Meet our team of academic leaders and professional staff changing the cultural competence agenda at the University and beyond.
Associate Professor Gabrielle Russell leads the Centre’s work in progressing a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of cultural competence and has been instrumental in creating effective resources and research to cultivate cultural competence at the personal and organisational level.
Associate Professor Russell undertakes multi-disciplinary research which explores how to develop cultural competence from diverse perspectives and positions and how to facilitate a deeper and sustainable understanding and practice of individual, systemic, and organisational leadership, and transformative change.
Dr. Amy McHugh serves as an Academic Facilitator at the National Centre for Cultural Competence, where she fosters subtle yet impactful shifts in existing mindsets through her thoughtful and dynamic presentation style. In her role, Dr. McHugh is involved in teaching, course coordination, facilitation, and research. She brings extensive experience in teaching and research, particularly in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and its influence on (inter)cultural competence, to the NCCC. Her research interests focus on the roles of technology and motivation in our continuous pursuit of cultural competence.
Dr Matthew Tyne is an Academic Facilitator at the National Centre for Cultural Competence (NCCC). He comes to cultural competence following 20 years of working in international community development, especially in South East Asia and the Pacific, and sexual health promotion with diverse communities in Australia.
He has completed his PhD, a performance ethnography that investigates how gay men in Colombo, Sri Lanka, might use theatre as a mode of advocacy and site of discussion for issues important to them.
Pooja Mittal Biswas is an award-winning educator and author. She is the author of ten books of fiction, poetry and non-fiction. Her ninth book, Hunger and Predation (Cordite Books, 2023) was shortlisted for the 2024 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, and her tenth book, The Maker of Garlands, was published by Vagabond Press in 2024.
Academically, Pooja was awarded her PhD in English and Creative Writing from the University of Sydney. She also taught Creative Writing on a sessional basis for many years and was awarded the Dean’s Commendation for Best Sessional Teaching at Monash University as well as the Dean’s Citation for Excellence in Tutorials at the University of Sydney.
Imogen is an experienced engagement professional with a passion for building meaningful connections and supporting organisations advance their cultural competency. As the Business Development Manager at the National Centre for Cultural Competence, Imogen is responsible for orchestrating opportunities for collaboration and creating sustainable partnerships that benefit both the NCCC and its stakeholders.
With over a decade of experience in project management and stakeholder engagement, Imogen brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She has worked extensively with industry partners, government agencies, and community organisations across Australia and internationally. Imogen is looking forward to supporting the NCCC with their external outreach.
Elif Sahin is the Educational Designer for the National Centre for Cultural Competence. In addition to her graduate certificate in Learning Design, Elif holds a Bachelor of Education and Master of English Studies. She is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
Elif brings with her over fifteen years of teaching and course design experience to contribute to the important work of the NCCC. She is interested in combining instructional theories with innovative educational technologies to enhance the learning experience while creating culturally safe learning spaces.
Danielle is the Program Manager at the National Centre for Cultural Competence. A proud Wiradjuri and Dharug woman, Danielle brings a wealth of experience in leadership and management across corporate, nonprofit, and community sectors. Her career has been defined by a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and she is deeply passionate about advancing cultural competence across institutions, organisations, and communities.
In her role at the NCCC, Danielle leads the strategic and operational delivery of complex programs that foster inclusive practices and cultural understanding. She is responsible for program, governance, stakeholder engagement, and performance management, ensuring that initiatives are delivered on time, within budget, and with measurable impact.
Nadia is the Senior Administration Officer with the National Centre for Cultural Competence, working across the team to manage administrative support for the centre. Prior to joining the NCCC, Nadia worked across various portfolios at the University of Sydney, as well as in the not-for-profit sector.
Nadia has long been passionate about social justice and human rights, and she is keen to support and grow the important work being done at the NCCC. She is looking forward to continuing her professional development and is proud to work in an environment that fosters real change.
Adubi is a Project Officer with the National Centre for Cultural Competence, working alongside the team to support the delivery of cultural competence workshops and leadership programs. She comes to the NCCC with experience in educational project support, and an educational background in international relations, sociology and environmental policy. With a passion for Indigenous environmental justice and climate action, she brings her experience and passions to the NCCC and to support projects that centred on cultural competence and inclusivity.
