Farris Faris Joins Curtin’s ‘Voices of MENA’ Panel

Sharing MENA stories of success

On 9 May 2025, Farris Faris appeared as a panellist at the Curtin Middle Eastern North African Club’s ‘Voices of MENA — Stories of Success’ event at Curtin University. The evening brought together students, alumni and professionals from Middle Eastern and North African backgrounds to discuss their career journeys, cultural identities, challenges and achievements.

Farris joined fellow panellists Esma Kaya, Dana Abu-Geras and Kian Sadeghi for a conversation about resilience, professional development and the experiences that shaped their respective careers. The discussion was followed by a networking session connecting students and emerging professionals with members of Western Australia’s MENA professional community.

Identity, belonging and professional life

During the discussion, Farris reflected on how identity and belonging influenced his journey as a lawyer, settlement agent and father. Having arrived in Perth from Iraq at the age of 18, he had to adapt to a new country, strengthen his English and navigate the demanding pathway into the legal profession.

That experience shaped his understanding of resilience and the importance of maintaining confidence in one’s ambitions, even when the pathway ahead is uncertain. It also demonstrated that cultural identity does not need to be set aside to achieve professional success. It can provide valuable perspective, empathy and an ability to connect with people from different backgrounds.

Making professional pathways more visible

Events such as Voices of MENA give students and emerging professionals an opportunity to hear the experiences behind professional achievements. A successful career rarely follows a perfectly straight path. Honest discussion of cultural adjustment, setbacks, difficult decisions and personal growth can help younger members of the community understand both what is possible and what may be required to achieve it.

Representation also has practical value. When students see people from similar backgrounds participating in law, business and other professional fields, those pathways can become more visible and attainable. Open conversations also allow established professionals to share lessons that formal study alone may not provide.

Continuing the conversation

Farris thanks the Curtin MENA Club and its organisers for creating a space in which MENA voices and achievements could be heard, celebrated and shared.

Farris welcomes invitations to participate in panel discussions, university lectures, professional forums, community events and media commentary. His speaking areas include law, migration, property transactions, professional resilience, multicultural identity, entrepreneurship and community leadership.