A young leader from Footscray has been hailed as a ‘diversity hero’ in Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence.
Monica Forson was recognised in a recent ceremony at Government House for her commitment to advocacy and community development initiatives for young African Australians.
The passionate young leader, raised in Melton by an Anglo-Australian mother and a father from Ghana, is a co-founder of the Afro-Australian Student Organisation.
She’s also a member of the Multicultural Youth Network, community engagement director of the African Music and Cultural Festival, and a volunteer at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
“To be acknowledged for my contributions is humbling and reaffirms my belief that I’m doing purposeful work,” she said.
“I want to inspire and work with other young people to address issues, develop solutions and change society’s perceptions about youth.”
Victorian Multicultural Commission chairwoman Helen Kapalos said the awards, now in their 15th year, recognised Victorians who champion cultural diversity.
“They’ve gone above and beyond to support our multicultural community and make a difference in the lives of others,” she said.
“They embody what it means to be a diversity hero.”
