Our Crew
The Big Lift’s Crew (aka the CReam of our CROP… get it?) is the fabric that binds our team together. They aid OPs in running the society, and each plans their own service project, where they take the reins in giving back to the community by organising a one-day volunteering activity related to their personal passions.
However, the Winter Trip is where Crew shine the brightest, as they get to lead their own crew groups and show them firsthand just how magical The Big Lift really is.
Our Crew team consists of nine inspiring young leaders, who embody everything The Big Lift aims to achieve.
Madhav Iyer
Crew
Awe-inspiring, heartwarming, empowering and compassionate! These are just some of the ways people have described my presence in their lives, however, this is exactly how I feel about TBL! My name is Madhav, and I am a passionate and dedicated engineering and business student who only really brings questionable dance moves to this society (to see moves, please attend events, thank you kindly), regardless, I am so incredibly proud to play a small part in it! Whether it be the ‘strangers to best friend’ arcs everyone will experience, or the genuine love felt from towns and communities when you help them in the littlest of ways, the TBL journey has something to offer everyone, and it’s an experience you cannot miss!
Lina Nguyen
Crew
Hello there! I'm Lina and in my third year of a very much tumultuous Bachelor of Civil Engineering.
I initially joined TBL to get out of my comfort zone - trying to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. I decided to shake up my uneventful holidays with a whopping 9-day trip surrounded by strangers. There was not a single soul or familiar face that I knew but I came out of the trip with my life turned upside down with such a unique experience and close connection with the once strangers I volunteered beside. It was also the most eye opening week in regional towns and with local communities that I would've never had the chance to interact with had I not applied to the Winter Trip.
Living in the city sometimes gets overwhelming, and now I have endless opportunities to take a productive break and make a tangible difference in the community!
I’m really hoping that you all consider joining us CROPs in the journey to uplifting communities for 2025!
Shanessa Mascarenhas
Crew
Hi, I’m Shanessa, I’m in my final year of Computer Science and my favourite hobbies are reading and listening to music.
A friend encouraged me to join TBL’s winter trip last year, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of my life. From the beautiful towns we visited to the incredible locals we met, the winter trip helped me gain a deeper appreciation for volunteering and the meaningful impact our help can have on others. TBL gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, connect with people, and make a real difference.
This year, I’m excited to be on crew and I hope to provide the same positive experience for everyone.
Deepika Parajuli
Crew
Hey, I’m Deepika and I’m currently in my fourth (and last) year studying Business and IT! I’m so excited to be a part of the CREW for 2025!
After discovering TBL from a friend last year, it has become such an important part of my life. The society has really ignited my passion and love for volunteering! I heard from many people that TBL was “life-changing” and I honestly didn’t believe it at first... and then I realised it really did change my life <3
I’m so grateful for the beautiful, like-minded people I have met through TBL, as well as the new perspectives I gain from connecting with regional communities. TBL never fails to make me see the beauty in community and always fills me with gratitude. I’m so excited to give back to this amazing society by being a part of the CREW this year!!
Anunaya Rai
Crew
Helloooooo! I’m Anu, a third-year Software Engineering & Medical Science student!
I initially joined TBL because I’ve always been passionate about helping people and giving back, but was often too shy to get involved. Taking a leap of faith with TBL was genuinely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It forced me out of my comfort zone in the best way, growing as a person, building confidence, and making a meaningful impact through each service project (a win-win!).
What I love most about TBL is the strong, welcoming community we’ve built. I’ve met so many incredible people from all walks of life, and for the first time, I truly feel like I belong. I’m so excited to be part of the Crew, and help create the same supportive and inspiring experiences for others!
I can’t wait to meet each and every one of you and share this journey together :))
Amelia Kraszewski
Crew
hey hey! I’m Amelia and I'm in my third year of studying law and social and political science whilst working full time at a chambers! Life is busy to say the least! When I do get spare time I love to make my own clothes, hang with my friends and family, read, swim and boulder!
When I say that TBL has changed my life, I’m not over-exaggerating, it truly has! My friend asked if I wanted to go on this 9 day trip with 80 strangers and I oddly said yes - no regrets since! I can’t imagine my life without TBL and all the incredible people part of it! The volunteers and people we have volunteered for, motivate me to pay it forward to others in my own life. I’m so excited and honoured to be part of the 2025 crew! I hope to be an inspiring crew leader that can give back to the TBL community for all that it means to me!
Khushi Dakshin
Crew
Hi hi! My name is Khushi and I’m currently studying Computer Science and majoring in AI, and I’m so very excited to be apart of the 2025 crew :)
Joining TBL has been one of the best choices I’ve made and I’m so grateful to the friend who convinced me. Ive been able to grow so much, connect with so many amazing people from rural communities and had the opportunity to make a real impact. I’m so happy for our future participants to experience this journey and make some unforgettable memories together!!
Kylie Tran
Crew
Hey hey!! My name is Kylie, I'm currently studying a Bachelor of Cybersecurity and I'm super keen to be part of the 2025 Crew team.
I joined TBL after a very convincing friend mentioned it in nearly every conversation, and it easily became one of the best decisions I've ever made (soon to be one of the best decisions YOU'LL ever make).
Exploring the surprises of my participant journey last year, I was beyond grateful to be surrounded by people who were so passionate about volunteering and connecting with the communities we visited. I left the trips with many valuable lessons, life-long memories and friendships—because there’s something so special about gardening with 80 strangers. Inspired by the TBL spirit and mission to “Pay It Forward”, I hope to give you the same rewarding experience.
I’m so excited for the fun year ahead, and I can't wait to meet all of you lovely people!
Raiyan Ahmed
Crew
Hey Gang! I’m Raiyan, and have already graduated with a Bachelor of Medical Science(yeah i know im old👴🏽). I randomly stumbled upon TBL on Instagram and was super intrigued about the winter trip. As a quiet kid, it was honestly a *YOLO* moment as i was stepping out of my comfort zone, but truly, one of the best experiences Ive ever had! It taught me TBL is way more than just volunteering, and now, as part of the crew, I hope to help others experience what I did. If you’re still on the fence about joining our little adventures of goodness, trust me you won’t regret it! Give it a shot, and you might just find yourself on one of the most rewarding experiences yet. Can’t wait to meet some of you—and if you’re still reading this, I already like you!
Meet Our Executive Team
Our Executive team is in charge of organising the wider logistics of the society; including the Winter Trip, on and off campus events and liaising with stakeholders within UTS and the wider Sydney community.