Meet Hawanatu Bangura
I am dedicated to helping individuals uncover the deeper significance of their stories and use these insights to cultivate connection, resilience, and purpose-driven change.
As an award-winning filmmaker and social worker, I merge creative storytelling with evidence-based methods to promote healing, belonging, and authenticity. My work encompasses a variety of formats, including documentary and narrative films, workshops, and speaking engagements. All of these endeavours are grounded in the belief that our narratives serve as powerful instruments for transformation and collective impact.
I facilitate the Inner Essence Women’s Circle, a nurturing environment where women can connect, share, and delve into self-healing practices. I have created Defining Moments, a storytelling conversation card deck, to encourage meaningful dialogue that transcends superficial interactions. For me, storytelling is not merely an abstract concept; it is a vibrant practice that has sparked transformation in individuals and workplaces.
My Why
I am driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of story — not just as a way of remembering our past, but as a pathway to understanding who we are, and who we can be. Throughout my work in grassroots social services, I’ve walked alongside people navigating some of life’s most challenging moments — from youth homelessness and disability, to family violence, mental health struggles, early childhood development, and ageing. In each story shared, I saw a human being yearning for clarity, dignity, and a future shaped not by circumstance, but by purpose.
This experience taught me that when people reconnect with themselves, reclaim their narrative, and step forward with clarity, confidence and meaning, profound change becomes possible — for individuals, workplaces, and communities. It is this possibility that fuels my work: to create spaces — through conversation, storytelling and film — where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to move forward into the lives they truly want to lead.
I speak, facilitate and create because I believe that when we give people the tools to tell their story with confidence, we unlock empathy, strengthen connection, and invite others to do the same — sparking understanding, resilience, and collective growth.
My Accomplishments
Founder of Mahawa Creative: A female-led storytelling and production company dedicated to delivering impactful content. Creator of the Defining Moments Storytelling Card Deck: A reflective tool designed for self-discovery and fostering meaningful connections. Selected for Screen Producers Australia's One to Watch Program in 2017. Associate Producer: Contributed to the SBS documentary Muslims Like Us. Social Work: Assisted individuals and families facing challenges related to youth homelessness, disability, domestic and family violence, mental health, early childhood development, and aging through frontline grassroots social work. Global Sisters Representative: Participated in Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World, a global pitching competition organized by UN Women Singapore and Mastercard, showcasing purpose-driven ideas aimed at social impact.
Fun facts
I have travelled to every continent except Antarctica. My name, Hawanatu, translates to Eve in the Quran. I also played Mary in my first-grade Nativity play. I have older twin sisters, and I always wished to be a twin myself. During my childhood, I often coordinated outfits with my best friends to create a twin-like experience. Upon my arrival in Australia, I joined a cultural performance dance group, where I mostly choreographed the dance moves.
How I can help
Helping people reconnect with themselves and reclaim their story with confidence and clarity.
Guiding leaders and teams to build empathetic, purpose-driven cultures through storytelling.
Supporting organisations to embed wellbeing and authentic communication at every level.
Creating safe, inclusive spaces for healing, belonging, and shared understanding.
Producing powerful story-driven videos and films that help organisations communicate impact, values, and purpose
Profile information supplied through Cuppa’s talent directory. Availability and suitability are confirmed on enquiry.