MinterEllison is pleased to advise that one of its young achievers and emerging talents, Famin Ahmed, has received an esteemed John Monash Scholarship, from the General Sir John Monash Foundation. The national postgraduate scholarship is testament to Famin's exceptional talents and her dedication to the community. She hopes to undertake a Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the University of Oxford in September 2024.
Famin has been selected as the inaugural Queensland Government-sponsored John Monash scholarship, recognising her outstanding contribution to Queensland's civic life.
Queensland Minister for Education Grace Grace said:
“I am so pleased to announce Famin Ahmed has won our first sponsored Queensland Government John Monash Scholarship.
“Famin won the scholarship to further her studies and build on the important contribution she is already making to disadvantaged communities in Queensland."
Famin's commitment to making a difference is truly commendable. Since 2019, through her 'Famin Makes' project, she has been providing philanthropic support to the Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ). She sews hats, sells them, and donates all proceeds to the WLSQ. Famin runs this project outside of her full-time work as a solicitor.
At just 27 years old, Famin has raised $65,412 for the WLSQ. These funds provide free legal and social work services to women and their children impacted by domestic and family violence (DFV). In addition, Famin's efforts contribute to systemic law reform in family law and DFV.
MinterEllison CEO Virginia Briggs, praised Famin's dedication to raising both money and awareness for those affected by domestic and family violence.
"I’m inspired by Famin's commitment to the community and making a difference for those affected by domestic and family violence. This prestigious scholarship is awarded to outstanding Australians with leadership potential. Famin's studies at Oxford will continue to shape her into a powerful leader."
"I also acknowledge that Famin's scholarship has been sponsored by the Queensland Government, who is a supporter of domestic and family violence prevention services. They are aligned with key initiatives supported by the firm, such as Challenge DV’s Darkness to Daylight run, founded by our Special Counsel, Robert Reed OAM."
In addition to her philanthropic initiatives through ‘Famin Makes’, Famin also volunteers her time as a WLSQ Ambassador, raising awareness about its services and the issue of domestic and family violence through public speaking, interviews and social media.
Famin studied at the University of Queensland, where she completed a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts (Economics and International Relations). In 2023, Famin received a University of Queensland Distinguished Young Alumni Award and was recognised by Queensland Community Foundation (QCF) Emerging Philanthropist of The Year Award.
About the John Monash Scholarship
The John Monash Scholarship is unique as Australia’s own and most prestigious national postgraduate Scholarship award. Scholarships are awarded to outstanding Australians with leadership potential who wish to study at any university overseas. They recognise excellence, leadership and celebrate one of Australia’s finest leaders: General Sir John Monash. John Monash Scholars are further supported by the John Monash Foundation Leadership Academy which is designed to provide lifelong career support and ongoing professional development, to ensure our Scholars are best equipped to respond to the most important challenges of our time.
