MEET THE TEAM

  • Zayd is the Project Lead for Youth Justice Mentoring at 16 Yards, a podcaster, and an aspiring community leader. As an African-Australian with lived experience in the Victorian Adult Justice System, he brings a grounded and authentic perspective to his work. Currently, Zayd is completing his Certificate IV in Community Services at Kangan Institute and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work at Deakin University in 2025. He is also an active member of Victoria’s East African and Muslim communities.

  • Kalijah, an Indigenous man from the Gunditjmara clan of Lake Condah, spent 14 years in foster and boys’ homes, attending 10 schools before facing addiction and multiple incarcerations. At 19, he began a healing journey, initially working in construction, but soon discovered his true purpose in guiding youth through similar challenges. By sharing his story, Kalijah inspires others to know they’re not alone and can reshape their futures.

  • Ajak holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Finance) from RMIT, and is an ambassador for the Diversity Scholarship at the Department of Treasury and Finance. He has worked within the Victorian Public Service most recently a Project Officer at the Department of Government Services. He is also a small business owner who has partnered with community organizations such the African Youth Initiative, Home Court and the Melton Basketball Association. Ajak has lived experience of the Victorian Youth Justice System and also brings a unique perspective of business oriented young people in Victoria who struggle with gaining support and opportunities to pursue their aspirations. He is also an active member of the South Sudanese community in Victoria.

  • Aguer is a South Sudanese-Australian with lived experience in the youth justice system. Driven by a strong sense of purpose, he’s committed to supporting young people navigating similar challenges. Alongside studying a Certificate IV in Community Services, he plays semi-professional soccer and continues to invest in his own growth.

  • Jonathan, a Pasifika man of Cook Islander heritage, has lived experience in the youth justice system, adult justice system, and residential care. While incarcerated, he found a passion for mentoring, which fuelled his commitment to personal growth and supporting young people. Now, he’s dedicated to mentoring the next generation of young people with justice system experience while working alongside systems to create better outcomes for those coming through them—all while furthering his education in Community Services.

  • Jesse has lived experience in the justice system and is a drug court graduate. He holds a Certificate IV in Community Services and has completed core AOD modules. As lead facilitator for the STEPS program and SMART Recovery AOD programs, he supports others on their journeys while pursuing further studies. Unapologetically himself, Jesse brings authenticity and realness to everything he does.

  • Hakiaha is a Maori/Niuean/Samoan man who is passionate about working with young people in his community. He is actively involved in sport playing rugby league at a competitive level. Haki is keen to help out the younger generations by drawing on his own past justice experiences. He is focused on making an impact and helping young disengaged men make changes in their lives.

  • Chris is a Samoan-Australian man who has spent time in and out of Victorian youth justice facilities. Having now changed for the better in his own life, he now hopes to help make an impact on the younger generation through his lived experience.

  • Mr. Abraham Kuol is an Associate Research Fellow and PhD Candidate in Criminology at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation at Deakin University. His research explores the post settlement challenges of African Australians with a focus on justice system contact. His research interests include youth violence, risk, and protective factors for offending, and culturally and linguistically diverse young people. Abraham is an emerging South Sudanese leader who is passionate about reducing the justice-involvement of South Sudanese young people in the Youth Justice System. He possesses an undergraduate and honours degree in Project Management from RMIT University. He is a Research Project Manager for Afri-Aus Care, a not-for-profit organisation in the South-East of Melbourne which provides programs for justice-involved African-Australian young people and post settlement support services for their families. He has consulted for leading and emerging culture-based community organisations in the youth justice space.

  • Dr. Mohammed M. Ali is a research fellow at the Alfred Deakin Institute (ADI) for Citizenship and Globalisation at Deakin University. He completed his PhD in Criminology at Griffith University in 2023. He holds a graduate diploma (Psychology) from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Social Science(Psychology) from RMIT University. Owing to his cross-disciplinary training, Dr. Ali conducts research in the areas of forensic psychology and criminology with a focus on culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations. Dr. Ali is currently pursuing three lines of research: (1) antecedents of attitudes towards legal authorities, (2) pathways into and out of violence, and (3) crime prevention and intervention programming. Dr. Ali was awarded the 2023 Allen Austin Bartholomew award by the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology for the best paper in the Journal of Criminology in 2022. He is an active member of the Victorian Somali community.

  • Steph is a Professor of Forensic Psychology and Criminology. He has produced an internationally recognised body of research and writing on the cultural, social and mental health needs of young people and adults who are justice-involved. Steph has worked across Australia and the USA exploring practical solutions to help young people disengage from the justice system. A member of Victoria’s African community, he received the 2020 Victorian Government Multi-Cultural Award for Excellence in Justice. Steph is passionate about mentoring young people with system involvement and helping them reach their full potential.

  • Shayne Hood is a force of change, bringing a unique blend of professional expertise and profound lived experience to every endeavour. With a career that spans youth work, social work, and community services, Shayne’s journey—marked by his own battles with family violence, addiction, and criminality—drives an unshakeable commitment to social justice. His approach is both transformative and results-driven, offering targeted coaching, consultation, and training that cut through complexity to deliver real outcomes. Passionate about mentoring young people to achieve their greatest potential, Shayne guides them to not only overcome barriers but also recognise and activate their strengths. Through innovative service delivery, he builds powerful connections with individuals from all walks of life while spearheading systemic change within organisations. Shayne’s work is a testament to the unstoppable force of resilience, determination, and a genuine desire to reshape societal systems for the better.