Speakers
Alex Hannant
Director
Social Enterprise Australia
Social Enterprise Australia
Alex Hannant
Director, Social Enterprise Australia
Alex Hannant has extensive experience in sustainable development, social enterprise and innovation. His current focus is to better understand systems change and the infrastructures needed for regenerative futures. He is Director at Pocketknife, Director at Social Enterprise Australia and Co-Chair of B Lab Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Previous roles include Executive in Residence at Griffith Centre for Systems Innovation, Co-Director and Professor of Practice at The Yunus Centre Griffith, CEO of the Ākina Foundation (NZ), and Head of Partnerships at the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (UK).
Alex Hannant has extensive experience in sustainable development, social enterprise and innovation. His current focus is to better understand systems change and the infrastructures needed for regenerative futures. He is Director at Pocketknife, Director at Social Enterprise Australia and Co-Chair of B Lab Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Previous roles include Executive in Residence at Griffith Centre for Systems Innovation, Co-Director and Professor of Practice at The Yunus Centre Griffith, CEO of the Ākina Foundation (NZ), and Head of Partnerships at the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (UK).
Belinda Morrissey
CEO
English Family Foundation
English Family Foundation
Belinda Morrissey
CEO, English Family Foundation
Belinda Morrissey is passionate about how we collectively build forward just, sustainable and inclusive economies. Through her role as CEO of the English Family Foundation Belinda has gained deep experience within the Australian social enterprise sector. She couples this with an extensive leadership background in both corporate and not for profit organisations to work across sectors. She has a strong focus on the development of collaborative systems-based solutions that mobilize capital and the ecosystems needed to create long term social change. She is the Chair of Social Enterprise Australia, is Co-Chair of the Social Enterprise Funders Network and sits on the Advisory Council of the Foundations Group for Impact Investing. In her personal capacity she is also Chair of ActionAid Australia.
Belinda Morrissey is passionate about how we collectively build forward just, sustainable and inclusive economies. Through her role as CEO of the English Family Foundation Belinda has gained deep experience within the Australian social enterprise sector. She couples this with an extensive leadership background in both corporate and not for profit organisations to work across sectors. She has a strong focus on the development of collaborative systems-based solutions that mobilize capital and the ecosystems needed to create long term social change. She is the Chair of Social Enterprise Australia, is Co-Chair of the Social Enterprise Funders Network and sits on the Advisory Council of the Foundations Group for Impact Investing. In her personal capacity she is also Chair of ActionAid Australia.
Bianca Stern
General Manager and founding member, All Things Equal
Bianca Stern
General Manager + founding member, All Things Equal
Bianca Stern is the general manager and a founding member of All Things Equal, with a background in education, disability, and social enterprise. She is energised about inclusive employment, philanthropy, and empowering both young leaders and people with disability to be meaningful contributors to society. Bianca has created countless workforce opportunities for people with disability and is as committed as ever to see workplaces reflect the society we live in.
Bianca Stern is the general manager and a founding member of All Things Equal, with a background in education, disability, and social enterprise. She is energised about inclusive employment, philanthropy, and empowering both young leaders and people with disability to be meaningful contributors to society. Bianca has created countless workforce opportunities for people with disability and is as committed as ever to see workplaces reflect the society we live in.
Bill Mithen
Co-CEO
Neighbourhood Economics
Neighbourhood Economics
Bill Mithen
Co-CEO, Neighbourhood Economics
Bill’s areas of expertise span leadership, management, governance, social innovation, strategic planning, business development and policy, making him a powerhouse in the philanthropic sector. His career is marked by significant roles in equity management within various SMEs, senior executive positions in a multinational corporation, and leadership in an international humanitarian development organisation. Having spent 13 years at the helm of Give Where You Live Foundation, a unique, place-based philanthropic community foundation, Bill is well-placed to think about the intersection between place and social enterprise.
Bill’s areas of expertise span leadership, management, governance, social innovation, strategic planning, business development and policy, making him a powerhouse in the philanthropic sector. His career is marked by significant roles in equity management within various SMEs, senior executive positions in a multinational corporation, and leadership in an international humanitarian development organisation. Having spent 13 years at the helm of Give Where You Live Foundation, a unique, place-based philanthropic community foundation, Bill is well-placed to think about the intersection between place and social enterprise.
Carmen Garcia AM
Founder and CEO
Community Corporate
Community Corporate
Carmen Garcia AM
Founder and CEO, Community Corporate
Carmen Garcia is the Founder and CEO of national award-winning diversity and inclusion certified social enterprise Community Corporate. She is widely recognised as a leading expert, creating economic and social impact solutions through partnerships with the corporate sector that maximise employment and skilling opportunities for refugees and migrants. She brings more than 20 years' experience working in refugee resettlement, migration, community development, training and workforce strategy across the public, private and community sectors.
