YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Welcome
The UNAA Young Professionals Network is a collective of like-minded individuals from across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, brought together by our common passion for the work of the United Nations. Our mission is to connect, empower and build the skills of young professionals to achieve the United Nations Association of Australia’s mission of creating a safer, fairer and more sustainable world.
MEET THE COMMITTEE
Meet the Committee

Convenor
Angelica Reyes
Angelica currently works for the Mineral Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA). She is from Invest and Trade Western (ITWA) Australia at the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification (DEED).
With extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, cultural diplomacy, international relations, and investment and trade facilitation, Angelica is passionate about fostering cross-cultural partnerships and supporting global cooperation.
Angelica holds a Double Masters in International Law and International Relations from the University of Western Australia, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese and Korean Studies. In 2016, Angelica studied at Seoul National University as a recipient of the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant.
Angelica speaks English, Filipino, Japanese, and Korean.
Meet the Committee

Deputy Convenor
Ayaan Kinani
Ayaan Kinani grew up in India and brings a unique international perspective and passion for grassroots community action to his work in Western Australia. With a Masters in Business Analytics from UWA, Ayaan’s journey blends strategic thinking, project management, and a commitment to data-driven empowerment.
He has contributed to impactful projects across health, disability, and education, energized by helping people overcome barriers and unlock their true potential. During the COVID-19 crisis, Ayaan rallied friends and volunteers to deliver essential supplies to those most affected by lockdowns, a formative experience that reinforced his belief in inclusive leadership and practical compassion. An advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ayaan focuses on decent work, innovation, and reducing inequalities. Outside his professional and volunteer work, he enjoys running, experimenting with technology, and growing communities online. Ayaan believes that cross-cultural understanding, creative collaboration, and everyday kindness move us toward a fairer and more sustainable future, values he brings to his work with UNAAWA.
Meet the Committee
Secretary
Jingyi Chen
Jingyi Chen is an optometrist, lecturer and PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia. Jingyi is passionate about equitable health care, gender equality and education. She currently works at a UWA and Lions Eye Institute collaborative clinic that provides eye care services to refugees, asylum seekers, and First Nations Peoples. Her research interests are centred around education, improving access to healthcare, and developing sustainable healthcare models. Her Doctor of Philosophy project has a focus on rural and remote eye care, including the provision of culturally safe eye care for First Nations Peoples.
As a volunteer committee of management member for Equal Health, Jingyi works with community agencies partners and healthcare clinicians to organise overseas aid trips to provide healthcare free of charge to communities in need. Jingyi is committed to contributing towards efforts to realise the SDGs through her personal, professional and volunteer activities.
Meet the Committee
Treasurer
James Duong
James Duong is a committed university student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Commerce, majoring in Business Information Systems and Finance. With a strong interest in the fusion of technology and finance, James is passionate about exploring how digital systems can optimise business processes and financial decision-making. Recognized for his analytical abilities and diligent approach to his studies, James actively seeks opportunities to deepen his understanding of these fields.
Outside of academia, James is an enthusiastic learner who enjoys delving into various topics, from fish keeping to politics. What truly drives James is a deep concern for the current state of the world's finances. He's troubled by the trend of people saving less and less, understanding the potential implications for individuals and societies. This concern fuels James's determination to become adept at all aspects of finance, seeing improved financial literacy as a crucial step toward empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their financial future.
Meet the Committee
Membership Lead
Mercy Jelimo
Mercy completed her Bachelor's Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy in Kenya, which aligned with her aspirations of working towards the SDG goals. Mercy is passionate about advocating for equality and change in the community. She has volunteered in non-profit organisations in Kenya and was awarded the Most Dedicated Member award in the Diplomacy Club. Having graduated in 2020, she undertook a graduate program in the Government sector (Revenue Authority) dealing with diaspora affairs and overlooking the partnerships between the neighbouring revenue authorities alongside drafting Memorandums of Understanding between the Treasury and other Ministries in the government. Mercy Migrated to Australia in 2022 as an international student enrolled in a Diploma in Community Services through Stott’s College.
As part of her Goals towards the SDG’s, Mercy is currently working part-time in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Department of Child Protection (DCP) sector to enable the vulnerable people living with disabilities, facing inequalities and those who have experienced gender-based violence, including the First Nations People, to get the most out of their lives and advocating for their rights, equality and inclusion through community engagement. She works to ensure people in the community get access to basic needs, which is a goal towards sustainable communities, zero hunger, quality education, gender equity and reduced inequalities, among others. Mercy is also a model, fashion enthusiast, cook, poet/writer, hairdresser and makeup artist, and interested in outdoor activities.
Meet the Committee
Partnerships Lead
Syafiq Azman
Syafiq has always been passionate about building connections and fostering community growth. During his university years, he took on various leadership roles and actively contributed to student-led and not-for-profit organisations, driven by his desire to make a positive impact.
Since graduating, Syafiq has continued to grow personally and professionally. He now works as a Business Analyst with expertise in customer experience, business performance, operations, and commercial functions. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Economics and Marketing and has further enhanced his skills by completing a Master of Business Analytics.
Having grown up in a developing country, specifically underdeveloped communities, Syafiq is deeply committed to giving back to the community and advocating for equality. He is now a strong believer in and advocate of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aligning with his vision of ensuring equality in essential areas such as education, housing, food, and other basic needs to create a fair and inclusive future for all.
Meet the Committee
Communications Lead
Garima Chopra
Garima took her first step beyond borders when she turned fifteen, traveling to Germany on an exchange program that opened her eyes to the beauty of cultural diversity and multilateralism. That experience ignited a lifelong passion for global engagement and humanitarianism, leading her to explore fifteen countries, each shaping her understanding of people, diplomacy and the power of communication.
She holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science from University of Delhi and a Master’s in Strategic Communications from the University of Western Australia. Garima’s work is driven by a profound belief in making a difference. She has volunteered with global organisations in Poland on the Sustainable Development Goals and has mentored underprivileged children in India. Armed with expertise in digital marketing, public relations and advocacy, she aspires to contribute to international organisations to help drive meaningful change on a global scale.
Meet the Committee
Events Lead
Jaclyn Robson
Jaclyn completed a master of international law at UWA in July 2025 with a strong focus on human rights and humanitarian law. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International relations where she explored International Policy, Criminology and Japanese language.
Jaclyn currently works at UWA as a Project Officer in Student Equity where she supports high school and university students from equity cohorts. Jaclyn’s previous professional roles include the Chamber of Commerce Industry W.A. as an international trade and investment assistant where she supported policy research and stakeholder engagement.








