Bio

Karen-Angela Collier
Founder Brave Media (est. 2012)

I am a trauma-informed communications specialist and health professional with extensive experience across the for-purpose, private and public sectors, in roles to date that have been primarily focused on advancing the health, wellbeing and resilience of individuals, communities and organisations within complex operational contexts.

I hold a Masters of Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Sydney and served on the governing Council of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies within the School of Social and Political Sciences (SSPS) prior to founding Brave Media in 2012, a globally connected, independent media consultancy forging connections with leaders driving social change and a commitment to supporting underserved and underrepresented peoples of the world through media advocacy and co-collaboration.

From 2017-2022, I served as the Head of Communications within the lead agency of the Forum of Australian Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT), a network of eight Centres throughout Australia providing psychosocial support and specialist services to trauma survivors from over 170 countries of origin, working with a broad range of key stakeholders across sectors, across all levels of government, and in close liaison with specialist international agencies.

Prior to this, I held positions in Australia’s fastest growing consumer health marketing companies in the private sector, and was involved with health education and health literacy campaigns supporting newly arrived refugees resettling in the Northern Sydney Local Health District (Multicultural Heath Service, NSW Health), many of whom were former political prisoners subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.

In 2023, I was invited to support the Communications division, Multicultural NSW within the lead agency of the Stronger Communities Cluster (Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Government) as a Senior Media Advisor, also contributing to specialist projects focused on building community resilience.

I have a passion for working with underserved communities and increasing trauma literacy in the global media.

Memberships/Affiliations
Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ASTSS)
IHRO – International Human Rights Organisation Australasian Representative 2019-2020
International Electoral Observer
Former Chair, Centre for Peace & Conflict Studies Governing Council, University of Sydney
South Asia Studies Group, University of Sydney
Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA)