From newcomers to innovators: Refugee and migrant women drive change in South West Sydney - UNSW Sydney

27 Aug 2025 1:55 PM

 

• Groundbreaking entrepreneurship program to address local health needs
• Initiative provides startup funding and mentorship in one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most diverse regions
• Focus on women founders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

UNSW Founders in partnership with The George Institute for Global Health and JEINA (Justice Inclusion Access), has launched South West Sydney’s first dedicated health innovation program to support refugee and migrant women in the region.

The initiative offers tailored support including non-dilutive funding, business training, mentorship and access to expert networks. A total of $41,000 will be distributed through grants and prizes to help participants build and scale health-focused ventures that meet the needs of their communities.

The program is funded through a philanthropic donation by Stephen MacMahon AO and Robyn Norton AO - the founding directors of The George Institute for Global Health, a leading independent medical research group focused on tackling the world’s biggest health challenges through equity, resilience and innovation.

Partner organisation UNSW Justice Inclusion Access JEINA was founded by Dr Parisa Glass, to support women with lived experience of displacement and break barriers for migrant and refugee women in entrepreneurship.

"This work is deeply personal. By creating space for displaced women to be seen, heard, and empowered, we’re not just supporting individuals - we’re supporting our local communities to become more cohesive, resilient and just," Dr Parisa Glass, Founder of JEINA said.

The program builds on UNSW’s long-standing presence in Liverpool and reflects the University’s broader mission to create inclusive, future-focused opportunities across Greater Western Sydney.

“We’re embedding entrepreneurship programs in South West Sydney that support local founders, accelerate medical research translation, and contribute to job creation in the region,” David Burt, UNSW’s Director of Entrepreneurship said.

Early-stage innovators based in South West Sydney are encouraged to apply by visiting the UNSW Founders website.

 

About the partners

The George Institute for Global Health contributes world-leading expertise to address unmet medical needs, ensuring new solutions are community-driven and affordable.

JEINA (Justice Inclusion Access) is a UNSW initiative created by women with lived experience of displacement, dedicated to supporting the educational and professional growth of migrant and refugee women.

UNSW Founders delivers some of Australia’s leading entrepreneurship programs, supporting students, staff, alumni, and the broader community to translate ideas into impactful ventures.

 

ENDS

Contact details:

Interviews available on request. Please contact:

Ashleigh Steele

Communications Officer, UNSW Sydney

0421 208 805

[email protected]

 

Mariana Luis-Castillo Patrón 

Program Coordinator, UNSW Founders                                            [email protected]

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