Zione Walker-Nthenda has been a legal practitioner for over a decade. She has vast experience in the areas of human rights, family law and child protection.

Through her work with the Women’s Legal Service Victoria, she designed and facilitated interactive multimedia professional development for lawyers, justice professionals, community workers and community leaders. She lectures and has presented on social justice, community law, family violence, women and the law, women leadership, and social change at numerous universities, including Victoria University, RMIT, La Trobe University and the University of Melbourne.

Zione’s most recent appointments include:

  • Director, Community Engagement, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (2021 March-present)
  • Leadership Victoria, Board member (2021 May-present)
  • Principal Adviser, Department of Premier and Cabinet (2018-2021).

In addition to her legal background, Zione is also a social entrepreneur. She is president and co-founder of Incubate Foundation Inc., a social enterprise connecting young people to opportunities. She is also involved in Aphrohub, a digital platform for creatives.

Zione has sat on several key state and federal government advisory committees and reference groups, giving presentations on the gaps and impacts of the law on the ground for women and families accessing the justice system. She has also appeared on the ABC’s 7:30 Report and radio to comment on unfortunate justice outcomes for survivors and systematic gaps.

Current appointments

  • Director, Community Engagement, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Victorian Government (2021 March-present)
  • Leadership Victoria, Board member (2021 May-present)
  • Principal Adviser, Department of Premier and Cabinet (2018-2021)
  • Founder, Community Builders Academy, September 2016 – Present
  • Social entrepreneur, Aphrohub, July 2011 – Present
  • Human Rights Manager, Victoria Police, February 2014 – May 2016.

Volunteer appointments

  • Board member, Australian Press Council, March 2017 – May 2021
  • Advisory Committee Member, The Huddle, May 2017 – April 2021
  • President & Co-founder, Incubate Foundation Inc., November 2013 – December 2019.

Portfolios

Areas of expertise

  • Social Justice
  • Community law
  • Family violence
  • women and the law
  • women leadership
  • Social change