Zelah Dutta Nielsen – Board Member
Zelah is a global citizen, humanitarian, and advocate with a diverse background shaped by her Fijian heritage, Australian upbringing, living and working in Europe and Asia.
Zelah recently relocated back to Tasmania with her two daughters and husband. She has observed various changes since her return and believes there is still a lot of work to be done in making Tasmania more inclusive and embracing diversity.
Zelah first migrated to Tasmania with her parents 40 years ago, where she pursued her education, attending primary, high school, and college in Hobart, as well as the University of Tasmania, where she studied law and graduated with a BA degree.
Zelah’s professional experience spans a wide range of sectors, including the Federal and Local Government, international organizations and educational institutions. Her career has taken her to various parts of the world, including Europe and China, where she has lived and worked, enriching her understanding of diverse cultures.
Zelah’s humanitarian work and volunteer efforts focused on impactful projects in Africa, Cambodia, the Philippines, India, Fiji and Afghanistan. More recently, she has dedicated her efforts to providing aid to Ukrainian refugee families across Europe. Through these initiatives, Zelah not only supports those in need but also nurtures appreciation for the peace and stability that Tasmania offers.
Zelah aims to foster strong community connections and promote safe, inclusive workplaces, providing vital support for migrants facing discrimination. She has firsthand experience with the challenges of migration, using her platform to advocate for others.
As a board member, she highlights the importance of celebrating our differences, where we can encourage a sense of belonging and empower individuals to thrive.
Zelah enjoys travelling with her family and discovering new places, along with experimental home cooking inspired by flavours of the world. She crosses her fingers that what she throws in a pot miraculously turns out edible!