2024 ELGP Participants revealed

January 29, 2024 | PUBLISHED BY: Alicia

In our 12th year of the program, we are delighted to reveal the participants of the 2024 Emerging Leaders in Governance program (ELGP). This program exists thanks to the financial and in kind support of Community Partners – thank you to all the organisations below.

A BIG thank you to all our Community Partners below for offering your continued in-kind support to this program – we couldn’t do it without you. Together we are contributing to a world class aged care and community sector through strengthening governance and diversity on NFP boards.

2024 ELGP Spring Participants revealed

We would like to warmly welcome this program’s cohort and we look forward to working with you!

Angelica Reyes (she/her)

Angelica is currently working for the State Government of Western Australia — helping in investment and trade facilitation as well as supporting the ministers of Western Australia — for the development of the growth of the Western Australian economy.

Angelica is an exceptional Double Masters degree graduate of both International Law and International Relations from the University of Western Australia. She is passionate in helping achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals — in particular, human rights; and good health and wellbeing — as seen through her experience in non-for-profit organisations in the disability sector as a support worker; and as an intern in a workplace that provides emotional and mental support counselling for people.

Angelica was also highly proactive in her university career, gaining as much experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship building while making a difference, inspiring, and transforming the lives of high school students from low-socioeconomic and multicultural backgrounds through volunteering.

Bridget Gutsell (she/her)

Bridget started out volunteering at the local Hospice while at university and continued volunteering at Op Shops, sporting clubs and local groups for the next 20 years.

Her career has always been strongly focused in the Not-For-Profit/Community space where her passion lies. In her working life, Bridget has a demonstrated history of strong operational leadership skills, business analysis and experience partnering technology and process to improve business outcomes.

Having worked for 20+ years in government, health, community and Not for Profit roles in New Zealand and Australia, Bridget loves rising to the challenge of balancing great customer experience with an efficient, vibrant business.

Carolyne Wanjiru (she/her)

Carolyne is a passionate Community worker who devotes time to volunteer in two Not-for-profit organisations in Perth. She has experience working in Aged Care for seven years and six years as a disability and youth worker. Carolyne is always looking for opportunities to enhance her skills and improve her knowledge. Currently she is enrolled in a program called( A-LEAD)African Women’s Leadership Empowerment and development program offered by Organisation of African communities Western Australia(OACWA). Her interest in Not-for-profit is the value they add to people’s lives and making positive changes to the communities and the world at large.

Chamo Piyasena (she/her)

Chamos has been in the Disability Services Sector since 2012, holding various positions in residential, at-home & community services. Currently, while managing Disability Service arm at People Who Care, she is also leading the implementation stage of Veterans’ Home Care Services within the organisation.

As a graduate from UWA, Chamo has always been passionate in management and leadership within the community services sector, it’s operation and governance. She is looking forward to further her studies and experience with a focus on leadership styles & dynamics within the sector that’s best suited to address it’s evolving needs and demands.

On a personal note, she loves reading autobiographies and if someone challenges her to a ‘Friends’ trivia, she will win.”

Christel Barthelemy (she/her)

Christel was introduced to the world of Peak Bodies and community services through the very happy accident of an active citizenship internship. Passionate about research and system change, since then she never left and has held a variety of roles in research and policy. With a masters of International Relations (with distinctions) in tow, Christel seeks to build in career at the intersection of engaging policy work and academic research that provides tangible findings for the real world. Over the course of the last few years, Christel has also co-founded a social entreprise providing basket-weaving workshops to groups at risk of loneliness and isolation. She loves to collaborate and work closely with partners that share a vision and passion for entrepreneurial endeavours!

David Isaacs (he/him)

David brings more than seven years of experience working across both the not-for-profit and corporate sectors. Originally from New Zealand, David currently works in an executive support role at Sexual Health Quarters, an organisation delivering much-needed clinical services and community support across Western Australia.

Obtaining a diverse range of skills and experience across governance, strategy, and business development, David also has proven success in securing funding to ensure the continuity and growth of programs and services for priority communities.

Working in the Not-for-Profit sector, David has seen first-hand the positive impact organisations can have in improving the outcomes for communities in need who require support and is passionate about continuing to make a difference.

Divya Dayalamurthy (she/her)

Divya was the only woman in her team when she started her career in Cybersecurity ten years ago in a consulting firm in Australia. Divya is Cybersecurity Manager at Pioneer Credit and previously spent 5 years at Arc Infrastructure specialising in a range of areas from technical initiatives to strategic, security gap analysis assessment and operational projects. In 2018, Divya was nominated for the 20 in 20 People’s Choice Award for Women in Technology (WiTWa). Divya has a Masters in Computer and Network Security from Edith Cowan University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communications. As part of Mentoring Program, Divya participates as mentor providing mentoring to graduates, university students. Also, currently mentoring freshers as part of National Associations of Women in Operation on choosing cybersecurity and encouraging personal skill development and networking.

