CANTERBURY BANKSTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CBCC Youth Committee Biographies

Sophie Najjarin

CEO of Anate Corporate Group

CBCC Youth Committee Chairperson

My Name is Sophie Najjarin, and I am deeply committed to empowering and educating young people to create lasting, positive change in their communities. With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge from both clinical and executive leadership roles. My career has spanned positions across the public and private sectors, including senior management, where I have led diverse teams and driven strategic initiatives to improve health outcomes.

Starting as a registered nurse, my journey evolved into founding and becoming the CEO of Anate Corporate Group. Throughout this journey, my commitment to continuous learning has remained at the heart of my leadership approach.

I believe in leading with purpose, and I’m driven to create spaces where individuals, especially youth, feel seen, supported and inspired to thrive.

David Amaneddine

Director of AAA City Removalist

I’m David Amaneddine, a purpose-driven entrepreneur who transformed the Australian relocation industry by putting people first—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In 2005, I spearheaded AAA City Removalist with a clear mission: to create a business that didn’t just move furniture, but moved lives—safely, respectfully, and reliably. I saw gaps in the industry where safety, trust, and genuine care were missing, and I filled them with systems built on compassion, leadership, and integrity.

Since then, I’ve led over 140,000 successful home and office relocations across Australia, growing a strong, values-driven team and fleet. But my impact doesn’t stop at business. I mentor young entrepreneurs, offer counsel to those in need, and make time for anyone—whether it’s a podcast listener or a stranger—who reaches out for guidance. I believe leadership is a calling, not a title, and that we must lift others as we climb.

Joining the youth committee board would allow me to bring this same energy, experience, and spiritual commitment to the next generation. I’m passionate about nurturing young minds, bridging gaps, and guiding youth to recognise their value, power, and purpose in a complex world. Together, we can build strong foundations for their futures.

Anthony Mitri

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, and Provost

Western Sydney University The College

Anthony has a diversely developed education leadership career in Education, with a passion for developing education solutions to real-world challenges and positively influencing lives through transformative learning experiences.

With executive education leadership experience in both Higher Education and Vocational Education, Anthony specialises in business and government development initiatives and transforming education through strategic partnerships and digital innovation and is able to combine his expertise in employability, industry engagement, online curriculum design, educational leadership, and commercial and financial modelling, to deliver sustainable and viable outcomes for large, complex education challenges.

Anthony has worked across multiple fields of education including Medicine, Engineering, Tourism and Hospitality, Business, and Sports. Skilled in Online Curriculum Design, Coaching, and Thought Leadership, Anthony is an experienced Board member in commercial, industry, government, and education settings, holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Joudy Lazkany

Business Consultant

JLC Business Consulting

My name is Joudy Lazkany, and I’m a passionate advocate for young people, especially those from culturally diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds across Sydney’s South West. With over 10 years of experience in education, community engagement, and workforce development, I’ve dedicated my career to creating inclusive, practical pathways for young people to reach their potential.

As someone who migrated to Australia and understands the barriers many young people face, I’ve worked to bridge the gap between education, training, and real-world employment. I’ve led projects that connect schools with industry, designed youth programs focused on skills and job readiness, and collaborated with local communities to drive long-term impact.

What drives me is the belief that every young person, regardless of their background, deserves access to opportunities, a voice in their future, and a strong support network. I’m particularly passionate about empowering young women, school leavers, and multicultural youth to build confidence, pursue education, and create meaningful careers.

Through the CBCC Youth Committee, I’m proud to bring my experience, lived perspective, and strong community ties to help amplify youth voices and build a more inclusive future for the next generation in South West Sydney.

Charbel Mehanna

CBCC Youth Committee Member

Charbel is a passionate youth leader with a strong commitment to community service and leadership. At 13, he joined the 307 (Bankstown) Squadron of the Australian Air Force Cadets, rising to Cadet Flight Sergeant and later Cadet Executive Officer. He continues his service today as an active Army Reservist in the Australian Defence Force.

Charbel’s leadership has been recognised with several honours, including the 2013 Bankstown City Council Young Citizen of the Year and the 2019 FLTLT T.G. Phillips NCO Award. During school, he also served as a Peer Support Leader, helping students navigate academic and personal challenges.

Currently, Charbel is studying a Diploma of Project Management at TAFE while working in multiple part-time roles—including as a Support Worker, Administrator, and Customer Service Officer. His dedication and firsthand insight into youth challenges make him a valuable voice on the Youth Committee, ensuring young people’s concerns are heard and addressed.

Johnathan Amaneddine

CBCC Youth Committee Member

I am a motivated and adaptable individual with a passion for continuous learning and personal growth. Known for my strong work ethic and positive attitude, I thrive in environments that challenge me to think critically and collaborate with others. My background includes experience in Customer Service, Leadership, Management, Operations, Warehousing, and Logistics, where I’ve developed skills in communication, team coordination, conflict resolution, and process optimization, along with effective time management.

A key part of my role involves mentoring students through the CEO for the Day program. I guide them through real-world business scenarios, helping them understand how professional skills like leadership and accountability apply to their daily lives.

For example, I relate supply chain logistics to organizing group assignments or managing part-time work schedules, making these concepts practical and relatable.

Amani Kotob

CBCC Youth Committee Member

As a young adult myself, joining the Youth Committee felt like a natural step. I understand the challenges faced by today’s youth because I’m living them too. I’ve finished school, now attend university, and work — constantly striving to maintain a healthy balance between study, work, and personal life. This lived experience gives me a real and current perspective on what young people need and how best to support them.

I joined the Youth Committee because I have a genuine passion for helping others. I believe that with the right support and opportunities, young people can truly thrive. Being part of this committee allows me to contribute directly to creating initiatives that reflect our real needs and voices.

I am dedicated, hardworking, and driven by purpose. Leadership is something I value deeply — not just guiding others, but lifting them up and creating space for everyone to succeed. Being on this committee is more than a role; it’s a commitment to service, growth, and positive change for our youth community.

Farah Subhi

CBCC Youth Committee Member

My name is Farah Subhi, I am a passionate and hardworking university student currently completing a Bachelor of Communication, majoring in Social and Political Sciences. My academic journey has deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by different communities and strengthened my commitment to social equity. I bring diverse work experience across administration, community services, and human resources, which has equipped me with strong communication, organizational, and people skills.

My passion lies in supporting equal access to opportunities and advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. I believe meaningful change starts at the grassroots level, particularly with young people. As a youth myself, I am eager to contribute to shaping a more inclusive and empowered future alongside my peers.

I see this committee as an opportunity to collaborate, learn, and lead initiatives that matter. My goal is to build a career that makes a real difference—and I believe this is the perfect place to begin.

Matthew Kotob

CBCC Youth Committee Member

My name is Matthew Kotob—a construction student at Western Sydney University with a strong passion for building smart, sustainable communities. As I work towards completing my degree, I’m eager to gain hands-on experience and apply what I’ve learned to real-world projects. I’m especially interested in infrastructure, project management, and how innovation is shaping the future of the built environment.

I’m excited to join the youth committee to connect with other young people in the industry, learn from professionals, and contribute fresh ideas.

I’m motivated, collaborative, and committed to growing both personally and professionally. My goal is to be part of a network that supports young professionals, encourages leadership, and creates positive change in our communities.