The academic with a masters degree in teaching is also Muslim.

Wollongong lawyer Hayley Kelloway can kick your butt in and out of the courtroom if required.

Ms Kelloway, who has a black-belt in Taekwondo, was raised Catholic but converted to Islam more than 10 years ago.

These two talented women will join a host of other speakers at the inaugural Illawarra Peace, Coffee and Conversations event at Bulli PCYC on Friday, March 31.

The event is the brainchild of Nina Trad Azam and Abdul Latifi Abdul Latif, who are looking to find a ‘’silver lining’’ from their negative experiences and have some positive conversations with their community about peace, harmony and education.  

Mrs Trad Azam said Muslims all over Australia were ‘’sick and tired’’ of being viewed and presented by the media and politicians only out of the prism of national security.

‘’That is not only de-humanising but it also shapes public opinion in a very negative and hostile way against us,’’ she said.

‘’Coffee and Conversations is a way of humanising Muslims that have been for too long disrespected in the socio-political discourse.

‘’Unfortunately since post 9/11 and in light of recent events [London], terrorism has been synonymous with Muslims. And that’s the problem. The use of language has really been oppressive, it has not been neutral or fair.’’

Still sporting the mental scars of Islamophobia, the critical social worker has nevertheless embraced her ‘’accidental peace activist’’ role.

But she fears those perpetuating ‘’polarising views’’ are undermining social justice and social cohesion.

‘’My stepmother, who partially raised me is Christian and as a Muslim we have to love and respect all of the prophets and messengers who came, including Jesus, peace be upon Him,’’ Mrs Trad Azam said.

‘’We have a lot more in common then there is differences but unfortunately these differences are being politicised by certain far-right politicians.

‘’The political fear mongering serves nobody. It undermines society's perception of fear and safety.’’

People are encouraged to attend Illawarra Peace, Coffee and Conversations and celebrate the differences that make Australia ‘’so unique’’.

Registrations at pccillawarra@gmail.com are essential for the free event.