Tasneem Chopra

Education Consultant, Inspirational Speaker, Online - Virtual Visits, Personal Development, Social Issues, Storyteller, Well Within, Women's Rights

Tasneem is a whole lot of parts, symbolising the hybrid identity of today’s global citizen, which she speaks to with sheer wit. She is an East African born, Indian origin, Bendigo raised, Melbourne loving, daughter, mother, middle-child, karaoke swooning, sleep deprived, vertically challenged, feminist, Muslim, exhausted, activist – and she won’t compromise on any of those titles.

Where were you born?

I was born in Nairobi, Kenya. My family migrated to Australia when I was four, starting off in Alice Springs  and then moving to Bendigo in Central Victoria. I completed my primary and secondary school here – spending my formative years in the country. It was only when I started university that my family moved to Melbourne, where I have remained.

What other jobs have you had?

I am currently a Cross Cultural Consultant, recently working as a Museum Curator while doing Public Speaking concurrently.  My previous roles have included a motley mix along themes of diversity, arts and justice –through roles such as: Project Manager, Author, Community Development Worker, Electorate Officer, Arts Event Producer, Leadership Program Convenor and Migration Agent.

What themes are recurring in your work?

These are varied – but largely reflect the political and social environment I find myself in. They include: social justice, identity, belonging, racism, multiculturalism, stereotypes, refugees, gender, intersectional racism, social change, diversity, diversity in leadership, women in leadership, media bias, media challenges, minority voices, immigration policy, Muslims, Islam, Australian Muslim experiences, myths and misconceptions about Islam/ Muslims/ Women, modest fashion, muting, social control and structural disadvantage.

What have been the highlights of your career?

There have been many and varied – notably along themes of communication and social change. They include:

• Curating the Faith, Fashion, Fusion exhibition for the Immigration Museum in 2013/14
• Curating Does Art Effect Social Change conference for the Islamic Museum of Australia
• Speaking at the Wheeler Centre book launch of Coming of Age
• Speaking to Senior Secondary school students for English programs, across Melbourne
• Appearing at the Melbourne, Bendigo and Byron Bay Writers Festivals
• Appearing on Q&A, twice
• Emceeing the Marketplace of Creative Arts Festival, in Kuala Lumpur in 2015
• Paneling on a Social Change through Fashion event at the Market Place for Creative Arts Conference, Dubai, 2014

Then there’s a few lists I’ve made, including:

• Sixteen Women to Watch, Latte Magazine, 2016
• 2013 Woman of the Year, Australian Muslim Achievement Awards
• Top100 Influential Movers and Shakers of 2008 The Age Magazine
• Top Ten thinkers, 2009 The Australian Magazine

Where have your works been published?

My authored works have been published in Australia and Indonesia. My academic article Burqas, Bombs & Bogeymen is accessible online and my editorial works have been published in The Age, The Australian, the Guardian, Crikey, The Herald Sun and others.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about social change and the role of actors and observers in achieving this. These passions come through when I speak to young audiences, and include: social justice, identity, belonging, racism, multiculturalism, stereotypes, refugees, gender, equality, feminism, intersectional racism, social change, diversity, diversity in leadership, women in leadership, media bias, media challenges, minority voices, immigration policy, Muslims, Islam, Australian Muslim experiences, myths and misconceptions about Islam/ Muslims/ Women, arts, education, equality. I enjoy the challenge of addressing school cohorts on many of these topics as I am constantly learning from student interactions.

Haven’t I seen you before?

I may be a familiar face to some having had media appearances over the years, including; The Project, Sunrise, Insight, Q&A, The Drum and Salam Café. I’m also a regular on ABC radio panels.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I have a biography in the works, which I’m hoping to complete before I die!  However, life keeps throwing curve balls my way, creating more chapter opportunities. I see this as the universe artfully mocking my perceived complacency that I couldn’t possibly have more to write about.

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