Why Ruqi?
Quietly bold. Deeply values-led. Always in service of meaningful change.
The word Ruqi (رُقِيّ) comes from classical Arabic. It means to rise, to elevate, to grow with depth and dignity. That’s the kind of change we’re here for—not superficial or rushed, but cultivated with care, clarity, and purpose.
Ruqi Consulting exists for people and organisations who want to make systems more just, services more human, and strategy more grounded. We partner with those doing complex, values-driven work—leaders navigating reform, teams working across silos, organisations moving through tension or transition.
We don’t promise magic fixes. What we offer is thoughtful, honest partnership—support that helps you move forward with intention, confidence, and integrity.
Led by Dr Shaymaa Elkadi
Executive leader. System reformer. Cultural bridge-builder.
Shaymaa brings over two decades of leadership experience in some of Australia’s most complex sectors—justice, mental health, multicultural affairs, and family violence. She’s led statewide reforms, built national-first models of care, and supported organisations through moments of growth, challenge, and change.
Her expertise spans strategy, governance, cultural reform, and trauma-informed practice. But what really defines her work is how she does it—with humility, precision, and a deep respect for people’s lived and professional wisdom.
Shaymaa’s background is as layered as the systems she works in: a PhD in neuropsychology, executive roles in government and not-for-profits, board leadership in mental health and women's health, and current legal studies focused on systems accountability. She’s as comfortable in boardrooms as she is in community spaces—able to hold complexity without losing sight of the human impact.
“I started Ruqi because I’ve been on the other side of the consulting table. I’ve seen what happens when people are handed generic advice that doesn’t speak to their context or build their capability. I wanted to do it differently - more grounded, more relational, more real and most importantly more accessible.”
What Matters
At Ruqi, how we work matters as much as what we do. Our approach is:
Quietly strategic – We bring big-picture thinking without the buzzwords.
Relational – We focus on trust, not transactions.
Culturally attuned – We honour the knowledge, history, and dynamics in every room.
Integrity-led – We’ll tell you what we see, and we’ll walk beside you as you work through it.
We work best with organisations who are ready to slow down long enough to think clearly—and who are brave enough to ask better questions, not just chase fast answers.