President
Originally from Pakistan and based in Gippsland, Victoria, Arfa Sarfaraz Khan is a community leader, multicultural advocate and governance contributor with a professional background in journalism, communications, academia and social welfare. Her work focuses on empowering women and young people, strengthening migrant and refugee communities, promoting interfaith understanding and building inclusive communities.
Arfa joined the United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley (UMSLV) during its formative stages, when the founding committee was establishing the organisation’s core values, identity and foundations. After serving as a committee member for two years, she became President in 2015 and continues to lead the organisation. Under her leadership, UMSLV has championed women’s empowerment, youth mentorship, anti-racism, intercultural engagement and community wellbeing. The organisation’s community events have received local recognition, including twice winning the Best Community Event award at Morwell’s Australia Day celebrations.
Her leadership extends beyond UMSLV through past and ongoing involvement in boards, advisory bodies and community organisations, including the Islamic Council of Victoria, Latrobe Health Assembly, Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault (GCASA), Pakistani Australian Council of Victoria and the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Gippsland Regional Advisory Council. She has also contributed to multicultural engagement and social cohesion initiatives involving Victoria Police.
Arfa participates in panel discussions, public forums and community events addressing multiculturalism, faith, gender equality, anti-racism and social cohesion. Her contributions have included public speaking, community education, interfaith dialogue and advocacy for culturally diverse communities. She has also worked in local journalism, including as editor of Traf News, and has contributed to community broadcasting.
Her contributions have been recognised through her induction into the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll for Women in 2023 and her receipt of the Volunteer Leadership Award at the 2024 Victorian Volunteering Awards, presented in 2025. She holds postgraduate qualifications in Political Science, Development Journalism, Mass Media and Communication, and has completed leadership development programs through Leadership Victoria and Gippsland leadership initiatives.
Arfa remains committed to strengthening community connections, advancing inclusive leadership and ensuring diverse voices contribute meaningfully to public life.
Vice President
Syeda Amatullah Hussain, known as Lubna, arrived in Australia in 2009 with her family from Karachi, Pakistan to Gippsland, and from that moment chose to lead with service.
As a co-founding and binding member of the United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley (UMSLV), Lubna is one of its pioneers and a pillar of support for new and emerging communities. She has served the committee in various roles over the years and currently serves as Vice President.
Lubna provides guidance, encouragement, and connection to people from all backgrounds as they build their lives here. She works tirelessly, often quietly from behind the scenes, but her impact is loud and clear. She is respected, admired, and deeply loved in her local community for the way she consistently shows up for others.
Treasurer
Yumna Ahmad is one of the founding members of United Muslim Sisters Latrobe Valley where she has served as both Secretary and Treasurer since 2013 .
Working in mental health and completing her Master of Social Work, Yumna is committed to supporting young people and adults in regional and diverse communities. She believes in creating safe, inclusive spaces and breaking down systemic barriers to access care and opportunity.
Yumna was a member of the inaugural Victorian Youth Congress 2017-18 and served with RAC VMC from 2016-2026. Yumna was also part of Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assualt as a board member from 2020 to 2024.
Through her work, she champions community-led solutions and the wellbeing of all people.
Secretary
Raneem is a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Third Year) student at The University of Melbourne
Raneem is a Palestinian-Australian student, science advocate, and passionate voice for justice and human rights. A dedicated advocate for a Free Palestine, she is driven by the belief that science and social justice must go hand in hand. Raneem joined UMSLV inspired by its welcoming, principled, and committed members, and is determined to contribute meaningfully, support its initiatives, and help create lasting change alongside her community.
Women Lead
Dr Najiba Sima arrived in Australia a year ago from South Africa, leaving behind her family and community. Through the graciousness and warmth of the sisters of UMSLV, she found a new community and a sense of home here.
Inspired by this kindness, Najiba hopes to pay it forward by forming new connections and strengthening the beautiful sisterhood shared within UMSLV, founded upon shared Islamic values.
She currently works as an Anaesthetist at Latrobe Regional Hospital and resides in Traralgon with her husband and teenage son.
Youth Lead
Mona Eliaser is a proud Sudanese-Australian woman – a mother, daughter, sister, aunty, and dedicated community services worker. Rooted in the strength of her Sudanese heritage, Mona deeply values family, culture, connection, and the power of knowing where you come from.
She joined the United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley (UMSLV) as a Committee Member this year, finding in it a true sense of belonging and a meaningful way to contribute to her community. Balancing work, family, and community commitments has shaped her resilience, patience, strength, and determination.
Mona is passionate about continuous personal growth, kindness, and giving back – guided by the belief that strong communities are built when we uplift one another.
Mona is Proud of her journey. Grateful for her family. Excited for what’s ahead.
Communication Lead
Eemaan is a psychology student and education support professional with a passion for helping people feel seen, supported, and connected.
As Youth and Communication Coordinator for UMSLV, she brings together her interests in education and mental health to strengthen community connection. Her background in psychology informs her approach – one grounded in empathy, curiosity, and a deep belief in the power of meaningful relationships.
Eemaan is especially passionate about supporting mental well-being, strengthening communication between young people and the adults around them, and helping build communities where everyone feels they belong.
In her time with UMSLV, she has witnessed firsthand how small moments can create big change. She is inspired by the hardworking, intelligent, and compassionate women on the committee and looks forward to continuing to build alongside them.