Writing, Advocacy & Impact
Writing with Purpose
I am currently writing an inspirational memoir that spans continents and extremes—from a spine‑tingling escape from the Middle East to an act of compassion in Australia that later comes full circle in the United States. An attorney with a once‑comfortable life, I never anticipated the cascade of challenges that would follow—domestic violence, abandonment in a foreign country, homelessness, financial instability, profound grief, and a breast cancer diagnosis.
At the heart of my story is a paradox—life’s most broken, confusing, and painful seasons can also become the very moments that shape us, redirect our paths, and ultimately strengthen us. I believe humor can be found even in the darkest of circumstances, so while the subject matter is at times confronting, moments of lightness are woven throughout offering perspective and highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.
Through my writing, I hope to encourage those who feel overwhelmed, overlooked or defined by their circumstances to look at their own stories with fresh eyes. Mess is not meaningless—within it lies the potential for resilience, purpose, and transformation.
Alongside my memoir, I am also developing a children's picture book that aims to nurture wellbeing and encourage young readers to appreciate their individual uniqueness and approach life's challenges with greater confidence.
Sharing Stories Through the Media
Over the years, I have had opportunities to share my experiences and advocacy work through television interviews, radio, newspaper features and other media. My story and community involvement have been featured in Vanderbilt University Health News, Nashville Scene and The Nashville Ledger. I also participated in a domestic violence awareness and fundraising radiothon with Nashville sports radio station 104.5 The Zone. These opportunities helped bring important conversations about domestic violence, survivorship and resilience to wider audiences. They also reinforced my belief that sharing personal experiences is not just personally therapeutic, but it can help others better understand issues that are often hidden behind closed doors.
Advocacy, Awareness & Making a Difference
Throughout my own messy life, I have been drawn to make the most of each experience to support others, raise awareness of important issues and encourage people to recognize their own strengths.
My involvement in domestic violence advocacy grew from my own lived experience, having spent six months living at the YWCA Weaver Domestic Violence Center in Nashville, Tennessee. During that time, I became a volunteer advocate and speaker with the YWCA, sharing my story to help raise awareness of domestic violence, support fundraising initiatives and encourage conversations that can make a difference in people's lives.
My role as a volunteer ambassador for Bright Pink in Tennessee, also grew out of my personal experience with breast cancer. As Ambassador, I spoke with young women at colleges across the state about breast and ovarian cancer, encouraging them to take a proactive approach to their health.
Since returning to Australia, I have continued this commitment to education and advocacy through community events such as Reclaim the Night, and Wollongong City Council's Living Books Program. Under the title He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not, I have shared my personal story with approximately 1,500 high school students, helping them recognize the warning signs of abusive relationships.
For me, this work has always been about more than sharing a story. It is about helping others feel less alone, opening minds, challenging misconceptions, and encouraging people to recognize that to everything there is a purpose and that change is possible.
I am currently writing an inspirational memoir that spans continents and extremes—from a spine‑tingling escape from the Middle East to an act of compassion in Australia that later comes full circle in the United States. An attorney with a once‑comfortable life, I never anticipated the cascade of challenges that would follow—domestic violence, abandonment in a foreign country, homelessness, financial instability, profound grief, and a breast cancer diagnosis.
At the heart of my story is a paradox—life’s most broken, confusing, and painful seasons can also become the very moments that shape us, redirect our paths, and ultimately strengthen us. I believe humor can be found even in the darkest of circumstances, so while the subject matter is at times confronting, moments of lightness are woven throughout offering perspective and highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.
Through my writing, I hope to encourage those who feel overwhelmed, overlooked or defined by their circumstances to look at their own stories with fresh eyes. Mess is not meaningless—within it lies the potential for resilience, purpose, and transformation.
Alongside my memoir, I am also developing a children's picture book that aims to nurture wellbeing and encourage young readers to appreciate their individual uniqueness and approach life's challenges with greater confidence.
Sharing Stories Through the Media
Over the years, I have had opportunities to share my experiences and advocacy work through television interviews, radio, newspaper features and other media. My story and community involvement have been featured in Vanderbilt University Health News, Nashville Scene and The Nashville Ledger. I also participated in a domestic violence awareness and fundraising radiothon with Nashville sports radio station 104.5 The Zone. These opportunities helped bring important conversations about domestic violence, survivorship and resilience to wider audiences. They also reinforced my belief that sharing personal experiences is not just personally therapeutic, but it can help others better understand issues that are often hidden behind closed doors.
Advocacy, Awareness & Making a Difference
Throughout my own messy life, I have been drawn to make the most of each experience to support others, raise awareness of important issues and encourage people to recognize their own strengths.
My involvement in domestic violence advocacy grew from my own lived experience, having spent six months living at the YWCA Weaver Domestic Violence Center in Nashville, Tennessee. During that time, I became a volunteer advocate and speaker with the YWCA, sharing my story to help raise awareness of domestic violence, support fundraising initiatives and encourage conversations that can make a difference in people's lives.
My role as a volunteer ambassador for Bright Pink in Tennessee, also grew out of my personal experience with breast cancer. As Ambassador, I spoke with young women at colleges across the state about breast and ovarian cancer, encouraging them to take a proactive approach to their health.
Since returning to Australia, I have continued this commitment to education and advocacy through community events such as Reclaim the Night, and Wollongong City Council's Living Books Program. Under the title He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not, I have shared my personal story with approximately 1,500 high school students, helping them recognize the warning signs of abusive relationships.
For me, this work has always been about more than sharing a story. It is about helping others feel less alone, opening minds, challenging misconceptions, and encouraging people to recognize that to everything there is a purpose and that change is possible.
