Why Edify?
Why Edify?
Why Edify?
Meet our team
JOE VU
Co-founder
Growing up, Joe's mum, like many parents, believed coaching was the only option to ensure a positive outcome in life. However, after seeing his mother struggle to pay for it, and later realising that it would only perpetuate educational inequality, Joe dedicated himself to finding a solution. He wanted something that would allow students to develop personal and academic independence, and worked well with schools and the education system. From this, Edify Australia was born.
When he’s not trying to ‘Edify’ students, Joe likes a good game of chess and cricket.
SHORYU DAS-ZAMAN
Co-founder
As a high school student, Shoryu experienced first-hand the systematic and unspoken dependency of school students on the coaching industry. This led him to launch The Coaching College Project. This nationally televised project highlighted the issues associated with the coaching industry, and the negative impacts it was having on student mental health and educational equality. Shoryu is now dedicated to providing a solution to the issues that he brought to light.
Shoryu also works in software and information technology, and enjoys 90/00s film, rugby league, and refereeing football.
JUSTIN TEO
Co-founder
Justin grew up in the heart of Western Sydney and was the first in his family to go to university. Having experienced the transformational impact of education firsthand for both himself and his brothers, Justin has always sought to pay it forward by improving the education system, from teaching, to mentoring, as well as being involved in UNSW’s Bachelor of Commerce curriculum review.
Beyond Edify, Justin enjoys travelling, eSports long walks in the park (and on the beach), and is currently on a mission to conquer skateboarding before he gets “too old”.
ANDREW NGUYEN
Co-founder
Andrew has been mentoring and teaching students for 8 years, and holds a Masters in Teaching from the University of NSW. Having witnessed the trend of students leaving school ill-equipped to deal with challenges of the ‘real world,’ Andrew became aware of the gap in personalised support for students. Currently a high school teacher, Andrew understands the importance of using practical methods in teaching that work with the school curriculum.
When he’s not teaching, Andrew can be found catching up on his favourite TV show or trying to find his way around technology
ROWENA TRAN
Co-founder
Rowena is an award winning community leader, who is passionate about providing all students with equal access to educational opportunities. While providing free homework help to students at her local libraries, she saw the struggle that students from low socioeconomic and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds experienced.
Through Edify Australia, she wants to ensure that all students are able to achieve their personal and academic goals, and grow into confident and independent young adults.
MAGGIE HUANG
Public Affairs
Maggie was first confronted with the outcomes of education inequality during an overseas service trip, however upon returning, she realised that it was not only prominent in developing countries but an overlooked issue in Australia as well. Knowing firsthand how crucial a supportive schooling environment is to academic and personal success, Maggie joined Edify Australia to help all students access and experience this key support.
Aside from Edify, Maggie is a media and communications student, enjoys watching “bad” reality TV, and tries to avoid butterflies as she has a phobia of them.