Carmen Garcia is the Founder and CEO of national award-winning diversity and inclusion certified social enterprise Community Corporate. She is widely recognised as a leading expert, creating economic and social impact solutions through partnerships with the corporate sector that maximise employment and skilling opportunities for refugees and migrants. She brings more than 20 years' experience working in refugee resettlement, migration, community development, training and workforce strategy across the public, private and community sectors.
Coralie Nichols
CEO
The Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation
The Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation
Coralie Nichols
CEO, The Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation
Coralie brings more than 20 years of executive leadership in local government across NSW and Queensland and has also held CEO roles in the not-for-profit sector in the Northern Territory and NSW. She's a Graduate of the AICD, holds qualifications from Harvard Business School, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney University and Wollongong University, and was a Telstra Business Women's Awards Finalist in 2017. Now CEO of the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation, Coralie is a fierce advocate for systems change, social justice and purpose-led impact.
Coralie brings more than 20 years of executive leadership in local government across NSW and Queensland and has also held CEO roles in the not-for-profit sector in the Northern Territory and NSW. She's a Graduate of the AICD, holds qualifications from Harvard Business School, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney University and Wollongong University, and was a Telstra Business Women's Awards Finalist in 2017. Now CEO of the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation, Coralie is a fierce advocate for systems change, social justice and purpose-led impact.
Fiona Jose
CEO
Cape York Partnership
Cape York Partnership
Fiona Jose
CEO, Cape York Partnership
Fiona Jose belongs to Kuku Yalanji and Zenadth Kes peoples of Cape York and the Torres Straits. The Cape York Partnership Group is a First Nations organisation driving a comprehensive reform agenda improving the lives of Indigenous families in Cape York. Fiona oversees the Group’s 10 entities and businesses which include two schools, a landscape and construction company, a health clinic and a digital financial empowerment platform. CYP employs 350 people, 65% of whom are First Nations. Fiona is one of 10 First Nations leaders at the cutting edge of the pioneering national Empowered Communities reform initiative that is shifting governments from the failing status-quo approach to a system focused on productivity and development outcomes.
Fiona Jose belongs to Kuku Yalanji and Zenadth Kes peoples of Cape York and the Torres Straits. The Cape York Partnership Group is a First Nations organisation driving a comprehensive reform agenda improving the lives of Indigenous families in Cape York. Fiona oversees the Group’s 10 entities and businesses which include two schools, a landscape and construction company, a health clinic and a digital financial empowerment platform. CYP employs 350 people, 65% of whom are First Nations. Fiona is one of 10 First Nations leaders at the cutting edge of the pioneering national Empowered Communities reform initiative that is shifting governments from the failing status-quo approach to a system focused on productivity and development outcomes.
Frédéric Bailly
Executive VP
Groupe SOS
Groupe SOS
Frédéric Bailly
Executive VP, Groupe SOS
Frédéric Bailly has 30 years of experience in the social and solidarity economy. As Executive Vice President of GROUPE SOS, he leads international strategy and real estate development. He joined GROUPE SOS in 1995, creating economic inclusion enterprises. In 2010, he became Managing Director of the group's real estate cooperative, overseeing a €1 billion portfolio. Since 2017, he has expanded GROUPE SOS internationally, now employing 500 people across 12 entities in 50 countries. Frédéric is also Secretary General of the Pact for Impact alliance and a founding member of Catalyst Now. He is a Knight of the French Order of Merit.
Frédéric Bailly has 30 years of experience in the social and solidarity economy. As Executive Vice President of GROUPE SOS, he leads international strategy and real estate development. He joined GROUPE SOS in 1995, creating economic inclusion enterprises. In 2010, he became Managing Director of the group's real estate cooperative, overseeing a €1 billion portfolio. Since 2017, he has expanded GROUPE SOS internationally, now employing 500 people across 12 entities in 50 countries. Frédéric is also Secretary General of the Pact for Impact alliance and a founding member of Catalyst Now. He is a Knight of the French Order of Merit.
Geoff Smith
CEO
Australian Spatial Analytics
Australian Spatial Analytics
Geoff Smith
CEO, Australian Spatial Analytics
Geoff Smith is a social entrepreneur and inclusion advocate committed to reducing unemployment and increasing tech skills for young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds. A data analyst by trade, Geoff puts into action the idea that technology can create work and wealth for disadvantaged communities. He views social enterprise as the vehicle for unlocking autistic talent pools for traditional employers. Geoff is also the 2025 Queensland Australian of the Year.
Geoff Smith is a social entrepreneur and inclusion advocate committed to reducing unemployment and increasing tech skills for young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds. A data analyst by trade, Geoff puts into action the idea that technology can create work and wealth for disadvantaged communities. He views social enterprise as the vehicle for unlocking autistic talent pools for traditional employers. Geoff is also the 2025 Queensland Australian of the Year.
