Mitra Khakbaz has over 20 years of experience working with humanitarian, settlement and displacement-focused organisations. Mitra is currently the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of HOST International and leads the organisation’s work across the Asia-Pacific region, including operations in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. With HOST International and in previous roles, she has developed and led projects centred on regional humanitarian settlement, economic participation, community wellbeing, youth engagement, case work, intensive support services and child protection. Mitra was recently awarded a Churchill Fellowship to review best practices regarding employment pathways and livelihoods in accessing economic independence, with a particular focus on women at risk, children and families. Mitra has also contributed to the boards and management committees of various organisations, including the Immigrant Women’s Support Service and National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. Mitra has a Master of Social Administration, Postgraduate Diploma Social Policy and Community Development, Master of Applied Linguistics and Bachelor of Arts and Humanity. She is currently based in Brisbane, Australia.