Organising Team
Dr Whitney Monaghan, Festival Director
Dr Whitney Monaghan is a Lecturer in Film and Screen Studies at Monash University. As a researcher, she is interested in intersections of screen cultures and social justice. She has published widely on the representation of gender and sexuality in popular media. She is the author of Queer Girls, Temporality and Screen Media: Not Just a Phase (Palgrave, 2016) and co-author of Queer Theory Now: From Foundations to Futures (Bloomsbury, 2019). Dr Monaghan is the co-leader of Monash's Gender and Media Lab and Director of the Creative Directions festival.
LinkedIn: Whitney Monaghan X: @JatneyWhitmo
Shane Henry, Research Officer
Shane Henry is a sessional academic and PhD student in the School of Media, Film and Journalism at Monash University. His current doctoral research investigates the hybridisation of theatrical and cinematic elements within contemporary live performance. His previous work explored the application of theatre games and improvisational techniques to the demands of long-form narrative performance outcomes. When not on campus, he's either watching films, playing squash or looking after his extremely finicky cat, Ellie (usually the latter).
Jingxin Feng (She/her), Student (Master of Cultural and Creative Industries)
Jingxin Feng is a graduate student in Cultural and Creative Industries with an academic background in Internet and New Media. She specializes in visual art creation, with skills in filming and video editing, and is passionate about exploring youth expression and multicultural themes through creative media. Drawing inspiration from daily life and her travels, she uses the camera to capture the subtle details and transformations of urban spaces. In her spare time, she enjoys discovering quirky places, reading, and seeking out culturally inspiring experiences.
Instagram: @fengjingxin
Mak Wan Hei, Hazel, Student (Master of Cultural and Creative Industries)
Hazel is a Master of Cultural and Creative Industries student with a background in branding and marketing. She enjoys digital illustration and design, creating visual content that resonates with diverse audiences. Being quadrilingual (English, Cantonese, Japanese, Mandarin), Hazel has a strong passion for cultural exchange and travel, which gives her new ideas and enriches her creative projects.
LinkedIn: Hazel Mak Instagram: @hei_hei_mak
Jirui (Jerry) Huang, Student (Master of Communications and Media Studies)
He is a Master of Communication and Media Studies student. A passionate fan of cinema and theatre, he’s always on the lookout for bold and thought-provoking storytelling. When he’s not immersed in the arts, you’ll find him exploring Melbourne’s stunning natural landscapes. He’s excited to connect, exchange ideas, and dive into engaging conversations with everyone at the event.
Linkedin:Jirui Huang Instagram:@ayellowjerry
Min Jian (Min), Student (Master of Communications and Media Studies)
Min Jian is a Master of Communication and Media Studies student with a background in marketing and organizing activities. She has photography skills and likes to gain energy from traveling and concerts. She has a passion for curating meaningful, audience-focused experiences, and she is eager to help shape innovative and impactful programming as part of the team.
Linkedin: Min Jian Instagram : mmmin2121
Johanna Michelle Lim (Master of Cultural and Creative Industries)
Jo is the Managing Director of creative agency Dual Story, which operates internationally from the Philippines. Her pursuit for higher education at Monash supports her current research on her home city Cebu, a UNESCO City of Design. She is also a part-time lecturer, teaching Visual Identity and Principles of Design. When Jo isn’t pursuing the economic side of the creative industries, she is focused on her passion in the literary arts as an essayist. Her topic interests include the Filipino diaspora, emerging art movements, disaster writing, and eco-literature.
LinkedIn: Johanna Michelle Lim | Facebook: Johanna Michelle Lim | Instagram: @jonggailim
Tam (Ivy) Nguyen (She/her), Student (Master of Strategic Communications Management)
Ivy is a dynamic and colourful soul, rich in creativity and passion in shaping an engaging and forward-thinking program for students and industry professionals. With a strong background in event organisation, Ivy has been involved in planning and executing a range of university initiatives, campaigns, and workshops that focus on meaningful communication and social impact. Her passion lies in the power of communication, not just as a skill, but as a force for connection, understanding, and change. Whether through strategic campaigns, storytelling, or creative production, Ivy is deeply committed to using communication to challenge social norms and foster inclusivity. Looking ahead, she aspires to build a career in the education sector, where she can guide and inspire emerging communicators, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world practice.
LinkedIn: Tâm (Ivy) Nguyễn
Shannon Pudney, Student (Master of Communications and Media Studies)
Shannon bears a deep interest in the world of film and screen. Aside from consistent movie nights and cinema trips, her passion goes beyond entertainment. She enjoys deeply analysing film, and is using academic knowledge from her Master's of Communications and Media Studies to examine how it influences culture, identity, and audiences. She is extremely grateful to be a part of the committee and excited for audiences to enjoy the events the team has been working hard on.
Facebook: Shannon Pudney
Vrindaa Raheja (She/Her), Student (Master of Communications and Media Studies)
Vrindaa is a Master of Communication and Media Studies student with a background in psychology, dance, and yoga. She is passionate about art and culture, and curious to explore creative spaces which are rooted in diversity. She loves art-house cinema, analog photography, and reading to channel her creative interests through different mediums.