Glenda Abraham
CEO
Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation
Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation
Glenda Abraham
CEO, Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation
Glenda Abraham spent the majority of her career in banking and finance, working with boards, government and the Australian financial regulators. Over the last few years, she has had the opportunity to live her passion, working with a variety of Aboriginal corporations to support governance, build economic resilience and supporting their advocacy. Success for Glenda has been establishing frameworks for the vulnerable member policy for Aboriginal retirement benefits and securing millions in federal and state funding allowing several Northern Territory based Aboriginal corporations time to migrate to self-sustainable business models. Glenda is the Chief Executive Officer of Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation and continues to provide Aboriginal board consultancy services and advocacy.
Glenda Abraham spent the majority of her career in banking and finance, working with boards, government and the Australian financial regulators. Over the last few years, she has had the opportunity to live her passion, working with a variety of Aboriginal corporations to support governance, build economic resilience and supporting their advocacy. Success for Glenda has been establishing frameworks for the vulnerable member policy for Aboriginal retirement benefits and securing millions in federal and state funding allowing several Northern Territory based Aboriginal corporations time to migrate to self-sustainable business models. Glenda is the Chief Executive Officer of Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation and continues to provide Aboriginal board consultancy services and advocacy.
Hanna Ebeling
CEO
SEFA
SEFA
Hanna Ebeling
CEO, SEFA
Hanna Ebeling is CEO at Sefa, working with social purpose organisations on capital solutions and capability uplift to suit their needs, helping these organisations build organisational sustainability and access finance from a range of impact investors. From traditional banking with HSBC to venture philanthropy in the Philippines, Hanna brings a global practice lens to Sefa. Her passions include blended finance in partnership with foundations, community-led enterprises, and ground-breaking housing models. She is on the board of disability service provider Woodville Alliance and social enterprise Vanguard Laundry, and as a member of government and sector reference groups contributes to improving for-purpose collaboration between government, philanthropy and the private sector.
Hanna Ebeling is CEO at Sefa, working with social purpose organisations on capital solutions and capability uplift to suit their needs, helping these organisations build organisational sustainability and access finance from a range of impact investors. From traditional banking with HSBC to venture philanthropy in the Philippines, Hanna brings a global practice lens to Sefa. Her passions include blended finance in partnership with foundations, community-led enterprises, and ground-breaking housing models. She is on the board of disability service provider Woodville Alliance and social enterprise Vanguard Laundry, and as a member of government and sector reference groups contributes to improving for-purpose collaboration between government, philanthropy and the private sector.
Ingrid Burkett
Co-director
The Good Shift
The Good Shift
Ingrid Burkett
Co-director, The Good Shift
Ingrid Burkett is a social innovator, a maker, a big picture thinker. She draws experience from fields as diverse as finance, social work and design into a focus on systems innovation. Ingrid has a passion for innovating the ‘boring’ – underlying civic and institutional capabilities and infrastructures to enable society to co-create positive futures. Her research and work have contributed to the design of policy and processes across many fields including procurement and impact investment.
Ingrid Burkett is a social innovator, a maker, a big picture thinker. She draws experience from fields as diverse as finance, social work and design into a focus on systems innovation. Ingrid has a passion for innovating the ‘boring’ – underlying civic and institutional capabilities and infrastructures to enable society to co-create positive futures. Her research and work have contributed to the design of policy and processes across many fields including procurement and impact investment.
Jess Moore
CEO
Social Enterprise Australia
Social Enterprise Australia
Jess Moore
CEO Social Enterprise Australia
Jess Moore is passionate about social justice and climate safety, and people working together to create change. Her work has always been in social innovation, in peak organisations, social enterprise and community development. Prior to SEA Jess was a Director at Social Enterprise Council NSW and ACT and CEO at Community Resources, one of Australia’s largest jobs focussed social enterprises. She also led social enterprise Green Connect through startup and scaleup. Jess came into social enterprise from a background in public policy, advocacy and movement building, and has led collaborations that changed government policy and decisions.
Jess Moore is passionate about social justice and climate safety, and people working together to create change. Her work has always been in social innovation, in peak organisations, social enterprise and community development. Prior to SEA Jess was a Director at Social Enterprise Council NSW and ACT and CEO at Community Resources, one of Australia’s largest jobs focussed social enterprises. She also led social enterprise Green Connect through startup and scaleup. Jess came into social enterprise from a background in public policy, advocacy and movement building, and has led collaborations that changed government policy and decisions.
Jill Ashley
Co-founder
Shore Track
Shore Track
Jill Ashley
Co-Founder Shore Track
Jill Ashley has background in both business and education and strong connections to her community, is well placed to deliver on her passion of helping young people achieve their goals through supported pathways. Jill has developed a number of award-winning programs which focus on developing young people’s skills and confidence through hands on project-based activities while linking them to industry and community-based mentors. Jill enjoys relaxing in the beautiful Nambucca Valley where she lives with her partner and sometimes her two grown children and two dogs.
