Zarah is the embodiment of empowerment—a multilingual lawyer, mother, and published author whose tireless advocacy for diversity, inclusion, and marginalised communities defines her as a true change-maker. Since migrating to Australia in 2013, she has exemplified resilience and excellence, graduating with First Class Honours in Law from Charles Darwin University (CDU), earning 10 awards and scholarships along the way. Within a year of graduation, Zarah was admitted as a lawyer to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory and rose to become Complaints and Policy Manager at the Office of the Information Commissioner. Her work champions accountability and transparency in the public sector, while her volunteerism—offering pro bono legal support to vulnerable women—demonstrates a deeply personal commitment to giving back.
Zarah’s impact extends beyond the courtroom. As a recipient of the prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarship, she has forged international connections to better advocate for the Northern Territory. Her academic monograph, Balancing Work and New Parenthood, is the first globally to explore Australian parental leave laws and push for progressive reform. Recognised by key stakeholders in law and social policy, her work continues to influence national conversations on gender equity and family empowerment. In under three years since graduating, Zarah has established herself as a trailblazing lawyer, advocate, and voice for culturally and linguistically diverse communities—making her a standout nominee for the Early Career Achievement Award.