My guiding belief is that transformative impact emerges only when a systems lens is applied - just as we are not islands, neither are the complex social challenges we are facing. Solving these problems requires us to look at the system as a whole and to bring together all stakeholders to collaboratively drive solutions. My experience has been diverse:

Recent roles and experience

• Director of Innovative Finance, Caritas Australia: Led the design of a groundbreaking innovative finance mechanism for emerging markets in the Indo-Pacific region centred on outcomes in the gender-climate nexus.

• Director of Impact, Caritas Australia: Established and led the inaugural Impact Department, building a high-performing team managing the Strategy & Performance, Advocacy & Government Relations and Innovation Portfolios.

Strategic advisory

• Founder & CEO, ALTO Global Consulting (2010-2022): Provided expert advisory and technical support services to purpose-driven clients globally. Delivered complex, multi-country initiatives spanning themes such as strategy and innovation, transformational change, child protection and safeguaring, sustainability and climate, ESG reporting and frameworks to clients from the non-profit, private and public sectors.

Thought leadership

• I host The Good Problem Podcast, where I delve into the ethical dimensions of social impact, philanthropy and advocacy, uncovering what it really means to do “good”.

• I wrote a book with some of my amazing friends and colleagues. It’s called ‘Modern Day Slavery and Orphanage Tourism (CABI, 2019).

• I also write journal articles and guest posts every now and then, and have a new book in the works. My writing has appeared in The Conversation, and I’ve collaborated with philosopher Peter Singer.

Advocacy and policy influence

• Driven by my committment to child rights, I co-founded and led the ReThink Orphanages Network, a global advocacy group that aims to prevent the unnecessary institutionalisation of children by shifting the way people engage with overseas aid and development. This initiative influenced major legislative change in Australia and internationally, including in Australia’s Modern Slavery Act and continues to help reshape international perspectives on ethical volunteering.

NGO leadership

• Founder & Managing Director, Future Cambodia Fund (2004-2009): My interest in rights-based community development found early roots in Cambodia, where I launched a grassroots NGO focused on deliving access to basic rights such as healthcare, education, and legal support to displaced communities. By forging partnerships with other NGOs, government agencies, philanthropic trusts and the private sector, Future Cambodia Fund delivered high-impact programs empowering local communities to address injustice.

Board & advisory appointments

• Director & Trustee, Refugia Foundation (2020-2022)

• Master of Social Impact Advisory Board member, Swinburne University (2020-2023)

• Child Safeguarding Hub Advisory Board Member, Australian Volunteers International (2019-2021)

• Council Member & Equity Committee Chair, Victorian Government School for Student Leadership (2011-2022):

Awards & affiliations

• I’m the recipient of the Victorian Young Australian of the Year Award 2009, the Australian Leadership Award 2009, and the JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World Award (Human Rights and World Peace) 2009.

Education & professional development

• I hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Deakin University

• I’ve been lucky enough to participate in the Cranlana Centre for Ethics in Leadership Executive Colloquium, and also am an alumni of University of Melbourne’s AsiaLink Leaders Program.

• I’ve completed the Impact Investment Management course, with ASPEN Development Network.

• I’ve completed the ‘Journey to Impact' course with Small Giants Academy