Jill Ashley has background in both business and education and strong connections to her community, is well placed to deliver on her passion of helping young people achieve their goals through supported pathways. Jill has developed a number of award-winning programs which focus on developing young people’s skills and confidence through hands on project-based activities while linking them to industry and community-based mentors. Jill enjoys relaxing in the beautiful Nambucca Valley where she lives with her partner and sometimes her two grown children and two dogs.
Jo Barraket AM
Director
Melbourne Social Equity Institute
Melbourne Social Equity Institute
Jo Barraket AM
Director, Melbourne Social Equity Institute
Jo Barraket AM is Director of Melbourne Social Equity Institute (MSEI) and Professor of Policy Studies. MSEI is an interdisciplinary research institute which contributes to fairer societies through community-engaged and coproductive research that makes a difference. Jo’s own research focuses on social innovation and the relationships between governments and the social economy in creating change. She has extensive experience conducting research in partnership with social enterprises, government and philanthropy, and in the translation of scholarly outputs into tools and advice that improve policy and organisational practice.
Jo Barraket AM is Director of Melbourne Social Equity Institute (MSEI) and Professor of Policy Studies. MSEI is an interdisciplinary research institute which contributes to fairer societies through community-engaged and coproductive research that makes a difference. Jo’s own research focuses on social innovation and the relationships between governments and the social economy in creating change. She has extensive experience conducting research in partnership with social enterprises, government and philanthropy, and in the translation of scholarly outputs into tools and advice that improve policy and organisational practice.
Julie McKay
Founder and MD
Enable Social Enterprises
Enable Social Enterprises
Julie McKay
Founder & MD, Enable Social Enterprises
Committed to social justice and finding new and innovative ways to support disadvantaged community, Julie McKay is well-regarded for her innovation, passion and expertise in and for the Social Enterprise sector and Circular Economy. Backed up by multiple business awards, for the past decade under Julie's leadership Enable has demonstrated the significant impact of work integrated social enterprise in the circular economy, not only diverting e-waste from landfill but creating inclusive employment pathways and making technology more affordable and accessible for the community.
Committed to social justice and finding new and innovative ways to support disadvantaged community, Julie McKay is well-regarded for her innovation, passion and expertise in and for the Social Enterprise sector and Circular Economy. Backed up by multiple business awards, for the past decade under Julie's leadership Enable has demonstrated the significant impact of work integrated social enterprise in the circular economy, not only diverting e-waste from landfill but creating inclusive employment pathways and making technology more affordable and accessible for the community.
Kate Barrelle
Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer
STREAT
STREAT
Kate Barrelle
Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer, STREAT
Dr Kate Barrelle, clinical/forensic psychologist, is Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer at STREAT, a leading Melbourne Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE). She designed STREAT’s evidence-based youth programs and impact measurement. Passionate about behaviour change, fairness and effective WISE models, Kate is deeply involved in cross-sector collaborations like Moving Feast and the Purpose Precinct initiative. She facilitates WISE Communities of Practice to tackle shared challenges. She bridges research and practice to build practical tools for social enterprise practitioners. She is also the handler of STREAT's therapy dog, Magic.
Dr Kate Barrelle, clinical/forensic psychologist, is Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer at STREAT, a leading Melbourne Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE). She designed STREAT’s evidence-based youth programs and impact measurement. Passionate about behaviour change, fairness and effective WISE models, Kate is deeply involved in cross-sector collaborations like Moving Feast and the Purpose Precinct initiative. She facilitates WISE Communities of Practice to tackle shared challenges. She bridges research and practice to build practical tools for social enterprise practitioners. She is also the handler of STREAT's therapy dog, Magic.
Kirra Johnson
CEO
Good Cycles
Good Cycles
Kirra Johnson
CEO, Good Cycles
Kirra Johnson brings 16 years’ experience in for-purpose leadership; spanning senior operational, organisational development and governance roles in the mental health, homelessness, and family violence sectors. She has delivered a wide range of programs and projects that have enabled sustainable, inclusive and impactful organisations. Kirra’s experience is complemented by formal qualifications that include social impact, social health and health policy, project management, and social work.
Kirra Johnson brings 16 years’ experience in for-purpose leadership; spanning senior operational, organisational development and governance roles in the mental health, homelessness, and family violence sectors. She has delivered a wide range of programs and projects that have enabled sustainable, inclusive and impactful organisations. Kirra’s experience is complemented by formal qualifications that include social impact, social health and health policy, project management, and social work.