Duan Thakhoda (she/her)

Duan is a young professional with a personable, empathetic, and methodical approach to her career with an interest in supporting the vulnerable in her community. In her professional life, she has supported various employers from the largest employer in Australia to the smallest of businesses in navigating the industrial and employment relations landscape in Australia in a way that is supportive to both the employee and business objectives, while also being legislatively compliant. This experience provided her with insights into how when it comes to organisational health, people are everything. Duan is driven to give back to the community and is interested in utilising her particular set of skills to supporting the NFP sector.

Francesca Stewart (she/her)

Francesca Stewart is a Senior Leader, Gender Equality Champion, and Board Member, currently serving as an Executive of the United Nations Association of Australia.

With a rich background spanning public and private sector, she brings 18 years of industry exposure to her current role as the Manager Employee Experience at The Perth Mint. In her leadership capacity, Francesca drives The Perth Mint talent management strategy, emphasising diversity, leadership capability, and strategic workforce planning.

Francesca’s impactful social and community contributions have received notable recognition, including the UNAA WA 2023 Change Makers Award, the 2023 Asia-Pacific Silver Stevie Thought Leader of the Year award and the 2022 Women in Leadership Diverse Women Leaders Scholarship.

A trailblazer in gender and leadership discourse, Francesca has published numerous articles and speaks regularly at conferences and events. Francesca is driven by her intention to inspire positive change in diversity and leadership and is committed to paying forward the growth and opportunity that she receives.

Holly Turner (she/her)

Holly Turner has 9 years of experience working in the disability sector in various coordination and leadership roles. Her experience in the not-for-profit sector spans developing and implementing programs for children and youth, a Sexual Health and Relationships Educator within the Disability sector and working with teams, families and individuals to assist them achieve positive outcomes. In her role as Acting Community Manager, she is responsible for Identitywa’s Community and Respite Program.

Holly is passionate about social justice, inclusion and equality. Her experience, commitment and leadership facilitates change and organizational improvements to positively impact people with disabilities and their families’ lives.

Luz Sanchez (she/her)

Luz Sanchez has a passion to make a difference. Luz, a dedicated professional in the field of community services and business studies, has worked for various non-profit organisations, in her country she was supporting women facing family violence, in Australia she has worked with love and compassion in diverse volunteer work and has also found her professional path in this field. Her journey in Australia reflects a profound commitment to humanitarian causes, embodying the spirit of service and resilience, from providing compassionate care to the elderly and disabled to assisting refugees through the Red Cross.

Maija Hildebrand (she/her)

Maija is a community development professional with over a decade of experience working in the non-profit community services sector. She is currently the Service Development Manager at Vinnies WA. She has a Bachelor in Communication Studies, a Masters Degree in Development, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

In the past ten years, Maija has worked on a diverse range of programs and projects spanning from volunteer mobilisation and member engagement to developing new service and outcomes measurement frameworks in both state and national settings.
Through these experiences, Maija has developed a deep interest in human-centred design, agile project management, community consultation, and program evaluation.

Maija is an active volunteer in her community. She is currently a committee secretary for the Perth Finnish School, a Board Member at a local Primary School, and a volunteer with Access Hope, a Perth-based charity that runs a Kenyan Orphanage.

Maija is privileged to live, work, and raise her family on the lands of the Whadjuk People of the Noongar nation.

Megan MacNeill (she/her)

With over a decade of experience in the not-for-profit sector across various industries like agriculture, international education, and Indigenous affairs, Megan has demonstrated a dedicated commitment to societal betterment. Their voluntary contributions extend to local community initiatives, and they’ve taken the lead in organising networking groups for women in business and agribusiness professionals.

Driven by a fervent belief in equality for all, Megan passionately advocates for gender equity and climate action. Their professional journey reflects a steadfast dedication to fostering inclusivity and advocating for underrepresented communities within the not-for-profit landscape. Through their multifaceted career and volunteering endeavours, Megan consistently strives to create a more equitable and just society for all.

Regina Macharia (she/her)

In a dynamic career spanning research, communications, and non-profit leadership, Regina has emerged as a passionate advocate for social change. With a foundation in research and communications, she honed her skills in understanding complex issues and effectively disseminating information. Her commitment to community welfare led to the founding of Transnational Families Australia, a non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting migrant transnational families. Through this groundbreaking venture, Regina aims to bridge cultural divides and provide essential resources to empower families navigating the challenges of migration. Her career reflects a deep-seated belief in the power of collaboration and positive impact, making Regina a notable force in the Not-For-Profit sector. With a proven track record of combining expertise with empathy, Regina continues to drive meaningful change for communities on a local and global scale.

