Fr. Jonathan Ishak is a devoted priest serving at St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Arncliffe. He was ordained by HG Bishop Daniel on March 2nd, 2003, marking the beginning of his journey in priesthood.

Before his ordination, Fr. Jonathan held the position of Lecturer of Statistics at UTS, showcasing his diverse background and intellectual capabilities. However, it is his commitment to serving the community that truly defines his calling as a priest.

Fr. Jonathan has a compassionate heart for the elderly members of the congregation. He regularly visits nursing homes and hospitals, accompanied by the church youth, to provide comfort and support to those in need. His dedication to fostering a sense of connection and care within the community is a testament to his kind and nurturing nature.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Fr. Jonathan takes charge of enlightening the church through the spiritual publications available in the Bookshop. By curating a collection of profound and insightful works, he ensures that the congregation has access to resources that deepen their faith and enrich their spiritual journey.

Fr. Jonathan’s commitment to his role as a priest extends beyond the local community. He actively supports the mission of St. Wanas, a charitable organization dedicated to offering hope and a better future for children in need. Through their initiatives, Fr. Jonathan contributes to the well-being of kids with special needs, premature babies requiring incubators, children’s departments in rural hospitals in Egypt, and children with mental needs in both Egypt and Australia. His involvement in multiple countries, including Egypt, Malaysia, Australia, Kenya, and the Solomon Islands, demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact on a global scale.

Fr. Jonathan also plays an integral role in the St. Mark’s Youth ministry, guiding and nurturing the younger members of the church. Through regular prayer gatherings, Bible studies, and engaging talks, he encourages the youth to deepen their understanding of their faith and embrace their spiritual growth. With Fr. Jonathan Ishak’s leadership and unwavering dedication, St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church is a beacon of faith, compassion, and service. His presence brings warmth and guidance to the congregation, inspiring them to live out their faith and make a difference in the lives of others.

Professor Amany Zekry, a clinical academic at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and director of Gastroenterology and Hepatology services at St George Hospital UNSW, is driven by a passion for improving healthcare for marginalized populations, particularly non-English speaking communities.

With a focus on equitable access to healthcare, Professor Zekry has spearheaded educational and collaborative initiatives in partnership with Primary Health Networks, general practitioners, and community representatives. These initiatives aim to develop community-based models of care, addressing disparities in viral hepatitis treatment, liver cancer prevention, and clinical variations.

Professor Zekry’s dedication and innovative approaches have earned her national recognition, receiving multiple awards for the impact and effectiveness of her initiatives. In 2018, she was honoured with the NSW Top 50 Public Sector Women Award, acknowledging her exceptional leadership and transformative contributions to her community. Professor Zekry’s involvement with St. Wanas reflects her commitment to serving the community. She considers it a privilege to be part of St. Wanas and its mission, enabling her to extend her passion for community service and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Professor Amany Zekry embodies the values of equitable healthcare and compassionate leadership, dedicated to transforming communities for the better.

Mina is a highly accomplished professional who has achieved academic excellence and made significant contributions to the legal field. He completed a double degree in Commerce and Law at the University of Sydney and was admitted as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of New South Wales on 14 December 2001.

Throughout his career, Mina has gained valuable experience by practicing at several prestigious corporate law firms in Sydney, including Clayton Utz and Mallesons, as well as renowned Magic Circle Firms in the UK, such as Slaughter & May and Freshfields. His work at these firms has exposed him to various areas of law.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mina has also dedicated his time and expertise to teaching. He has taken on temporary roles with the University of Sydney, where he taught Accounting, and the Australian Catholic University, where he taught Law. His passion for education and sharing knowledge has allowed him to contribute to the development of future professionals in his field.

Beyond his legal career and teaching endeavours, Mina has also been actively involved with St. Wanas, a charity dedicated to supporting children in need. Through his work with the charity, Mina has made a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children, providing them with the necessary support and care they deserve.

Mina’s extensive legal knowledge, combined with his dedication to education and commitment to charitable causes, reflects his well-rounded character and deep-rooted desire to make a difference in the lives of others. He continues to inspire and contribute to his profession and the community at large.