Loes Westerbeek
Social Sustainability Manager
Ventia
Ventia
Loes Westerbeek
Social Sustainability Manager, Ventia
Loes's passion for ESG and sustainability, particularly social sustainability, is rooted in her extensive understanding of its impact on communities. With more than two decades of experience in management and board roles, she recognises the critical role businesses play in improving quality of life and fostering equitable societies. She is a strong advocate for social enterprises, understanding their ability to create lasting social value.
Loes's passion for ESG and sustainability, particularly social sustainability, is rooted in her extensive understanding of its impact on communities. With more than two decades of experience in management and board roles, she recognises the critical role businesses play in improving quality of life and fostering equitable societies. She is a strong advocate for social enterprises, understanding their ability to create lasting social value.
Luke Terry
Founder and CEO
White Box Enterprises
White Box Enterprises
Luke Terry
Founder and CEO, White Box Enterprises
Luke Terry co-founded White Box Enterprises (WBE) in 2019 to systematically address the constraints he routinely confronted when launching social enterprises: access to affordable space, access to catalytic capital, and to partnerships that would help mainstream jobs-focused social enterprise in Australia. Luke is a dynamic thought leader with a bias for action. His demonstrated ability to deliver large-scale employment-focused initiatives that leverage commercial opportunities has been recognised through previous start-ups (Vanguard Laundry, Ability Enterprises and Work Restart) and multiple national awards.
Luke Terry co-founded White Box Enterprises (WBE) in 2019 to systematically address the constraints he routinely confronted when launching social enterprises: access to affordable space, access to catalytic capital, and to partnerships that would help mainstream jobs-focused social enterprise in Australia. Luke is a dynamic thought leader with a bias for action. His demonstrated ability to deliver large-scale employment-focused initiatives that leverage commercial opportunities has been recognised through previous start-ups (Vanguard Laundry, Ability Enterprises and Work Restart) and multiple national awards.
Matt Knopp
Senior Associate
Paul Ramsay Foundation
Paul Ramsay Foundation
Matt Knopp
Senior Associate, Paul Ramsay Foundation
Matt Knopp manages capability building related to the sustainability and resilience of foundation partners and also develops capability programs for the wider for-purpose sector. His work includes the funding of new social enterprise and intermediary partners in the key areas of employment and justice. Before joining the foundation, Matt ran a UK-based incubator for young entrepreneurs, worked in venture capital and co-founded a leading UK social impact consulting firm at which he was the executive director for 12 years.
Matt Knopp manages capability building related to the sustainability and resilience of foundation partners and also develops capability programs for the wider for-purpose sector. His work includes the funding of new social enterprise and intermediary partners in the key areas of employment and justice. Before joining the foundation, Matt ran a UK-based incubator for young entrepreneurs, worked in venture capital and co-founded a leading UK social impact consulting firm at which he was the executive director for 12 years.
Matt Pfahlert
Co-founder and CEO
ACRE
ACRE
Matt Pfahlert
Co-founder and CEO, ACRE
One of Australia’s pioneering social entrepreneurs, Matt Pfahlert is helping to shape regional and rural Australia through igniting entrepreneurship in young people and their communities. Matt started his first social enterprise in 1993 at the age of 23, working with 'at risk' young people in wilderness settings. Motivated by a desire to create prosperous, healthy, thriving communities, in 2016 as co-founder and CEO of the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE), Matt led a $2.5M community buy-back of the Old Beechworth Gaol. The site is being re-purposed as an exemplar of social enterprise, impact investment and rural rejuvenation through community owned assets.
One of Australia’s pioneering social entrepreneurs, Matt Pfahlert is helping to shape regional and rural Australia through igniting entrepreneurship in young people and their communities. Matt started his first social enterprise in 1993 at the age of 23, working with 'at risk' young people in wilderness settings. Motivated by a desire to create prosperous, healthy, thriving communities, in 2016 as co-founder and CEO of the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE), Matt led a $2.5M community buy-back of the Old Beechworth Gaol. The site is being re-purposed as an exemplar of social enterprise, impact investment and rural rejuvenation through community owned assets.
Mark Daniels
COO
White Box Enterprises
White Box Enterprises
Mark Daniels
COO, White Box Enterprises
Mark Daniels is a leading figure in the social enterprise sector in Australia. He has been a buyer from social enterprise, run a number of social enterprises and advocated for and provided services to social enterprises over a period spanning 20 years. Mark is the COO of White Box Enterprises where he oversees our work in property, finance and advisory services. Prior to coming to WBE, Mark was a co-founder of Social Traders and an Executive Director for 13 years. There he led the development of their social enterprise marketplace which has become a must-access service for corporate and government clients seeking to build social enterprises into their supply chains.
Mark Daniels is a leading figure in the social enterprise sector in Australia. He has been a buyer from social enterprise, run a number of social enterprises and advocated for and provided services to social enterprises over a period spanning 20 years. Mark is the COO of White Box Enterprises where he oversees our work in property, finance and advisory services. Prior to coming to WBE, Mark was a co-founder of Social Traders and an Executive Director for 13 years. There he led the development of their social enterprise marketplace which has become a must-access service for corporate and government clients seeking to build social enterprises into their supply chains.
