S7_Ep1: Surviving to Leading

About this episode

Menaka Iyengar Cooke shares her journey from surviving domestic violence to becoming a social justice activist.

With Menaka Iyengar Cooke – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) recipient. From surviving domestic violence in a foreign land with no family support…to becoming an award-winning social justice activist, author, and HR leader. In this powerful episode of the Maitri Podcast , Menaka Iyengar Cooke shares her extraordinary journey of post-traumatic growth . Her story is a reminder that while the road from trauma to healing is long, community support can be the lifeline that changes everything. 🔗 Tune in to hear how Menaka broke the cycleof abuse and turned her pain into purpose. 💜 A must-listen for anyone who believes inresilience, justice, and the power of standing together. About Menaka: Menaka came to Australia in 1973, became a single parent soon after. She got an administrative job but went to night school to educate herself, reinventing herself as an HR professional, retiring as HR Director at the end of a 35+ year corporate career. As a result of her own experiences with sexism, racism, and ageism, she found her passion in retirement advocating for women’s and community matters, including women’s health (mental and physical), Aboriginal groups, and victims of Domestic…

People in this episode

Guest: Menaka Iyengar Cooke

Topics covered

• domestic violence
• social justice
• post-traumatic growth
• community support
• resilience

Keywords

• trauma
• healing
• women's health
• advocacy
• migrants

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Colours of Australia

Books & works: Medal of the Order of Australia, OAM, Colours of Australia, The International Alliance of Women - World of Difference Award, an Order of Australia

Places: Australia

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