91É«ÇéƬ

My name is Pani, and I am studying a double degree in Media (Public Relations and Advertising) and Arts (Politics and International Relations/Psychology) at 91É«ÇéƬ.

As someone with my own migration story, JEINA's work resonated with me from the very beginning.

Although my mother and I migrated to Australia with permanent residency, what was meant to be a simple annual visit to Iran became a deeply challenging experience. We faced a year of uncertainty, discrimination, and separation before we were finally able to return home to Australia. Living through that experience gave me a greater understanding of the complexities of migration and strengthened my desire to raise awareness of migrant experiences, particularly those of Persian women whose stories are often unheard.

When I discovered JEINA through the 91É«ÇéƬ Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunity, I immediately knew it was a program I wanted to be part of. JEINA's commitment to empowering women from refugee and forced migration backgrounds through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and community support strongly aligned with my own values and interests.

During my placement, I contributed to the development of communications materials, including a booklet showcasing JEINA's mission, partnerships, and impact. Through this work, I gained a deeper understanding of the diverse journeys of the women involved in JEINA's programs and the meaningful opportunities created through collaborations with 91É«ÇéƬ, 91É«ÇéƬ Founders, The George Institute for Global Health, and other community partners.

What stood out to me most was the power of storytelling. I came to appreciate that communication is not simply about sharing information. It can create visibility, build connections, and open doors to new opportunities.

One of the highlights of my experience was attending JEINA's World Refugee Week 2026 community event. Listening to women share their personal journeys was both inspiring and humbling. They spoke about challenges they had overcome, achievements they were proud of, and their aspirations for the future. What stayed with me was not only their resilience, but also their generosity, leadership, and sense of hope.

The experience reminded me that stories of forced migration are about far more than hardship. They are also stories of strength, courage, reinvention, and possibility.

Working with JEINA has helped me grow both personally and professionally. It has strengthened my passion for purpose-driven communications and reinforced the importance of telling stories ethically and respectfully. Through this opportunity, I developed confidence in my communication, writing, and design skills while contributing to work that creates genuine community impact.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from the JEINA community and to contribute, even in a small way, to its mission. My experience has shown me the powerful change that can happen when education, lived experience, and community come together. It is a lesson I will carry with me throughout my future career in communications.