Mel Sass
Operations Manager
Beacon Laundry
Beacon Laundry
Mel Sass
Operations Manager, Beacon Laundry
Mel Sass (they/them) is a queer, neurospicy kid who graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of social work in 2012. They spent a decade working across the child youth and family services sector in government and NFP roles. Mel is the self-appointed poster child for adversity and harnesses their lived experience of addiction and recovery to do some good. Mel is currently employed as the Operations Manager at Beacon Laundry – a jobs-focused social enterprise that creates jobs for people experiencing barriers to employment.
Mel Sass (they/them) is a queer, neurospicy kid who graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of social work in 2012. They spent a decade working across the child youth and family services sector in government and NFP roles. Mel is the self-appointed poster child for adversity and harnesses their lived experience of addiction and recovery to do some good. Mel is currently employed as the Operations Manager at Beacon Laundry – a jobs-focused social enterprise that creates jobs for people experiencing barriers to employment.
Mikhara Ramsing
Co-founder
Capyble
Capyble
Mikhara Ramsing
Co-founder, Capyble
Mikhara Ramsing is an award-winning entrepreneur, global speaker, economist and tech leader for workplaces and AI. She is an Australian Financial Review Top 100 Women of Influence, former Westpac Social Change Fellow, and finalist for the Young Australian of the Year (Queensland). She believes business can be a tool for social impact and has a Tedx Talk on social enterprise as the billion dollar opportunity.
Mikhara Ramsing is an award-winning entrepreneur, global speaker, economist and tech leader for workplaces and AI. She is an Australian Financial Review Top 100 Women of Influence, former Westpac Social Change Fellow, and finalist for the Young Australian of the Year (Queensland). She believes business can be a tool for social impact and has a Tedx Talk on social enterprise as the billion dollar opportunity.
Myron Mann
CEO
Bedford Group
Bedford Group
Myron Mann
Chief Executive Officer, Bedford Group
Myron Mann is a globally renowned CEO with a proven track record of disruptive strategies, performance improvement and global leadership and has worked across large companies and family businesses. He is currently using his skills to reimagine working, learning and living at Bedford Group Limited, a group of enterprises focussed on removing barriers to work and inclusive workplaces. Myron is Vice President SA State NDS Committee, a Fellow of The Governor’s Leadership Foundation and a former Director of the Leaders Institute of South Australia. Myron also serves on the Advisory Board for the Australian Institute of For Purpose Leaders and teaches Entrepreneurship at the University of Adelaide Business School.
Myron Mann is a globally renowned CEO with a proven track record of disruptive strategies, performance improvement and global leadership and has worked across large companies and family businesses. He is currently using his skills to reimagine working, learning and living at Bedford Group Limited, a group of enterprises focussed on removing barriers to work and inclusive workplaces. Myron is Vice President SA State NDS Committee, a Fellow of The Governor’s Leadership Foundation and a former Director of the Leaders Institute of South Australia. Myron also serves on the Advisory Board for the Australian Institute of For Purpose Leaders and teaches Entrepreneurship at the University of Adelaide Business School.
Nicole Donnison
Social Procurement & Inclusion Manager
Icon
Icon
Nicole Donnison
Social Procurement & Inclusion Manager, Icon
Nicole Donnison brings a unique perspective from 20 years advancing social outcomes through the built environment. In her current role, she is responsible for advancing more than $60M social value creation across construction of major projects in Victoria, and is embedding the practice of social procurement across the Icon Group. Nicole is committed to creating possibility for social change and addressing inequality in our community, and is driving this change through social enterprise partnerships and inclusive employment models.
Nicole Donnison brings a unique perspective from 20 years advancing social outcomes through the built environment. In her current role, she is responsible for advancing more than $60M social value creation across construction of major projects in Victoria, and is embedding the practice of social procurement across the Icon Group. Nicole is committed to creating possibility for social change and addressing inequality in our community, and is driving this change through social enterprise partnerships and inclusive employment models.
Pat Ryan
CEO
Dismantle
Dismantle
Pat Ryan
CEO, Dismantle
Pat Ryan began his career as a social worker in crisis accommodation and has led the social enterprise Dismantle since 2014. Dismantle’s youth outreach programs have connected with thousands of young people across WA and the Work Integrated Social Enterprises has provided award-wage employment for over 100 unemployed young people, with over $1.5m in wages and growing. With a focus to accelerate the progress of WA’s emerging social enterprise sector and policy environment, Pat is also a founding and current committee member of the Western Australian Social Enterprise Council and sits on another no-profit social enterprise board, The Underground Collaborative.
