged care, disability services, and community engagement.

    She is dedicated to supporting individuals and families as they navigate complex service systems, ensuring they can access the supports needed to live with greater independence and dignity. Her compassionate, client-focused approach has made a meaningful difference to many in the community.

    In her leadership role, Linda brings integrity, empathy, and a strong commitment to inclusive, person-centred practice. Her guidance continues to strengthen the team’s work and contributes to the organisation’s ongoing positive impact in the community.

  • Michal Cohen

    Senior Manager - SETS/Client Support Services

    Michal is a highly experienced social work professional with 18 years of practice across family services in Australia and overseas. With 12 years of specialised experience in family violence and extensive leadership background, Michal has led multidisciplinary teams in high-risk, crisis-driven environments and progressed into senior and executive-level roles. She brings deep expertise in family violence, client support service excellence, and trauma-informed practice.

    Known for her commitment to delivering high-quality, client-centred support, Michal is dedicated to ensuring vulnerable individuals receive the safest and most effective services. She is equally passionate about fostering strong, supported teams where staff can grow, feel safe, and perform at their best.

  • Houra Zare Lavassani

    Manager Settlement Services

    Houra is a community services practitioner with over 10 years of experience in the sector and currently the Manager of the Settlement Services at MIC. She provides strategic leadership in delivering support services that strengthen outcomes for newly arrived migrant and refugee communities. She brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a migrant, which informs her commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and equitable access to services. Houra is a recognised leader and advocate within the Iranian community, supporting community voice, participation, and representation. Her work focuses on program development, stakeholder engagement, and service innovation, grounded in culturally responsive and strengths-based practice. Her leadership is driven by equity, inclusion, and community empowerment.

  • Sawm Suante

    Manager Settlement Services

    Sawm Suante is a passionate community leader with more than 15 years of experience in the settlement sector, supporting migrant and refugee communities across Melbourne’s eastern region. He is committed to helping newly arrived families build connections, access opportunities, and successfully settle in Australia.

  • Pinar Tankir

    Manager Community Engagement

    Pinar is a skilled community engagement and policy professional with over eight years of experience across government, non-profit, and international development sectors. She brings to MIC a strong track record in stakeholder engagement, inclusive program design, and culturally responsive service delivery, underpinned by a Master’s in International Relations and current Juris Doctor studies. As Community Engagement Manager, Penny is passionate about equity, social inclusion, and empowering communities in partnership with stakeholders.