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Sonia Gandhi
Director, Gandhi Creations, Founder India Australia Business and Community Awards & Fabrics of Multicultural Australia
Professional Background
Sonia Sadiq Gandhi M. Com, an accomplished entrepreneur and advocate for diversity and inclusion, has made a profound impact on the Australian business landscape through her remarkable journey from India to New South Wales. Arriving in Australia in 1998 as an international student, Sonia has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community empowerment and cultural diplomacy by founding and leading Gandhi Creations Pty Ltd. This multi-award-winning social enterprise has thrived for over a decade by creating sustainable platforms tailored to meet the varying business, social, and cultural needs within the Australian community.
As the founder and CEO of Gandhi Creations, Sonia has spearheaded numerous initiatives and projects that champion the rich tapestry of Australia’s multicultural identity. Over her impressive career, she has executed more than 550 events, establishing them as essential meeting grounds for fostering exchanges of ideas and facilitating cultural dialogue between diverse nations. Her work has significantly contributed to enhanced foreign investment and trade relations while serving as a catalyst for furthering social cohesion among Indigenous, migrant, refugee, and culturally and linguistically diverse groups.
Sonia’s significant contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she has cultivated strong relationships with various high-profile departments within the State Government. Through collaborations on several multi-stakeholder projects of national significance, she has garnered immense respect and trust from government entities, reinforcing her role as a leader in promoting inclusion and cultural connectivity.
Education and Achievements
Sonia completed her Master of Commerce with a major in Human Resources at Western Sydney University, equipping her with vital knowledge and skills necessary for managing diverse teams and understanding complex organizational dynamics. Her educational background, combined with practical experience, has laid a strong foundation for her pioneering work in the social enterprise sector.
Sonia’s accomplishments also extend to her role as a board member for Multicultural NSW, the state’s peak government agency focused on maintaining a coherent and harmonious multicultural society. Her appointment highlighted her dedication to enriching the lives of all New South Wales residents through inclusion and intercultural understanding.
In recognition of her outstanding service, Sonia was named an Australia Day Ambassador for several councils from 2018 to 2021, including Ryde, Glen Innes Severn, Campbelltown, and Warrumbungle Shire. Her ambassadorship roles underscored her influence and commitment to building a multicultural society that celebrates diversity throughout Australia.
Sonia's philanthropic spirit is also reflected in her recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International in 2014. This prestigious accolade celebrates her commitment to community service and her ongoing charity endeavors with organizations such as Alzheimer’s Australia, Beyond Blue, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Salvation Army.
Achievements
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Founder & CEO of Gandhi Creations Pty Ltd: Under Sonia’s leadership, Gandhi Creations has emerged as a trailblazing social enterprise that not only provides opportunities for underserved communities but also stands as a model for sustainable business practices.
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550+ Events Executed: Through her ingenuity and creativity, Sonia has organized various events that serve as platforms for cultural diplomacy and community engagement, contributing to dialogue and projects that foster greater understanding among diverse populations.
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Board Member at Multicultural NSW: Sonia played a critical role in initiatives that aim to strengthen multiculturalism in New South Wales, making her an integral part of the state's efforts to promote inclusiveness.
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Australia Day Ambassador: Appointed across multiple councils, Sonia has represented cultural dialogues and contributed significantly to celebrations that acknowledge the achievements and contributions of multicultural Australians.
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Charitable Work: Through her engagement with various non-profit organizations, Sonia continues to make a difference in the lives of others by addressing vital issues such as mental health, health advocacy, and community support.
Sonia Sadiq Gandhi’s entrepreneurial spirit, combined with her enthusiasm for promoting diversity and cultural understanding, has made her a luminary in the Australian social enterprise landscape. She embodies the possibilities of a unified and inclusive society, tirelessly working to ensure that the richness of multiculturalism is recognized and celebrated across all sectors of Australian life.