Pat Ryan began his career as a social worker in crisis accommodation and has led the social enterprise Dismantle since 2014. Dismantle’s youth outreach programs have connected with thousands of young people across WA and the Work Integrated Social Enterprises has provided award-wage employment for over 100 unemployed young people, with over $1.5m in wages and growing. With a focus to accelerate the progress of WA’s emerging social enterprise sector and policy environment, Pat is also a founding and current committee member of the Western Australian Social Enterprise Council and sits on another no-profit social enterprise board, The Underground Collaborative.
Ryan Salzke
CEO
Vanguard Laundry
Vanguard Laundry
Ryan Salzke
CEO, Vanguard Laundry
Ryan Salzke is CEO of Vanguard Laundry, a large work-integrated social enterprise he helped establish in 2016. He is a social impact leader dedicated to empowering those who face barriers to employment, leaning on various learning and experience from across various roles in corporate banking and the not-for-profit sector.
Ryan Salzke is CEO of Vanguard Laundry, a large work-integrated social enterprise he helped establish in 2016. He is a social impact leader dedicated to empowering those who face barriers to employment, leaning on various learning and experience from across various roles in corporate banking and the not-for-profit sector.
Rebecca Scott
Co-founder and CEO
STREAT
STREAT
Rebecca Scott
Co-founder and CEO, STREAT
Building alongside her wife Kate Barrelle, Bec Scott co-founded STREAT, a Melbourne-based hospitality social enterprise that provides supported training and employment pathways to young people who need a hand. The organisation runs a portfolio of 20 businesses, including cafes, kiosks, an artisan bakery, a catering company, and a coffee roastery. Since the organisation opened its doors in 2010, STREAT has worked intensively with over 1,000 young people who have helped serve Melburnians over 4 million meals and coffees. Bec has been heavily involved in building sector projects like SENVIC, Moving Feast and the Purpose Precinct, and is also passionate about youth social entrepreneurship and has supported her son Will (pictured centre) in the development of his own social enterprise Wilful Kindness.
Building alongside her wife Kate Barrelle, Bec Scott co-founded STREAT, a Melbourne-based hospitality social enterprise that provides supported training and employment pathways to young people who need a hand. The organisation runs a portfolio of 20 businesses, including cafes, kiosks, an artisan bakery, a catering company, and a coffee roastery. Since the organisation opened its doors in 2010, STREAT has worked intensively with over 1,000 young people who have helped serve Melburnians over 4 million meals and coffees. Bec has been heavily involved in building sector projects like SENVIC, Moving Feast and the Purpose Precinct, and is also passionate about youth social entrepreneurship and has supported her son Will (pictured centre) in the development of his own social enterprise Wilful Kindness.
Roksolana Suchowerska
Senior Lecturer - Social Impact
Centre for Social Impact, Swinburne
Centre for Social Impact, Swinburne
Roksolana Suchowerska
Senior Lecturer - Social Impact, Centre for Social Impact, Swinburne
Roksolana Suchowerska works with students and organisations across public, private, community and hybrid sectors to co-create knowledge for equitable and inclusive social change. With a background in political sociology, Roksolana's recent research has examined public policies and government initiatives that affect jobs-focused social enterprise—including social procurement policy and payment by outcomes.
Roksolana Suchowerska works with students and organisations across public, private, community and hybrid sectors to co-create knowledge for equitable and inclusive social change. With a background in political sociology, Roksolana's recent research has examined public policies and government initiatives that affect jobs-focused social enterprise—including social procurement policy and payment by outcomes.
Sally McGeoch
Senior Advisor
Westpac Foundation
Westpac Foundation
Sally McGeoch
Senior Advisor, Westpac Foundation
Sally McGeogh manages Westpac Foundation’s funding and capability building programs to support social enterprises creating jobs and employment pathways for people facing complex barriers to work in Australia. She has more than 17 years of experience working at the intersection of philanthropy, business and social enterprise. Prior to joining the Foundation, she led partnerships at the former School for Social Entrepreneurs and helped co-found Australia’s first social enterprise bakery, The Bread & Butter Project. Sally is passionate about strengthening collaboration to address systemic barriers to scale for Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISE) and is completing her PhD at CSI Swinburne on the role of cross-sector collaboration in scaling WISE. She is co-chair of Philanthropy Australia's Social Enterprise Funders Group and a member of the WISE Hub, a committee convened by Social Enterprise Australia to support WISEs in driving greater economic inclusion.
Sally McGeogh manages Westpac Foundation’s funding and capability building programs to support social enterprises creating jobs and employment pathways for people facing complex barriers to work in Australia. She has more than 17 years of experience working at the intersection of philanthropy, business and social enterprise. Prior to joining the Foundation, she led partnerships at the former School for Social Entrepreneurs and helped co-found Australia’s first social enterprise bakery, The Bread & Butter Project. Sally is passionate about strengthening collaboration to address systemic barriers to scale for Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISE) and is completing her PhD at CSI Swinburne on the role of cross-sector collaboration in scaling WISE. She is co-chair of Philanthropy Australia's Social Enterprise Funders Group and a member of the WISE Hub, a committee convened by Social Enterprise Australia to support WISEs in driving greater economic inclusion.