Linkedin: Vrindaa Raheja Instagram: @vrindaa.raheja
Palasha Rana, Student (Master of Strategic Communications Management)
Palasha is a Strategic Communications professional with a background in art direction, advertising, and corporate communication. She’s passionate about blending creativity with strategy, and is especially drawn to witty, sharp campaigns that make you think and smile. A competitive equestrian and certified dance fitness instructor, Palasha brings high energy, positivity, and a love for people into every space she enters. She is always learning, growing, and looking for ways to craft work that connects with impact and a little bit of flair.
Linkedin: Palasha Rana Instagram : Palasha
Beedika Rongpipi, Student (Master of Business)
Beedika, (Bee) is a marketing student, passionate about branding, and creative strategy. With experience in social media, content creation, and campaign planning, she brings a thoughtful, design-driven approach to building authentic and engaging brand identities. She's all about blending strategy with storytelling and finds inspiration in everyday moments often thinking, "This could be a great movie scene." Outside the world of media and marketing, you'll likely find her cooking something cozy, curled up with a good book, or obsessing over her dogs (the main characters of her life).
Linkedin: Beedika Rongpipi Instagram : @rongpipi_b
Vijayalakshmi S (Viji), Student (Master of Strategic Communications Management)
Viji is a communications professional from the vibrant chaos of Mumbai, now soaking up student life one assignment (and snack break) at a time. She’s big on dance, obsessed with true crime (don’t worry, just the watching kind), and always up for a good chat or spontaneous plan. Known for her unique storytelling and ability to bring ideas to life, Viji blends creativity with a solid work ethic in the field of public relations. Curious, driven, and full of energy, she’s super pumped to be part of this committee again!
LinkedIn: Vijayalakshmi S Instagram: _viji_
Jinwen (Windy) Shan (She/Her), Student (Master of Communications and Media Studies)
Jinwen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design, where she developed a strong foundation in spatial thinking and visual storytelling. Now based at Monash Malaysia and pursuing a Master’s in Communications and Media Studies, she is passionate about the intersection of digital culture, virtual shared spaces, and immersive experiences. Her academic and creative journey blends design sensitivity with media analysis, offering unique insights into how people interact within both physical and virtual environments. She is excited to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds and contribute to innovative, experience-driven projects through the Creative Directions Festival.
Feel free to connect me!
LinkedIn: Jinwen (Windy) Shan portfolioInstagram: @shan_jinwen
Zhaoyun Shi (She/Her), Student (Master of Cultural and Creative Industries)
Zhaoyun is a Master of Cultural and Creative Industries student with a background in multimedia design, visual communication, and cultural event planning and coordination. She has experience in public exhibitions, the creative economy, and creative production, and is passionate about how visual and cultural storytelling and product culture shape audience experience. Her research interests centre on popular creative culture, sensory media, audience psychology, and cultural branding, with a focus on building distinctive cultural experiences through diverse cultural narratives. Outside of study and work, Zhaoyun is enthusiastic about perfume culture, interactive art exhibitions, and musical theatre. She frequently engages in cultural and public events to gain inspiration and explore new creative perspectives. She is excited to bring her creativity and curiosity to the 2025 Creative Directions Committee.
Linkedin: Zhaoyun Shi Portfolio : Zhaoyun Shi
Joan Soto, Student (Master of Cultural and Creative Industries)
Joan grew up in Mexico and held a Bachelor’s degree in Business Engineering, where he cultivated a strong passion for creative thinking and the art of negotiation. This combination enabled him to solve problems with precision and agility. Now, he’s currently based in Australia, and pursuing a Master’s degree in Cultural and Creative Industries. This academic path brings together his passions for music, sports, and entertainment business’—offering fertile ground to contribute meaningfully to the growth and innovation of the industry.
Felt like we have common interests? Let’s connect!
Wenjing (Vanna) Wang (She/Her), Student (Masters of Communications and Media Studies)
Wenjing (Vanna) is a Master of Communication and Media Studies student with a background in content creating, marketing, and E-commerce operation. She is passionate about participating in and organizing various creative activities, and creating video content on Rednotes, continuously channeling her ideas into artistic work. She also is enthusiastic about fitness and bouldering, and excels at building communities that bring like-minded people together.
LinkedIn: Wenjing Wang
Yobella Gabriel Warsito, Student (Master of Strategic Communications Management)
Yobella is someone who’s passionate about the film, performing arts, and social media industry. Having professional experiences as an Associate Producer, Executive Copywriter, and Social Media Manager, she desires to bring the collaboration of art and media to life with the aim to deliver messages, make changes, and leave behind legacies that can guide future generations. Her thirst for knowledge, willingness to learn, initiative and perseverance are qualities that have pushed her to keep progressing and growing. Humbleness, integrity, and creativity are the three key things she values.
Interested in getting to know me? Don’t hesitate to reach out!