ABOUT US

Alexandra is a passionate gender equity and social justice advocate with extensive experience in project planning, policy development and training. She is currently the Program Lead for suicide prevention projects providing operational and strategic leadership to four teams across the Hunter and New England Local Health District. A proud Novocastrian Alexandra has recently returned to Newcastle after six years working in Canberra leading federally funded suicide prevention and mental health projects. As a Board Member of YWCA Hunter Region Inc Alexandra is passionate about supporting gender equity across the Hunter and empowering people to connect further with YWCA Hunter activities and advocacy work. 

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.

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 woman to achieve outstanding results in their careers. She is a mother, a daughter and a sister who thrives in social settings where woman support each other to achieve greatness.

Shannon is a proud Aboriginal woman of Gamilaroi descent. Shannon has a broad range of experience in project management and business administration across the land management, disability and healthcare sectors. Prior to her current role, Shannon was the Business Support Officer with a Local Aboriginal Land Council where she managed a three-year, multi-stakeholder NSW state government funded project focused on land revegetation & vertebrate pest control. Shannon holds diplomas in Project Management, Business Administration and Leadership and Management and recently completed an Advanced Diploma in Leadership & Management.

Sally is a mother of three young boys and a social equity advocate. Through non-mainstream adversities, having become a single mother at 18, and now part of a blended family, 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 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. Sally continues her studies in Science, Criminology and Psychological Science with Western Sydney University, where she has made the Dean’s Merit list two years in a row and looks forward to further learning. Through the wearing of many hats, like every woman today, Sally is eager to champion pathways, opportunities, and social equity for all.

E. Kate is part of a new wave of post graduate medical practitioners with experience in diverse fields such as business, education as well as medicine, specifically mental health. Kate has extensive experience in community advocacy; as a volunteer lifesaver, P&C advocate, representative for her trainee colleagues and committee work focussing on health. As a Board Member of YWCA Hunger Region Inc, Kate is committed to social and economic change, to empower and connect people in order to strive for social justice and equality.

Greer is PhD-trained medical researcher and medical affairs professional who is passionate about and committed to women’s rights and women’s health. She has experience in strategic planning, optimising health systems and advocating for women’s health in a variety of industries. Greer is a proud mother and aunty who believes in thinking differently, challenging traditional norms and raising the voice of girls and women in society for the next generation.

Penny has over 15 years experience as a lawyer in Australia and the UK. She is passionate about empowering women and families.