Meet the Team

Pragya Gupta (Founder & President)

Proud Indian Australian/ Senior Associate  -Architect/ Gray Puksand

With over 15 years of experience as an Architect internationally, Pragya moved to call Australia home in 2016 from Delhi, India.

This is when Pragya experienced a significant gap in our industry, having no such platform for individuals from diverse multicultural backgrounds to connect and support one other. This realization and Pragya’s passion for Diversity & Inclusion served as the inspiration behind establishment of MAPP inc.

Aaron Chen (Head of Communication)

Proud Australian Malaysian Chinese / Architect/ Gray Puksand

Born in sunny Brisbane, he has experienced a unique upbringing where identity and belonging has been a fundamental theme to his journey. Since setting his roots in Melbourne, he has registered as a Victorian Architect and a rhythm riding coach. He is working as a Project Architect at Gray Puksand and works on commercial and education projects. Aaron is passionate about understanding different backgrounds, embracing cultures and most importantly finding similarities in all cultures.

Carolyn Tran (Head of Sponsorship)

Proud Australian Vietnamese Chinese / Senior Associate / Mills Oakley

With a breadth of experience across state and federal governments and the private sector, and having also practiced in regulatory, insurance and commercial law, Carolyn provides a holistic, multidisciplinary approach in her work. Carolyn is committed to promoting initiatives aimed at elevating minorities and underrepresented people. For the past eight years, she has advocated for consumers in her role on the Community Advisory Committee at the Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital.

Elly Buchanan (Head of Operations)

Proud Australian Indonesian / Business Development Manager/ Austube Schreder

Elly, a client-focused Sales Engineer, brings extensive expertise from the dynamic lighting industry. As a first-generation Australian, born in the vibrant city of Melbourne, her insights into how multiculturalism shapes Australia’s evolving identity allow her to interpret and implement diverse perspectives. Elly’s commitment to excellence has garnered her accolades, including NRL Victoria’s Volunteer of the Year, the Monash Health’s Inclusion Award, and Finalist in Volunteering Victoria’s Grassroots Volunteer Award. These honours stand as a testament to her unwavering dedication to using her expertise as a catalyst for positive change and innovation.

Jacquelyn Mangubat (Treasurer)

Proud Australian Filipino and Maltese / Architect/ Cera Stribley

She is passionate about fostering empowerment within the built environment industry through leadership roles as a University Student State Representative and a National Leader for a Graduate Program in the work force. She has organised charity events for organisations including Ronald McDonald House Charities and Destiny Rescue with the support of local businesses. Jacquelyn celebrates cultural diversity and advocates for the significance of empowerment on a global platform through her onstage presence.

Zamaneh Khoshdel (Head of Events)

Proud Iranian Australian / Associate Director/ AECOM

Zamaneh’s life journey has been woven through the tapestry of the Middle East, Italy, Belgium, and Melbourne. This has shaped her approach professionally and personally. Zamaneh has moved to Melbourne in 2015, and is currently a lead multidisciplinary projects at AECOM. She finds joy in steering design initiatives and bringing people along the journey. Zamaneh’s life experiences have not only honed her professional skills but, it has instilled a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. Zamaneh is open to learning and cherishing friendships, her values are anchored in continuous growth and fostering connections.