Semira Julardzija

Semira Julardzija is the Deputy CEO of the Australian Refugee Association (ARA) and a respected leader in refugee settlement, multicultural community development, and organisational governance. Arriving in Australia as a refugee from Bosnia and Herzegovina, she brings lived experience that has shaped more than two decades of dedicated service supporting people from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
Over her 20+ year career with ARA, Semira has progressed from frontline roles to senior executive leadership, overseeing community engagement, employment, and migration programs that support social and economic participation. She has led large multidisciplinary teams, strengthened organisational sustainability, and driven the development of innovative programs that improve settlement outcomes and build long-term community capacity.
Semira is widely recognised for her ability to bridge lived experience with strategic leadership. Her work reflects a deep commitment to empowering refugee and multicultural communities to move beyond initial settlement toward leadership, self-reliance, and active participation in civic life. She is a strong advocate for inclusive policy, culturally responsive services, and collaborative partnerships that ensure refugee voices influence decision-making at all levels.
Semira brings both personal insight and sector expertise to discussions on how South Australia has emerged as a national leader in refugee settlement, and what can be learned from its collaborative, community-driven approach.