Marisha Nair is a passionate, curious and dynamic woman who likes to write about herself in the third person.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Communications in 2014, Marisha has over 4 years of marketing industry experience. She has held positions in digital marketing, advertising, events and media.

Marisha completed her Master of Human Rights in 2020, with distinction and currently has over 6 years of industry experience. With a focus on human rights and climate change she has completed roles in fundraising, events, advocacy and programme management across various sectors, in Melbourne, Geneva, London, New York and Berlin.

Currently she works full-time as the Regional & Local Program Manager for The DO School Fellowships in Berlin, Germany.

In her spare time, Marisha likes to explore new places, learn Deutsch, read in coffee shops, create playlists and go running.

Highlights Include:

  • Refugee and Migrant Support

    In her role as Australian Program and Country (National) Manager for ygap, Marisha has successfully led over 18 refugee and migrant founded small businesses, through ygap’s flagship Accelerator Program. This supported these ventures to grow and scale their business by providing knowledge, mentorship and grant funding.

  • Cultural Growth and Training

    In her role as a Cultural Development Officer, Marisha grew the Wyndham Humanitarian Network from 5 to 35 stakeholders in under 9 months and re-designed and recruited 10 new members to a Multicultural Committee for at-risk young migrants and refugees. She also created and implemented a 5-part cultural diversity training for internal City Council staff.

  • Speeches at UN Human Rights Council

    Marisha spoke at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, twice, to raise awareness of human rights abuses committed towards female Tamil Sri Lankan refugees.

  • 2 x International Internships

    Marisha gained and completed two international programmes internships with non-profits, ATD and HII, in London and New York City.

  • Oxfam Fundraising

    She helped to raise over $6 million in 1 year as part of the Trailwalker team for Oxfam Australia.

  • Fundraised $150,000

    Raised over $150,000 in 5 weeks through crowdfunding as a fellow for Climate for Change.

  • Digital Marketing Campaigns

    Marisha successfully worked with national brands on their digital marketing campaigns such as Ted’s Cameras, Melbourne Airport and NT Tourism, whilst in her role as Digital Account Manager at We Are Balance agency.

  • Launch of Referboard

    Launching the start-up Referboard whilst in her role as Marketing Manager.