Held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA in Perth, the May 22 event brought together a diverse network of supporters, mentors, and contributors from each organisation.
The evening was supported by Volunteering WA, which enabled WAITTA and Mentor it Forward to deliver a night of networking, gratitude, and recognition.
Video: Highlights from the 2025 National Volunteer Week celebration hosted by WAITTA and Mentor it Forward
These dedicated volunteers - who support others through mentoring, judging, and running events - were recognised for the vital role they play on behalf of both Mentor it Forward and WAITTA.
“Whether you’re a university student just beginning your journey, a professional stepping into leadership, or an industry veteran at the top of your game - there comes a time when you feel the call to give back,” said WAITTA Vice President Premila Jina. “This event was about recognising those who have answered that call.”
“Choose the path you want to take, and the impact you want to make. That’s what we stand for. It was incredibly energising to see the room filled with people who’ve made the same choice. People who are here not just for themselves, but to contribute, uplift, and move the needle forward with us,” said Haim Ozchakir, Founder of Mentor it Forward.
WAITTA's Valentina Tiporlini, Cameron Zivkoviic, Jess Etheridge, Premila Jina, Andrew Haines and Gena Rattan at the 2025 National Volunteer Week celebration.
The celebration highlighted the many ways in which volunteers power both organisations. Volunteers for WAITTA ensure the technology group’s flagship programs - The INCITE Awards, the Game Changer Awards and putt4dough - go ahead successfully; Volunteers at Mentor it Forward power its year-round mentoring programs and spearhead the Employment Inclusivity initiative, bringing educators, industry, and community partners together to dismantle barriers and open real career pathways to the broader community.
“WAITTA’s volunteers contribute in numerous ways, from judging award entries and supporting event logistics, to mentoring aspiring leaders and startups through pivotal moments in their growth. Collectively, their efforts help foster a more connected and capable tech community across the state,” Premila said. She added that the event was an important moment of reflection and celebration for both organisations.
“It takes a village to raise a child - but it takes an even bigger village, all of us, to raise and nurture the talent and future of tomorrow. Our volunteers are that village, and we are incredibly grateful. Thank you sincerely to everyone who gives their time.”
“Some of our mentors might feel like they’re on this journey alone, but let me assure you, you’re not,” said Haim, moments before presenting the many faces of Mentor it Forward volunteers on the big screen. A powerful reminder of the collective effort happening quietly, across Australia.
Read more: Nurturing the next generation with the Game Changer Awards and Bloom
INCITE Awards Deputy Chief Judge Celia Jordaan, INCITE judge Sheryl Frame, putt4dough and Game Changer Awards volunteer Natalie Gregson, WAITTA Vice President Premila Jina, WAITTA Patron Prof. Lyn Beazley AO and Diana Goh at the 2025 volunteer celebration.
WAITTA partnered with Mentor it Forward in 2024 to provide a pathway to peer-to-peer mentoring for nominees of the INCITE Awards - a valuable opportunity for technology innovators and professionals to connect with experienced mentors, gain industry insights, and receive guidance as they continue to grow their ideas, businesses, and careers.
The partnership continues this year with nominees for the 2025 program being offered placement with Mentor it Forward for free.
At the volunteer celebration, INCITE alum Scott Wovodich, CEO of Over 3 Oceans, and Sheena Edwards, founder of Switched on Seniors, shared their personal stories of how the experience of entering INCITE and taking up the placement with Mentor it Forward had shaped their careers and strengthened their networks. Mentor it Forward pair Dr Lydia May Wong (mentor) and Samgiita Hope (mentee) shared their experience of the mentoring program, and how both had gained valuable insights and lessons from each other.
Mentor it Forward (MiF), a non-profit organisation that endeavours to promote professional growth and facilitate valuable connections.
Its founder, Haim Ozchakir, has garnered over two decades of experience working in diverse technical and leadership positions within the technology industry, both domestically and overseas.
After achieving success in his career, Haim made a pivotal decision to take a break and redirect his focus towards his true passion, which is supporting the community through people empowerment and career growth. This transformative decision laid the foundation for the establishment of Mentor it Forward (MiF) in August 2023.
Interested in joining Mentor it Forward as a mentor or mentee? Visit the Mentor it Forward website or LinkedIn page to learn more and see how your organisation can actively take part in our Employment Inclusivity program. Because real employability change only happens when we all step up together.
WAITTA is a non-partisan, non-aligned alliance of technology industries, professional stakeholder organisations and thought leaders – the people who provide the digital knowledge, technology and services to the Western Australian community.
WAITTA is dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation by connecting businesses, government and educational institutions. Through its three annual programs – the INCITE Awards, the Game Changer Awards and putt4dough, the 34-year-old not-for-profit strives to promote the growth and development of the industry through education, collaboration, recognition, advocacy, and sharing of knowledge and resources.
Find out more about WAITTA on our website.