Rose Paley (she/her)

Rose started her career as a technology consultant with Deloitte, where she used her discretionary time to launch a National Neurodiversity Initiative – a community of 150 volunteers supporting neurodiverse employees.

She later moved into BHP Health, Safety and Environment, where she mentored the Chair of NeuroBHP, before being appointed into the role herself. She represents BHP as a member of the Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) Advisory Board at Curtin University.

More recently Rose was appointed into the office of the BHP President, Minerals Australia, where she is leading projects with executive priority. She is also volunteering as a Director for Ruminant Solutions – which aims to reduce methane emissions in agriculture. Rose has always been passionate about the NFP sector and leveraging platforms to drive positive impact. She also has experience in blood donation drives and animal shelter volunteering.

Sarah Johnson (she/her)

Sarah Johnson, a Speech Pathologist with post-graduate studies in health leadership, serves as a project manager at the Department of Health, Western Australia. A World Economic Forum Global Shaper, she’s dedicated to health equity and innovation, contributing to volunteer projects in Africa, Fiji, Cambodia, Rural Australia, and Indonesia. Sarah’s accolades include the Rising Star Award (North Metropolitan Health 2021), Australasian College of Health Service Management Stars of COVID-19 Award (2021), and Patient Experience Stars for Diversity and Aboriginal Awards (2021).

Sherry Kaur (she/her)

Sherry boasts 15 years in disability/mental health support working in NFP industry deeply passionate about mental health and community aid. Completing a diverse women’s leadership program in 2023 broadened her outlook. Now, equipped with fresh skills, she’s keen on giving back. Sherry’s goal? To support others by blending her experience, varied perspectives, and new leadership know-how. She’s determined to create a more inclusive, supportive space for those dealing with mental health challenges, striving for positive change in her community.

Stephanie Reeves (she/her)

Stephanie is a dynamic leader of allied health professionals, with 15 years of experience in the disability and Not-For-Profit sector. Stephanie is a Speech Pathologist by background and works as a Executive Manager of allied health teams. She has effectively led large projects including the service development, launch and successful ongoing performance of clinical services across multiple organisations. Stephanie is driven to support individuals and organisations to achieve their professional goals. As an empathetic leader with the ability to see the potential in others, she provides support through mentoring and coaching to achieve positive outcomes and growth. Stephanie is experienced in change management and organisational culture, including in building resilient teams. Stephanie has lived experience of domestic abuse and completes survivor advocacy work, including volunteering for Worthy Australia as part of their Safe Haven Program, setting up homes for women and children escaping domestic violence.

Tara Lord (she/her)

Tara works across the mental health sector. Among her qualifications are a Youth Work Diploma, a Community Services Diploma, Counselling Diploma, Certificate in Leadership, an advanced diploma in community sector management, and more. Tara also sits on several advisory committees and in research projects on Youth Mental Health, Advocacy, Holistic Health, and Accessing Services.

She won the Mental Health Foundation of Australia’s Youth of the Year award in 2022, was named Youth Citizen of the Year in 2021 and 2022, received a Mayor’s Youth Award, was a nominee for the 2023 Australian Mental Health Prize, and was selected as a finalist for the Young Achiever awards in 2021,2022, and 2023. She also featured on the Inspirational Australians podcast.

Tara has a business in Animal Therapy that runs animal assisted activities focussing on a holistic approach, integrating animals into recovery orientated and goal oriented mental health care. By sharing her story and talking about mental health in schools, youth forums, and mental health conferences, she hopes to reduce stigma and break down barriers. Furthermore, she is currently the Peer Service Coordinator of the Mental Illness Fellowship of WA and a member of Leadership WA’s alumni cohort.

Zoe Rosie Lim Qiao Yi (she/her)

Zoe is a highly energetic and self-motivated Early Childhood Assistant Centre Coordinator, serving as the employee representative for the recent Wanslea Early Learning & Development Enterprise Bargaining. Additionally, she is deeply interested in leadership and the management of non-profit organizations, as evidenced by enrollment in MBA studies.

Possessing multilingual abilities and fluency in five languages, she is passionate about delivering exceptional work ethics that embrace diversity regardless of ethnic origin.

With a creative and passionate mindset, the individual strives for continuous excellence to foster children’s agency through suitable learning environments and experiences.

A particular focus on children’s rights and Child Protection underscores her interests. With meticulous attention to detail, there is a passion for strategizing to enhance the quality and compliance in early childhood and care services.

Lastly, a commitment to honesty, keeping promises, and maintaining open communication with stakeholders reflects a strong sense of teamwork.

Come to the ELGP Launch on the 7 February 2024

We welcome community partners, leaders, graduates and guests to welcome our 2024 ELGP cohort at the Program Launch. You can register for this event here. We invite your organisation (whether you are an NFP, corporate organisation or government representative) to support this event.

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