ABOUT US

Carolyn (Caz) O’Brien, is the Executive Director at YWCA Hunter Region her professional journey has been dedicated to fostering strategic alliances and implementing impactful community programs. Her professional skills include strategic leadership, partnership development, and program management, all aimed at addressing and meeting community needs. Caz’s work has consistently focused on suicide prevention and support for vulnerable populations, equipping her with the expertise to drive meaningful change. Her core values are grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and empowerment. She is passionate about creating environments where individuals and communities can thrive. Caz sits as an Observer on the Board of Fairhaven a not-for-profit Central Coast Disability service provider. Outside of her professional life, Caz enjoys escaping into nature with her family in a 1965 vintage caravan. This not only offers a cherished break from routine but also deepens her appreciation for the balance and connection that nature brings to her life.

Audrey is an educational leader with over 20 years’ experience in Public Education. She has led in schools and statewide educational services and is dedicated to ensuring that children and families are supported and achieve equitable outcomes. Having worked in rural and remote locations, she brings a lived experience of supporting women in what can be a challenging and complex space. Currently studying Leadership Coaching, facilitating at conferences, and having completed a plethora of educational leadership courses, support and mentoring are at the forefront of her drive, as she empowers women to achieve outstanding results in their careers. She is a mother, a daughter and a sister who thrives in social settings where women support each other to achieve greatness.

Sally is a mother of three young boys and a social equity advocate. Through non-mainstream adversities, Sally has firsthand passion and purpose for helping others and being a voice for change. With a background in business administration, executive assistance and health projects, Sally currently works in the Suicide Prevention and System Improvement space within Hunter New England Local Health District. As someone who believes we never stop learning, Sally has undertaken professional developments in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Management. Through the wearing of many hats, like every woman today, Sally is eager to champion pathways, opportunities, and social equity for all.

Camille brings extensive experience in capital markets and corporate finance, having worked across investment banking and professional services. Camille has specialized in providing strategic advice to companies, their owners, boards and management teams covering everything from corporate strategy to corporate finance, capital raising and capital management. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for promoting equal opportunity and empowering women, actively supporting organisational changes that foster greater diversity and inclusion. As both French and Australian, Camille is committed to leveraging her wealth of experience and broad network to support the mission and strategic growth of the organisation.

Lisa has worked with children and their families in primary school education for nearly 20years. As a senior leader in the Catholic Education sector, Lisa is values driven and has a strong sense of social justice and the dignity of each human person. Lisa brings a global mindset, having worked in an International Baccalaureate school in Alberta, Canada, and having completed a pilgrimage through the Middle East. 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 lived experience as a single mother to a now teenage daughter, inspires Lisa to advocate for the transformative power of education and mentorship, in empowering females.

Andrea is a values-driven, senior manager with over 15 years’ experience in the for-purpose sector. Her connection with YWCA stems from her childhood years at YWCA in Singapore. Currently, Andrea is the Strategy & Planning Manager at YSAS, a large youth specific community organisation that works with young people and families across Victoria. She has worked in employment services, fundraising, and education roles. Andrea holds an MBA (Social Impact) from UNSW, and degrees in Arts and Commerce, with First Class Honours for research on diversity and social inclusion. Having completed The Observership Program and developed skills in not-for-profit board governance, Andrea contributes to a few committees. She lives in Melbourne and spends her leisure time travelling and with her loved ones.

Brooke is an experienced lawyer and governance and risk advisor. Passionate about advocating for equality and sustainability from a young age, Brooke has consistently worked with organisations that make positive impacts on community, having a particular focus on human rights, diversity and inclusion, children/young people, environment, mental health and privacy. Brooke is currently working as a Senior Lawyer within a specialist for purpose sector professional services firm. She has undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in law and an honours degree in psychology (where her thesis contributed to research on discrimination and stereotyping). Brooke is Sri Lankan-Australian, growing up and living in the Hunter region on Awabakal land.