Taku
Scrutton

Zimbabwe-born celebrated cultural ambassador Taku Scrutton is the founder of Ribbon of Africa, an award-winning business celebrating all facets of African culture in Australia through fashion, music and the arts. An Environmental Design graduate of the University of Western Australia, in 2012 Taku was selected as a WA State Finalist for Australia's Ethnic Business Awards and in 2008 named one of '12 Inspiring Women in Small Business in Western Australia' by the Small Business Development Corporation.

Previous experience

TV: In August 2013 Taku was chosen to be part of the 'Your Chair' competition on Network Ten's The Project, taking her place as a panelist alongside hosts Carrie Bickmore, Charlie Pickering and Peter Helliar in a discussion of Australian multiculturalism and the migrant experience. Chosen from hundreds of entries, Taku and the panel also interviewed former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and tennis legend Pat Cash in the program's trademark humorous style.

Speaking: A resident of Australia for 11 years, Taku's mother and two youngest siblings live in Zimbabwe, where life remains a struggle as the country continues to rebuild its economy. Taku uses her public speaking skills to help her family, whilst inspiring her audiences to celebrate their uniqueness regardless of where they are from. Taku is especially concerned with inspiring the youth of Australia to find their voice.

Taku has been a guest speaker and trainer for local government authorities, not-for-profit organisations, charities and schools throughout the country. Her key speech themes include community celebration and inclusion, overcoming adversity to pursue goals, entrepreneurship, innovation, dreaming boldly and giving life a go.

Awards: Taku was named the 2007 Business Migrant of the Year and a 2007 Business Woman of the Year Finalist at the Belmont Busniess Enterprise Centre Awards, and in 2008 Ribbon of Africa was the recipient of Home Based Business of the Year. In 2013 Taku was nominated at the Celebration of African Australian National Awards.

Features:> In 2010 Taku featured in a South African Broadcasting Corporation documentary on the African migrant experience in Australia, and in 2012 in 100 Dolls, Countless Hearts, a book featuring Australian, indigenous and migrant doll makers in Australia, published by the Uthando Project. She has been heavily involved with international visits from irenowned African celebrities and performers including Salif Keita, Hugh Masekela, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Umoja, Malaika, and Trevor Noah.