Purposeful Mission
Dr. Sharon Orapeleng’s journey from Botswana to Australia illustrates the power of education and cultural exchange in creating positive change.
Arriving in Australia at 19 to study psychology, Sharon was initially overwhelmed by cultural differences. However, she transformed these challenges into opportunities for growth and understanding. Her studies at multiple Australian universities, including Curtin, Melbourne, and LaTrobe, equipped her with skills to bridge cultural gaps in mental health services.
“The culture shock was an aspect of migration that I had not anticipated,” Sharon recalls. Rather than letting these differences discourage her, she used them to develop culturally responsive psychological services that better serve diverse communities.
Today, Sharon works as a Principal Consultant for Psyched Solutions, focusing on mental health advocacy and creating inclusive therapeutic environments. Her work demonstrates how personal challenges can become powerful tools for helping others navigate similar experiences.