Our Team

CHAIR & DIRECTOR

Mrs Blanden is the Principal of Warakirri College, a school for disadvantaged young people who are reconnecting with education. In addition to her 30 years experience in public and private sector education, Mrs Blanden has worked in the construction and finance industries, in resource development technology and in international education at tertiary level. Mrs Blanden is a committee member of the National Council of Women.

DEPUTY CHAIR & DIRECTOR

Mrs Tomlinson has extensive experience in the legal profession as a solicitor. As such she worked as an Investigative Solicitor with the Law Society of New South Wales.  Mrs Tomlinson is also a former Judicial Registrar of the Federal Court of Australia. After many years in this profession Mrs Tomlinson became a successful entrepreneur and has experience in start-up internet companies engaged in distance education.

TREASURER & DIRECTOR

Evan is a Chartered Accountant with a Master of Science degree and Post Grad Dip Accounting. He has worked as a Chartered Accountant for 14 years in public practices as well as 2 years at the Macular Disease Foundation Australia. He also has treasurer roles with the Sydney Community Forum and a small ski lodge. Evan has an interest in the Not-for-Profit sector

COMPANY SECRETARY & DIRECTOR

Dr. Penelope Fotheringham, BMedSci, MBBS (Hons), MPH, MSc (ID) FRANZCOG, FAFPHM an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Public Health Physician working to understand and improve health systems through improving practitioner care.

DIRECTOR

Arda Ergun GAICD is a driven leader; having gained extensive experience in Technology/SaaS and Management Consulting since her career began in 2011. Born and raised in Istanbul, she has lived and worked in Canada, The Netherlands and Australia. Arda holds a Bachelor of Business from York University, and an MBA Essentials program certificate from London School of Economics. She currently resides in Sydney and is the Regional Director, APAC Success Architects at Salesforce.

DIRECTOR

Jodie is a nurse and lawyer and has a Masters in Commercial Litigation. She was principal Solicitor of a State Wide legal Service focussed on helping the disadvantaged. Bringing over 12 years’ experience in the Not-for-Profit Sector, Jodie is currently the CEO of MYST (Mountains Youth Services Team). With her passion for helping disadvantaged communities, Jodie thrives on advocacy and is committed to reducing social inequalities and systemic barriers to providing opportunities for the most vulnerable.

DIRECTOR

Sam Durland, MSocSc, BE(Hons), is a Certified Management Consultant, a Chartered Professional Engineer and a Certified Executive Coach. Sam’s international development consulting work has taken him to more than 20 countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa and South America. He has held senior executive positions with private enterprise, statutory authorities and government departments in Australia and overseas. He has served on more than 20 boards of public and private companies, government bodies and non-government organisations.

BOARD OBSERVER

Iris Chan, a seasoned communications leader with experience across professional services, start-ups, and nonprofits, brings a strategic perspective to stakeholder engagement. As Senior Manager of International Communications at Australian Catholic University, she drives impactful communication initiatives and is extending her expertise to Women's Plans Foundation. Holding a Master of Business (Australian National University) and Certified Practising Marketer accreditation, Iris is further developing her governance knowledge through AICD foundation training, making her a valuable board observer.

BOARD OBSERVER

Jen is an established business strategist and founder with a crisis communications and venture capital background. Founder of Baseline, a digital platform developed for concussion treatment, injury management and risk compliance. Founder of Jennifer Kate (exited), a high-end boutique fashion label based in Australia and sold internationally, and Vouch For You (exited), an online voucher marketplace for small businesses. Mentor to small and growing businesses across the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Lobbyist and advocate in the surrogacy space.