Empowered Pathways: Job Fair and Career Summit - 2025

To support this meaningful initiative, SBWN invited two of the most successful Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in Australia to help new migrants and students with their valuable suggestions. Ashik Ahmed, a visionary entrepreneur, co-founder, and former CEO of Deputy (a global workforce management platform valued at over $1 billion), and Mohammad Shamim, owner of Shamim Group holding 108 Subway stores nationwide, kindly dedicated their entire day to SBWN to create a positive change in the community.

 

This powerful event, part of SBWN’s women’s empowerment mission, brought together Bangladeshi Australian students and migrants seeking jobs or better opportunities, particularly those facing unemployment or underemployment. As a not-for-profit organization powered by the heart and strength of Bangladeshi Australian women, Sydney Bangla Women’s Network created a warm, supportive space to build skills, confidence, and community, helping women transform their lives.

 

The event started with coffee, conversations, and networking that made every attendee feel welcome. Attendees of all ages connected, sharing stories of struggle and ambition, as well as laughter and encouragement.

The day began with Councillor Suman Saha sharing his experience supporting multicultural communities. He was followed by Councillor Susai Benjamin OAM.

 

The career fair had nine organizations with 18 dedicated representatives who offered hands-on support and practical advice. JICS Australia helped with job searches, while the Migrant Resource Centre and Auburn Youth Centre offered support for youth programs. Sydney TAFE and Granville TAFE offered training for in-demand healthcare jobs. Shamim Group inspired attendees with their entrepreneurial story. Invicta Technical College and Assure Abilities offered education and disability support, and EdVerse Global Dhaka provided guidance on study abroad options.

 

At noon, an expert panel discussion brought five Australian Bangladeshi visionaries to the stage. They shared stories of resilience and success, igniting courage in every listener.

 

Ashik Ahmed, co-founder of Deputy, shared his journey from flipping burgers to becoming a global innovator. He described his path to entrepreneurship as challenging yet driven by resilience. In response to his determination, he mentioned, “You don’t choose passion, Passion chooses you.”

 

Mohammad Shamim, owner of 108 Subway stores nation-wide, shared his heartfelt story of starting as a sandwich artist with big dreams. He credited his mentor, who ran seven restaurants, with teaching him to aim higher, showing him that learning the job well could turn his dreams into something bigger. He urged attendees to set bigger goals, proving that learning and aiming high can lead to incredible success.

 

Aurelia Rahman, with 25 years of advocacy, shared her work experience empowering migrants through community partnerships. She explained the importance of continuous learning and urged everyone to keep learning to gain the right skills and explore more opportunities.

 

Ayesha J. Bibha, a neuroscience coach, uplifted the audience with strategies for business and mental wellbeing. She shared how to reset goals every year and embrace one’s own authenticity to stand out in the workplace and interact better with customers.

Dr. Sabrin Farooqui, OAM, spoke about independence through education, sharing the struggle of women limiting themselves to casual jobs to juggle family commitments, often losing opportunities to progress further.

 

Dr. Nahid Sayma, SBWN’S President, opened her heart and shared her story of turning her early hardships as a lonely dentist in a foreign country into strength. Now running a thriving business that employs many Bangladeshi women, she stood as proof that believing in yourself can change everything. “We rise with love, unity, and purpose,” she said, her voice carrying the spirit of SBWN’s mission.

 

SBWN members and volunteers also organised focused workshops for attendees with warmth and care, teaching skills to help them shine. The focus was on writing strong resumes, excel in interviews, dealing with rejection, understand Australian workplace culture, and build networks, as well as sessions on mental health, government jobs, and early childhood education. These workshops were not just lessons but lifelines, to help Bangladeshi women overcome cultural and job market barriers.

Special thanks go to Royal Platter Australia, founded by Bangladeshi female entrepreneur Jannatul, for serving a delicious morning tea and lunch at a significant discount to support the cause.

 

Gratitude to Qanitaz Event Solutions for transforming Granville Town Hall with elegant displays, making the event warm and joyful. Thanks to Photography by Namrata Khan, a talented professional Bangladeshi female entrepreneur herself.

For many, the event was more than a job fair; it was a turning point. “I felt seen and supported, ready to take on my next step with confidence,” one attendee shared. This event gave participants strength, connection, and the courage to chase their goals.

SBWN proved that with heart, support, and a shared vision, every woman can shine. The Empowered Pathways Job Fair and Career Summit left a spark of hope, reminding every attendee that they are unstoppable and that together, they will rise.

The event was proudly supported by Cumberland City Council.