ABOUT
Annisa Li Zhang is an Australian public leader with experience across local government, governance, community leadership and multicultural engagement.
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A proud first-generation migrant, Annisa was born in China, spent a significant period of time in Japan, and moved to Australia in 2010. Her cross-cultural journey and trilingual ability have shaped a strong commitment to leadership diversity, civic participation and inclusive representation in public life.
Annisa currently serves as a Councillor and Deputy Mayor at the City of Glen Eira in Victoria. Since being elected in 2020, she has focused on strengthening quality local services, community safety, green spaces, sporting facilities and support for local business growth. She has chaired advisory committees covering arts and culture, community grants and multicultural affairs.
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Annisa also serves as a Board Director representing the Inner Metro South East Region at the Municipal Association of Victoria, contributing to sector-wide collaboration and governance leadership.
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Driven by her lived experience and commitment to building pathways for emerging leaders, Annisa founded the Asian Leadership Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing leadership pathways and representation for Asian-Australians in politics, government and the public sector.
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Annisa is also the founder of the Melbourne Loong Football Club, the first Chinese-Australian community Australian rules football club competing under AFL nine-a-side rules. The initiative reflects her commitment to using sport as a platform for community participation and cross-cultural connection.
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As an author, Annisa reflects on cross-cultural experience, identity and social change in contemporary society. Her Chinese-language book Inside the Town Hall, published in Australia in 2024, draws on her experience as the first Chinese-Australian woman elected to her local council.
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As a speaker, Annisa explores themes of leadership diversity, social inclusion, gender and cultural equity, and personal growth. Through her speaking, Annisa aims to empower and encourage greater participation in leadership, especially among women and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
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In recognition of her contributions to multicultural communities, Annisa was honoured with the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence in 2024 and inducted into the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll.
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Annisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Japanese Language and Literature from Nanjing University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Melbourne. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, English and Japanese. Outside her professional work, she enjoys footy, hiking, reading and cooking.