EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Carolyn (Caz) O’Brien is the Executive Director of YWCA Hunter Region, where she leads programs that empower women, families, and communities. With over 20 years of experience in occupational health and safety, she specialises in psychological safety and suicide prevention. Her career includes Not for Profit national leadership roles, where she advanced mental health initiatives across Australia.

Caz brings an extensive background in program development and research, having designed and delivered evidence-based initiatives that address complex social challenges. She is passionate about social justice, community collaboration, and creating inclusive environments where people can thrive. Her work has included grassroots mental health campaigns, strategic partnerships, and advocacy for improved access to support services in regional communities.

Outside of work, Caz enjoys staying active with her husband and three children. Her values empathy, empowerment, and connection guide both her professional and personal life.

PRESIDENT & SECRETARY

Lisa has worked in leadership roles in Catholic Education for nearly 20 years. Holding a Master of Leadership and being a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Lisa brings her lens of education, leadership and governance to the board of YWCA. Her commitment to lifelong learning and strong sense of social justice and equity, have led her to commencing a PhD through the University of Newcastle, working on a project with 20 disadvantaged primary schools in NSW. Lisa brings a global mindset, having worked in an International Baccalaureate school in Alberta, Canada, and having completed a pilgrimage through the Middle East. Her lived experience as a single mother to a now teenage daughter and having Indigenous nieces and nephew, inspires Lisa to advocate for the transformative power of education and mentorship in empowering statistically disadvantaged groups in society.

TREASURER

Camille has a strong background in capital markets and corporate finance, with experience in investment banking and professional services. She advises companies and their leaders on corporate strategy, finance, capital raising, and management. A strong advocate for equal opportunity and women's empowerment, she supports changes for more diversity and inclusion. As a French and Australian national, Camille is eager to use her experience and network to help the organization grow and achieve its mission.

GENERAL BOARD MEMBER

Amelia Atkinson is a Maitland local, small businesswoman, and currently an elected councillor at Maitland City Council.  Amelia has a strong passion for empowering young women and creating inclusive community leadership. 

She is the Creative and Managing Director of a small Newcastle-based business and previously ran successful retail stores in both Maitland and Newcastle for ten years.  She brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, and community engagement. 

Amelia has been actively involved in the not-for-profit sector, serving on community preschool committees and contributing to local school communities. Her background in both small business and governance gives her a practical perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by women seeking pathways into leadership. 

As a non-Executive Director of YWCA Hunter, Amelia is committed to championing gender equality and empowering the next generation of young women to step into leadership with confidence, resilience, and purpose. 

GENERAL BOARD MEMBER

Andrea is a senior manager with over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Her connection to YWCA began in her childhood in Singapore. She is currently the Strategy & Planning Manager at YSAS, a large organization that supports young people and families in Victoria. Andrea has worked in employment services, fundraising, and education. She holds an MBA in Social Impact from UNSW and degrees in Arts and Commerce, receiving First Class Honours for her research on diversity and social inclusion. She has completed The Observership Program and gained skills in non-profit board governance, contributing to several committees. Living in Melbourne, Andrea enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

GENERAL BOARD MEMBER

Jason Robson brings over 25 years of business and franchising experience to his role with YWCA Hunter Region. A Certified Community Director and Graduate of the internationally recognised Certified Franchise Executive Program, Jason is currently completing his Masters of Business with a specialisation in Project Management, building on his extensive leadership background and graduate level qualifications. He currently works with Explore & Develop Early Education, where he applies his expertise in governance & operations. In 2025 Jason was recognised nationally as Franchise Manager of the Year by the Franchise Council of Australia.

Jason serves as Treasurer and Non-Executive Director at Headstart Acquired Brain Injury Services, he is a proud contributor to the annual Hunter Homeless Connect event, and he continues to fundraise for & support the Pat Cronin foundation.

Jason believes that being part of YWCA Hunter Region is an opportunity to support an organisation that empowers women, young people, and communities to thrive. For him, the YWCA Hunter Region is a vital platform for advancing equity, building resilience, and creating opportunities where every person can achieve their potential.

Outside of his professional and community leadership roles, Jason is a devoted husband to Liz and proud father of three amazing children. He is passionate about music, regularly attending music festivals, exploring music history, and embracing the sense of connection that music creates across generations.

GENERAL BOARD MEMBER

Angela brings over 30 years of experience across the Early Childhood and Primary Education sectors, with a career grounded in community, equity, and education. Her background spans classroom teaching, executive leadership, tertiary education, and senior advisory roles to all levels of government - informing curriculum, regulation, and policy reform. Angela’s strength lies in her ability to connect vision with action, translating strategic goals into meaningful outcomes for children, families, and communities. 

Her leadership experience includes roles as a service director, executive management team member in a K-12 educational setting, and tertiary lecturer to preservice early childhood and primary educators. Angela has also been an invited member of several early childhood advisory and reference groups, contributing expert insights to strengthen sector development and advocacy. 

As a non-executive leader, Angela brings a strong governance lens, a collaborative leadership style, and a deep understanding of how to engage across independent, government, and community sectors. Her proven ability to build diverse, high-performing teams and her commitment to equity and social justice align closely with the mission of YWCA Hunter Region. 

A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Angela’s experience as a long-time advocate for children, families, and women - particularly those experiencing disadvantage - fuels her dedication to inclusive, community-led solutions. With a strong sense of purpose, integrity, and a passion for enabling others, she is committed to the advocacy and wellbeing of women, young people, and communities across the Hunter region and beyond.