Trailblazing With Purpose: A Conversation With Evia Aringo, WA’s First African Councillor
We sat down with Evia Aringo, the first and youngest African councillor elected in Western Australia, to talk about identity, leadership, fashion, and representation. Evia's story is not just about politics—it’s about purpose, passion, and paving the way for others.
From the moment she walked into our shoot, Evia’s energy was electric. Vibrant, grounded, and incredibly genuine, she brings her full self into every room she enters—and it’s impossible not to feel that. Between laughs, styling moments, and storytelling, we sat down to dive deeper into who she is and why her voice matters.
On Community, Passion, and Finding Purpose
Evia describes her journey into local government as something that happened “by accident”—but we know there are no real accidents when purpose is involved.
“When I find something I’m passionate about and want to change, I go for it. For me, it’s always been about the people—about community.”
As a woman of colour from an immigrant background, Evia speaks openly about the drive behind her work: creating space for unheard voices and building a sense of belonging for others like her. She reminds us that walking into rooms where you don’t see yourself represented can be intimidating—but that difference can also be your power.
“See her, be her. That quote means everything to me. You can’t be what you don’t see.”
Representation That Matters
Evia made history in 2023 as the first and youngest African councillor elected into local government in WA. When she received the call from WALGA (Western Australian Local Government Association) congratulating her, she was stunned.
“I said, you’re kidding me. The little girl born in a refugee camp? Me?”
It was a powerful moment of recognition—not just for her, but for an entire community of people who’ve never seen themselves reflected in politics. And now, with a new promotion into state politics, she’s stepping into even bigger rooms with the same fierce commitment to representation.
“I want young people, migrants, and women of colour to feel like they belong and can lead. We do belong at the table.”
On Culture, Fashion, and Storytelling
For Evia, fashion is more than just what she wears—it's how she tells her story.
“I wear a lot of African prints, but when I do, I’m not just making a statement—I’m carrying heritage. I'm bringing my ancestral stories into new lands.”
Whether it’s a bold print at a formal event, beaded earrings at work, or a headwrap on a bad hair day, Evia uses style to show up authentically. She refuses to mute her culture to fit in—and encourages others to do the same.
“I see fashion as a way of saying, this is who I am. I don’t have to mute my culture to be professional or powerful.”
On What Rep Kulture Means
To close the conversation, we asked Evia what Rep Kulture means to her—and she didn’t hold back.
“Rep Kulture speaks to my soul. It’s bold, unapologetic, proudly representative. It’s more than fashion—it’s a movement.”
She’s right. At its core, Rep Kulture is about identity, pride, and showing up as your full self. And Evia Aringo is doing just that—blazing trails, holding doors open, and making sure the next generation sees what’s possible.
