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Sofiah Mackay
Senior Social Impact Consultant at Think Impact
Professional Background
Sofiah Mackay-SSE is a dedicated facilitator and learning and development professional with a remarkable career spanning over 20 years in the health, community, and international development sectors. She brings a wealth of experience from her work in various roles for private companies, small social enterprises, international NGOs, and the Australian Government. As a Senior Social Impact Consultant at Think Impact, Sofiah focuses on leveraging her skills in social innovation and leadership development to drive meaningful change across communities.
Throughout her varied career, Sofiah has excelled in positions that emphasize her commitment to social justice, community engagement, and action learning. Notably, as the Enterprising Tarneit Project Coordinator at the Centre for Multicultural Youth, she successfully managed initiatives aimed at empowering youth from diverse backgrounds. Her time as a Learning Manager at the School for Social Entrepreneurs Australia highlights her expertise in facilitating transformative educational experiences that foster entrepreneurship and social enterprise development.
Sofiah has played a vital role within the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where she served as the Assistant Director of Health in the Australian Aid Program in Papua New Guinea. Her responsibilities included the design and implementation of health programs, demonstrating her ability to address complex development challenges in varied socio-political contexts. Her earlier experience with AusAID as the Assistant Director of Capacity Development and HIV Policy & Program Officer further solidified her expertise in program management and policy development in international aid.
With an engaging personality and a passion for facilitating learning and community change, Sofiah has also contributed significantly to organizations like Oxfam Australia, both as a Partner Development Officer and as an OIYP Program Coordinator.
Sofiah's multifaceted career exemplifies her strength in collaboration and innovation, as she continuously strives to create environments that foster collective learning and impactful community engagement.
Education and Achievements
Sofiah's educational journey lays an impressive foundation for her extensive career in facilitation and social development. She studied the Advanced Diploma of Group Facilitation at the esteemed Groupwork Institute, equipping her with the skills necessary to facilitate group dynamics and enhance learning experiences effectively. Additionally, she earned a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment at Eastern Suburbs Community College, enhancing her ability to design training programs that meet diverse learning needs.
At the University of Sydney, Sofiah attained a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages, specializing in French and Spanish Language and Literature. This academic background not only reflects her passion for languages and culture but also underscores her ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds, fostering inclusivity in her work.
In her formative years, Sofiah attended Borlase Grammar School in the UK, which instilled in her an appreciation for education and ignited her dedication to lifelong learning.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Sofiah has achieved significant milestones that illustrate her impact in learning and development, community engagement, and social innovation. As a program manager, she has conceptualized and led programs that have resulted in improved health outcomes, greater community cohesion, and enhanced economic opportunities for marginalized populations. Her work with youth and community stakeholders has consistently aimed at fostering empowerment and resilience among participants.
Sofiah's innovative approach has earned her the respect of her peers and stakeholders. She is particularly known for her ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that learning and development initiatives are not only educational but also lead to actionable outcomes within communities. Her dedication to facilitating individual and group learning continues to inspire those around her, making her a highly respected figure in her field.