Steph Say
CEO
HoMie
HoMie
Steph Say
CEO, HoMie
Steph Say is CEO of HoMie an Australian streetwear label and social enterprise using fashion as a force for good. 100% of profits go to supporting young people affected by homelessness or handship to be more work-ready through employment and education programs. HoMie is quickly expanding its reach and influence, proving that profit and purpose can (and arguably, should) go hand in hand. As a passionate advocate for purpose-driven business, Steph encourages others to embrace innovation and inclusivity, showcasing how retail can drive lasting social impact and foster community empowerment. With a professional background spanning journalism, the AFL and non profits such as The Big Issue and The Reach Foundation, Steph is driven by storytelling, community engagement and social advocacy.
Steph Say is CEO of HoMie an Australian streetwear label and social enterprise using fashion as a force for good. 100% of profits go to supporting young people affected by homelessness or handship to be more work-ready through employment and education programs. HoMie is quickly expanding its reach and influence, proving that profit and purpose can (and arguably, should) go hand in hand. As a passionate advocate for purpose-driven business, Steph encourages others to embrace innovation and inclusivity, showcasing how retail can drive lasting social impact and foster community empowerment. With a professional background spanning journalism, the AFL and non profits such as The Big Issue and The Reach Foundation, Steph is driven by storytelling, community engagement and social advocacy.
Rebecca Crawley
Manager
Thamarrurr Youth Indigenous Corporation
Thamarrurr Youth Indigenous Corporation
Rebecca Crawley
Manager, Thamarrurr Youth Indigenous Corporation
Rebecca's interest in Indigenous cultures, and the value she places on learning and sharing, has enabled her to combine her studies in business, education and linguistics to create employment and work-readiness programs in rural Australia with Thamarrurr Youth Indigenous Corporation. Rebecca and her husband Justin, together with their three boys, spent many years in the remote Aboriginal community of Wadeye in the NT and share a desire to ensure all people, especially young people, are supported with opportunities to make the most of their lives.
Rebecca's interest in Indigenous cultures, and the value she places on learning and sharing, has enabled her to combine her studies in business, education and linguistics to create employment and work-readiness programs in rural Australia with Thamarrurr Youth Indigenous Corporation. Rebecca and her husband Justin, together with their three boys, spent many years in the remote Aboriginal community of Wadeye in the NT and share a desire to ensure all people, especially young people, are supported with opportunities to make the most of their lives.
Tara anderson
CEO
Social Traders
Social Traders
Tara Anderson
CEO, Social Traders
Tara Anderson is the CEO of Social Traders, a leading industry body for social enterprise and social performance established in 2008. Social Traders certify and support social enterprises to increase trade revenue while also supporting businesses to deliver and report on social performance, the "S" in ESG. Tara has international experience across social enterprise, charities, social innovation and for-purpose intermediaries in the UK, Europe and Australia. She has led large-scale collaborations, designed and implemented strategies for growth and diversification, and repositioned brands for increased impact. Her career has spanned strategy, business development, innovation, marketing, social impact and cross-sector collaboration at executive and Board level. She's passionate about seeing more businesses embed purpose and drive more social impact – to create a fairer, more equitable and sustainable world, for all of us.
Tara Anderson is the CEO of Social Traders, a leading industry body for social enterprise and social performance established in 2008. Social Traders certify and support social enterprises to increase trade revenue while also supporting businesses to deliver and report on social performance, the "S" in ESG. Tara has international experience across social enterprise, charities, social innovation and for-purpose intermediaries in the UK, Europe and Australia. She has led large-scale collaborations, designed and implemented strategies for growth and diversification, and repositioned brands for increased impact. Her career has spanned strategy, business development, innovation, marketing, social impact and cross-sector collaboration at executive and Board level. She's passionate about seeing more businesses embed purpose and drive more social impact – to create a fairer, more equitable and sustainable world, for all of us.
Valerie Richards
General Manager
Jigsaw
Jigsaw
Valerie Richards
General Manager, Jigsaw
Valerie has enjoyed experiences in NFP and social enterprise management across international development, domestic violence and now the disability sector. As General Manager of Jigsaw she sees the critical and systemic change employment pathways can bring. Her vision is to support innovative thinking in this area and to bring about real and lasting impact.
Valerie has enjoyed experiences in NFP and social enterprise management across international development, domestic violence and now the disability sector. As General Manager of Jigsaw she sees the critical and systemic change employment pathways can bring. Her vision is to support innovative thinking in this area and to bring about real and lasting impact.
