Young Leaders Who Stepped Up in 2025: A Round-Up of Governance Wins

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the success of the young leaders who make up our ELGP community. This year has been one of bold steps, new responsibilities, and meaningful contributions across Western Australia’s not-for-profit and community sectors.  

From first-time Board appointments to new career opportunities, our alumni continue to demonstrate why emerging leaders matter, and how they’re shaping a stronger, more inclusive future. 

Across the state, ELGP graduates are stepping into influential roles with confidence, purpose and a strong commitment to community impact. From bringing lived experience to complex challenges to strengthening governance within established organisations, or amplifying voices that need to be heard, these leaders are proving what’s possible when emerging talent is supported to lead. 

This year, we proudly congratulate our alumni who have stepped into governance roles or expanded their leadership responsibilities: 

• Alanna Lofthouse (ELGP 2025): Board Member, Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services Inc. 
• Chris Bashall (ELGP 2025): Board Member, Brightwater 
• Elena Mikhaltsevich (ELGP Spring 2021): Subcommittee Member, Royal Life Saving Society 
• Erin Farley (ELGP 2025): Board Member, Trillion Trees Australia 
• Holly Turner (ELGP 2024): Board Member, Mens Talk Australia 
• Louise Johnstone Forster (ELGP 2013): Independent Member, Noongar Boodja Trust Nominations Committee, Perpetual Limited 
• Mariama Joy Bah (ELGP 2025): Treasurer and Board Member, Mental Health Matters 2 
• Michael Clark (ELGP 2021): Board Member, Befriend 
• Michael Elwan (ELGP 2023): Board Member, ASeTTS 
• Nick Loke (ELGP 2020): Board Member, Community Vision Australia Limited 
• Nick Tran (ELGP 2025): Board Member, Men’s Health & Wellbeing WA; Board Advisor, Clinical Governance Subcommittee, People Who Care; Board Director, Optometry WA 
• Nicola Hodgson (ELGP 2023): President, LJM Memorial Hospice 
• Tiana Connor (ELGP 2025): Board Member, Women’s Health and Wellbeing Services 
• Valentina Kogon (ELGP 2025): Board Member, Girl Guides WA 

These appointments represent more than individual achievements, they signal a growing movement of young leaders bringing fresh perspectives to governance and strengthening the sector one Board at a time. 

We celebrate all our alumni and invite you to connect, congratulate and be inspired by their journeys. As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to see what our next wave of emerging leaders will accomplish.