Born in Malaysia, Joannie moved to Australia when she was in her teens. Her lived experience as a migrant and her identity as a person of colour led her to be passionate about building the political power of people of colour and anti-racism. She is particularly focused organising communities of colour in Western Sydney as well as across the continent. Joannie has a Masters in Development Studies, and worked with organisations such as Action Aid, Sydney Alliance, Red Cross and Oxfam.