As high-profile chefs, restauranteurs, foodies, authors, business leaders and television presenters, our Hero Ambassadors have career paths as varied as their cultural heritages. But one thing they all have in common is a deep passion for celebrating cultural diversity and encouraging others to do the same.
ATOH’s newest ambassador, Masterchef finalist and author Samira El Khafir, says Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world and she believes it’s important to celebrate diversity so everyone feels appreciated for who they are. And in 2024, Samira considers the coinciding of A Taste of Harmony with Ramadan a unique opportunity for many non-Muslims to learn more about the significance of the holy month.
“This year, I am helping educate people about Ramadan which happens to overlap with A Taste of Harmony. For me personally, Ramadan is a spiritual journey and a month of worship. During this time, I like to reconnect with my inner faith and detox my body, mind, and soul.
“I would encourage non-Muslims to ask questions about Ramadan as we’re very happy to explain and it will help Muslims to feel accepted and valued,” she said.
Chef, author and TV presenter Kylie Kwong believes it’s paramount to celebrate cultural diversity because the more unique voices, world views and life experience we can bring around the same table, the deeper, richer and more meaningful life becomes.
“Like so many, one cannot emphasise enough the extraordinary healing power of food shared across the table – existing emotional, mental and cultural barriers and racial discrimination instantly dissipate as we learn about our colleagues’ heritage, cultural customs and rituals, spiritual views and practices, traditions and intergenerational stories. “
Huss Mustafa, General Manager; Multicultural Community Banking for Commonwealth Bank of Australia says that celebrating cultural diversity in the workplace is a passion for him.
“I am a proud Australian with a rich and diverse (Turkish) cultural heritage in a true multicultural society. Celebrating our diversity allows sharing unique stories, celebrating the rich tapestry of the cultures that define our workplace. “
Well known and loved Italian chef Guy Grossi is equally as passionate about celebrating diversity and believes that respecting differences and being able to trust others are key to a harmonious workplace.
“We are a multicultural society and we’ve built this great country on the ideas and skills of people who came from other countries. It’s Australia’s history and its future,” he said.
Read more about our Hero Ambassadors and what a Taste of Harmony means to them here.
