Meet Ayma
“MCCSA helps me to fAymambi (Ayma), a marketing professional from Venezuela, began her journey in Australia through MCCSA’s ‘Building Employer Confidence and Inclusion in Disability’ (BEC) project, where she gained hands-on experience in both analytical and creative marketing through two internships. The support she received helped her build confidence and navigate the Australian job market, leading to her current role with MCCSA’s ‘Connect · Access · Belong (CAB): Disability Mentoring’ project. Now working as a Marketing Officer and Connector, Ayma is dedicated to creating opportunities for others with disabilities – just as the BEC project once did for her.eel part of a rich community. They create a family for those who are far from their own and make every individual feel valued.“
– Ayma
I am a marketing professional with a Master’s degree, originally from Venezuela. I arrived in Australia with my family in February 2023, after spending five challenging, yet formative, years in the Dominican Republic. My professional journey in Australia began with Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia (MCCSA), as an intern through the ‘Building Employer Confidence and Inclusion in Disability’ (BEC) project, which became a pivotal turning point in my life.
The BEC project opened the door to the Australian job market, helping me improve my English skills and develop new competencies essential for growing my marketing career in this new environment. I completed two 12-week internships, each offering unique experiences that helped shape my career in Australia. MCCSA provided the support and resources I needed to overcome obstacles and build my confidence, both personally and professionally.
My first internship was with Maxima Group, a national, for-purpose employment services organisation, where I worked as a Marketing Researcher. My role focused on analysing Maxima’s main competitors, evaluating their digital marketing strategies, and identifying ways to bridge the gaps in Maxima’s own approach. The work was complex and analytical, requiring me to provide strategic recommendations to the marketing team.
At the beginning, it was a daunting experience—everything was new, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, the Maxima marketing team immediately made me feel welcome and valued as part of their team. MCCSA’s BEC team supported me at every step of the process, from creating my CV to mentoring and training sessions with MCCSA CEO, Helena Kyriazopoulos, as well as ongoing follow-ups to ensure I had everything I needed. I felt completely supported throughout the experience, which gave me the confidence to contribute meaningfully to the organisation.
My second internship was with Community Language Schools SA (CLSSA), a not-for-profit organisation that supports and advocates for community language schools in South Australia. This role was completely different from my work at Maxima, as it focused on creative marketing. I worked on social media content creation, developing promotional materials and brochures using Canva to support CLSSA’s initiatives. It was a dynamic and enjoyable experience, where I was able to flex my creative muscles in new ways.
What stood out the most was the team’s incredible support and willingness to adapt. On my first day, I struggled to read the small font size on staff ID tags. Without hesitation, the team asked for my feedback and immediately changed all staff ID tags to be more accessible—not just for me, but for anyone who might face similar challenges. They even offered to change the computer monitor without me needing to ask, demonstrating a genuine commitment to inclusivity. The relaxed and supportive work environment at CLSSA made me feel confident and valued, allowing me to fully immerse myself in my role and enjoy every moment of the BEC internship experience.