Sylvia Marcos is a seasoned professional in the field of accounting and financial management. With a wealth of experience and expertise, she assists businesses in monitoring and evaluating their performance to ensure smooth operations and goal achievement.

As one the founders of Marcos Accountants, Sylvia understands the diverse needs of her clients and strives to provide tailored solutions. She recognizes the importance of access to timely and accurate information for effective decision-making as a leader. With her dedicated team, Sylvia takes all the necessary measures to help businesses achieve their goals and navigate financial challenges.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Sylvia is deeply committed to making a positive impact in her community. She actively engages with the St Wanas charity, a noble organization dedicated to supporting children in need. Through her involvement, Sylvia contributes to the mission of creating a better future for underprivileged children and uplifting their lives. With a strong foundation in accounting and financial management, combined with her compassionate nature, Sylvia exemplifies the values of integrity, dedication, and service. Her commitment to both professional excellence and community welfare sets her apart as a trusted advisor and a true advocate for positive change.

Julie, a dedicated mother of three and an integral part of the St Wanas organization. In 1999, she played a pivotal role in co-founding Telestar Communications, a thriving technology company that has grown to employ over 100 professionals. With their innovative solutions, the company serves as a trusted partner to large enterprises and governments throughout Australia and the wider region.

Despite her professional achievements, Julie remains grounded and focuses on what truly matters to her: her family and making a difference in the lives of children in need. Alongside her loved ones, she actively supports the St Wanas charity, driven by a genuine desire to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of underprivileged children.

Julie’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Mathematics degree with a focus on statistics and computing from the University of New South Wales. While her expertise has contributed to her professional success, she remains grateful for the opportunities that have allowed her to give back to her community and support those in need. Julie’s journey exemplifies the perfect blend of personal and professional accomplishments. As a devoted mother and advocate for children’s well-being, she inspires others with her unwavering dedication to making a difference. Her actions reflect the core values of St Wanas, demonstrating the transformative power of compassion and generosity.

John, originally from Cairo, Egypt, had a formative upbringing in the bustling city. His journey in the world of art began with the completion of his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, where he achieved an impressive rank of 3rd in 2001. Building upon this foundation, he went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts in 2008.

Throughout his career, John has taken on various roles that have enriched his artistic prowess. He has served as both a lecturer at the Faculty of Fine Arts and an art director in a diverse range of advertising agencies and animation cartoon agencies. These experiences have honed his strategic thinking abilities and allowed him to cultivate a unique blend of creativity across different artistic mediums.

John’s talent and dedication have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards in the field of visual art and actively participated in various exhibitions in Egypt and Australia. His passion lies in art philosophy, painting, sculpting, graphic engraving on copper, wood, or zinc, and exploring the world of handmade arts.

Having experienced the loss of his father at a young age, John’s personal journey as an orphan has instilled within him a deep empathy and compassion for others. This emotional connection has always drawn him towards initiatives that aim to provide assistance and support to those in need.

Meet Verina, a skilled professional with a background in marketing and events, encompassing both corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Alongside her professional endeavours, Verina dedicates her time and expertise as a volunteer, actively engaging with numerous organizations. As a Scout Leader, she embraces the opportunity to mentor and guide young individuals, fostering their personal growth and development.

Driven by her passion for making a positive difference, Verina actively seeks ways to give back to the community. One of the notable organizations she is deeply involved with is the St Wanas charity. Through her work with the charity, Verina contributes to their mission of supporting children in need and offering hope for a better future. Whether it is through organizing events, raising awareness, or actively participating in initiatives, she wholeheartedly embraces the chance to make an impact and uplift those who require assistance.

Verina’s commitment to community service exemplifies her genuine dedication to creating meaningful change. Her enthusiasm for helping others and leaving a lasting impact serves as an inspiration to those around her. Verina’s involvement with St Wanas reflects her values of compassion and empathy, further strengthening the organization’s noble cause.