Media Diversity Australia (MDA) proudly celebrated the 2025 Mentorship Program Graduation, honouring the achievements of emerging journalists from racially and culturally marginalised backgrounds. The event brought together mentees, mentors, and media leaders for an inspiring evening of reflection, discussion, and connection.
The evening opened with a dynamic panel discussion featuring three trailblazers in Australian journalism: Nour Haydar (Full Story Podcast Co-host, Guardian Australia), Natalie Ahmet (Head of Indigenous News and Current Affairs, NITV), and Alicia Vrajlal (Founder of Draw Your Box). Together, they explored how media leaders can overcome systemic barriers, embrace diversity, and drive lasting change in an ever-evolving industry.
In a conversation that was both candid and deeply inspiring, the panellists shared their personal experiences navigating the media landscape and offered practical insights on leadership, allyship, and the importance of creating culturally safe spaces in newsrooms. They also spoke to the ongoing need for mentorship and community, particularly for emerging journalists seeking to challenge bias and bring fresh perspectives to the stories that shape Australia’s national conversation.
Following the panel, the spotlight turned to this year’s incredible cohort of MDA mentees, who were formally recognised for completing the program. The graduation segment was a heartfelt celebration of their growth, resilience, and ambition – a testament to the power of guidance and representation in shaping the next generation of diverse storytellers. Congratulations again tot our graduates – Satara, Minyue, Ria, Darshana and Sumaiya – and to our fabulous mentors who made this program possible!
After the formalities, guests gathered over snacks and networking, sharing experiences, laughter, and new ideas for the future. The atmosphere was one of genuine warmth and solidarity, reflecting the supportive community MDA has worked to cultivate.
Now a cornerstone of MDA’s mission, the Mentorship Program continues to empower the next generation of journalists by building confidence, connections, and career pathways that challenge systemic barriers in Australian newsrooms..
The 2025 graduation reaffirmed what MDA stands for: that diversity is not just an ideal but a strength, one that fuels better journalism, deeper storytelling, and a media landscape that truly reflects Australia’s communities.
A heartfelt thank you to our mentors, speakers, and graduates for making the evening so meaningful. Together, we’re helping to build a more inclusive and representative future for Australian media.
