Fabiola Campbell
“Migration transformed me in ways I never imagined. It challenged me, broke me open and rebuilt me into someone who sees obstacles as opportunities.”
Fabiola Campbell
Occupation: Corporate Trainer at the City of Whittlesea and the founder of Professional Migrant Women
State of Residency: Victoria
Favourite place in Australia: MONA in Tasmania
Biggest surprise when arriving in Australia: Finding Harina PAN ( the main ingredient to make the most traditional food in Venezuela - arepas)
Story edited by Lucy Coulson and Cristina Abela
Fabiola is a corporate trainer, speaker and facilitator with a deep passion for empowering migrant women. She is the Founder and CEO of Professional Migrant Women (PMW), an organisation dedicated to supporting culturally diverse women in navigating the challenges of migration and achieving professional success.
Originally from Venezuela, Fabiola now works as a Corporate Trainer at the City of Whittlesea while leading PMW’s advocacy efforts. Her work focuses on helping migrant women reclaim their confidence, showcase their skills, and access meaningful employment opportunities. Through initiatives like the Work Ready mentoring program, she has helped countless women expand their networks, secure jobs and embrace leadership roles.
Her dedication to inclusion and representation has earned her several accolades, including the Victorian Multicultural Business Award for Excellence (2022), the Australian Professional of Colour Community Champion of the Year Award (2022) and a place on the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll (2024). In addition to her professional and advocacy work, she serves as a member of the Regional Advisory Council of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (since 2021) and a council member of Harmony Alliance (since 2024).
Fabiola’s contributions extend beyond individual impact — by amplifying the voices of migrant women and advocating for greater diversity in leadership, she is shaping a more inclusive and equitable Australia. She firmly believes that when migrant women thrive, they elevate their communities and enrich the broader society.
TELL US YOUR STORY
The first time I left Australia, I was five months old. I was born here as my parents and three siblings had lived here for two years while my dad completed his master’s degree. So, the second time I arrived in Australia — this time in 2004 — I was excited, hopeful and ready to start a new chapter. Leaving Venezuela, the country I called home, wasn’t an easy decision, but I wanted to explore the land of my birth, visit the places I’d heard so much about and embrace new opportunities.
At 27, I was a confident and independent professional, ready to take on the world. But I quickly realised that migration was about more than just packing bags—it was, among other things, a process of unpacking my identity.
My excitement, high expectations and big dreams were soon replaced by the weight of isolation, uncertainty and a loss of confidence. It felt like a part of me had disappeared—‘the superwoman’ who had it all figured out. Without a strong network, navigating this new world was daunting. I mourned the life I left behind, but slowly, I began to appreciate the beauty of starting over.
Finding my first job was challenging. I rewrote my CV countless times and faced rejection after rejection. My accent, once a source of pride, suddenly felt like a barrier. But through perseverance, I landed my first opportunity, which gave me the confidence to keep going. Over time, I realised that the very things I once saw as weaknesses — my accent, my story, my perspective — were actually my superpowers.
As I progressed in my career, I became passionate about helping other migrant women navigate the same challenges I had faced. In 2019, I founded Professional Migrant Women (PMW), a community that empowers women to reclaim their confidence, showcase their skills and contribute to society in meaningful ways. Seeing women find their voices and thrive has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Today, I’m proud to wear many hats. I work at the City of Whittlesea, lead PMW, and advocate for diversity and inclusion in leadership. My focus is on creating spaces where migrant women feel seen, valued and supported. Through PMW, we’ve developed initiatives like Work Ready, a mentoring programme that helps professional migrant women transition into the Australian workforce. We’ve also collaborated with organisations such as the Australian Gender Equality Council (AGEC) and the Harmony Alliance to promote gender equality and inclusion.
As a corporate speaker and trainer, I share my journey and the lessons I’ve learned about resilience, leadership and embracing one’s identity. My goal is to inspire others to see their unique stories as strengths, not limitations.
Big celebration for the 5 year anniversary of Professional Migrant Women
Right now, I’m working on several exciting projects, including a digital platform to unite professional migrant women across Australia and writing my first solo book.
Migration transformed me in ways I never imagined. It challenged me, broke me open and rebuilt me into someone who sees obstacles as opportunities. Through it all, I’ve learned that the most powerful thing we can do is embrace every part of our journey — because our stories are what make us extraordinary.
CHALLENGES
The language barrier - I naively assumed learning English would be easy for me. However, the slow progress was incredibly frustrating. The real challenge wasn't the language itself, but accepting that it would take time and patience. It was disheartening to feel like I was constantly stumbling over words and making mistakes. I had to learn to be kind to myself and recognise my progress, no matter how insignificant it may have felt.
Loss of identity - Leaving my Venezuelan roots behind felt like losing a part of myself. My identity was deeply tied to my culture and my surroundings, and in Australia, I felt like a stranger in my own skin. It was a painful process to adapt and rediscover myself in this new landscape. I had to learn to navigate a new way of life while holding onto the essence of who I was.
Lack of emotional support - Migration can be an emotionally isolating experience. I often hesitated to burden loved ones back home or new acquaintances with my struggles. The lack of connections and support networks further exacerbated this isolation, making it difficult to seek help or connect with others on a deeper level. It's important to recognise that it's okay to ask for help and to build a strong support network, even in a new environment.
CONTRASTS AND SIMILARITIES
Food - As a food lover, I've found my haven in Melbourne, renowned as Australia's culinary capital. The city's vibrant food scene is an absolute dream! From exotic street food, cozy cafes and world-class restaurants, there's something to satisfy every craving, taste and budget. It's like a culinary adventure without leaving home!
Weather - Growing up in the Venezuelan Andes, I was blessed with year-round beautiful weather. The occasional cool, misty days added a cozy charm to the usual mood. Melbourne's autumn reminds me of those days, with its crisp mornings, warm days and colourful foliage. It's a nostalgic feeling, a reminder of home.
Terrain - The dramatic landscapes of Mérida, with its towering peaks like the 5,007-meter-high Bolivar Pick, stand in stark contrast to Melbourne's more subtle terrain. This contrast has made me appreciate the beauty of Melbourne's coastal walks and refreshing summer swims even more.
PIECE OF ADVICE
Cherish moments with loved ones - If you're considering a move to Australia, my advice is to cherish every moment with your loved ones and embrace your cultural heritage. Pack your bags with an open mind and a heart full of adventure.
Be your authentic self - To truly thrive in Australia, embrace your individuality. Don't be afraid to stand out from the crowd and let your authentic self shine. Love and honour every part of who you are, from your accent, cultural background or personal quirks. Your unique perspective and experiences will be your greatest asset.
Find community - Seek out connections with others who share your interests or passions. Join a sports club, a church, an art class, a dance group, a cooking circle or a volunteer organisation. These communities can provide a sense of belonging and understanding. You might also be surprised to discover how many people have gone through similar experiences and are willing to help.
Fabiola, Winner of the Multicultural Awards for Excellence
IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS
In the coming years, Fabiola envisions PMW reaching every corner where migrant women are — whether in bustling cities or small towns — providing support, inspiration and opportunities to help them thrive and lead.
Do you want to follow her journey?
Connect on Linkedin with Fabiola and on Instagram follow her project @PMWCommunity
We invite you to take a moment to reflect after reading this inspiring story.
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With love and gratitude - The Latin Stories Australia team