"I believe optimism is the strength for survival, so I try to stay optimistic. And my faith, Islam sees optimism as a strength and pessimism as a sin."
That's what Arfa Sarfaraz Khan told me when we asked her what makes her optimistic.
Arfa is the President of the United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley. She holds a Master's degree in Political Science, Development journalism and an M.Phil in Mass Media and Communication. Arfa volunteers in the spheres of inter-faith discourse, women's empowerment and children's education. Her philanthropic work included teaching underprivileged children and raising funds for causes such as the Pink Ribbon Foundation, environmental justice, flood victims, hospitals, orphanage and people with special needs. . Arfa graduated from the Leadership Victoria New and Emerging Communities leadership course and the Gippsland leadership program.