FOUNDER/CEO

Naomi Chua has spent over 25 years alongside people seeking refuge and asylum, combining her passion for cross-cultural engagement with trauma-informed care. Her work spans Melbourne’s multicultural communities, diaspora development and seasons in Kenya and South Africa, where she supported women, developed social enterprise initiatives, trained community leaders and facilitated trauma-healing workshops. Committed to creating communities of welcome, Naomi believes in the transformative power of listening, story sharing, and safe spaces that foster healing and hope.

BOARD CHAIR

Melinda brings over 25 years of corporate leadership experience, combining her consulting, executive and C-suite expertise with board directorships and community volunteering. A skilled strategist, mentor, presenter and negotiator, she has a strong track record in leading organisational transformation and guiding people through change. Her board experience includes her current role on as Chair of Medical Mission Aid and previous positions with St Tom’s Hope, YWCA National Housing (Chair) and the Property Council of Australia (VIC). Melinda is also deeply engaged in not-for-profit, community and global mission initiatives, from reproductive health and hospital transformation projects in Tanzania to school mentoring and refugee welcome programs. She is a GAICD and holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Business (Land Economics).

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

As the eldest daughter of a Christian convert from Judaism, my childhood was at the same time traditional and unorthodox. We frequented ecumenical and interfaith contexts. Our parents encouraged our questions. Compassion was always more important than ideology, what we have in common the focus, not where we might differ.

Community Development is what really makes me tick; we are each created and placed to contribute uniquely and the wisdom is in the room. Diverse social cohesion is my dream. Capacity-building and transparent people-friendly systems are my bread & butter. I’m married to Ngũyên Hũų Trí. We have 3 children aged 22, 19 & 9. We live together.

ADMINISTRATION

BOARD DIRECTOR

Dr Paul Minty is a leader and manager specialising in supporting unique founder launch and operationalise unique ventures. With a background in engineering and entrepreneurship, Paul brings creativity, analysis, and a sense of humour to the challenge of going from bright idea to a steady stream of satisfied customers. After volunteering on an Embrace Sanctuary Retreat, Paul was inspired by the genuine human connection with remarkable people who had undertaken the refugee journey to Australia and impressed by the powerful vision and set of skills that Naomi Chua brings to Embrace Sanctuary Australia.

BOARD DIRECTOR

Hellen has over 20 years of experience supporting vulnerable communities in Melbourne’s western suburbs, working across the drug and alcohol sector, homelessness services, as a Family Support Officer with Melton City Council and now based in Kenya working at the Australian embassy in Nairobi. Originally from South Sudan, she draws on lived experience and deep cultural insight to support individuals and families with compassion and skill. Hellen holds a Bachelor of Social Science, a Diploma of Interpreting (Sudanese Arabic), and an Advanced Diploma of Family Therapy. She is fluent in Kiswahili, Sudanese Arabic and Dinka, and has previously worked with organisations in Kenya and South Sudan including The Voice of the Martyrs and the New Sudan Women Federation.

BOARD DIRECTOR

Ben Foo has spent more than a decade supporting asylum seekers in Australia, organising English classes that help newcomers build confidence, connection, and essential communication skills. With nearly 40 years of IT experience, he brings both technical expertise and a deep commitment to community service.

Ben has also served in key leadership roles at Lifegate Church in Glen Waverley, including four years on the Board and three years as Chair, overseeing more than 20 small groups and several church ministries. His steady leadership, compassion, and dedication continue to make a meaningful impact on both the church community and the people he serves.

BOARD DIRECTOR

Jaime is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Central West NSW with 26 years of financial management experience in the healthcare sector. A CPA based in Bathurst, she brings deep expertise in budgeting, accounting, corporate services, and leadership across not-for-profit, government, and commercial organisations. Passionate about improving wellness in rural and remote communities, Jaime serves on several community boards, advocating for culturally safe practices and Closing the Gap initiatives. She is committed to empowering women—especially in leadership—and championing the wellbeing of women and children. Jaime’s values closely align with Embrace Sanctuary, where she is a dedicated and influential Board Member.

BOARD DIRECTOR

Louisa is a passionate community builder with over 20 years of experience nurturing and shaping communities in diverse professional, voluntary and ministry settings. Her professional journey has been evenly split between ministry and marketing/communications roles, with her deep-rooted commitment to creating spaces that foster genuine connections being the common thread through both worlds. Louisa is a mum to three kids and too many pets, currently living in Sydney with her family. She holds a BA (Hons) from Sydney & Monash Universities and Grad Dip in Divinity from Ridley College and is a current Anglican Deaconess Ministries Fellow.