About

Our
people

Meet the passionate team behind our work

Our Patron

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Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC of New South Wales

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC serves as the 39th Governor of New South Wales. We were thrilled when, in April 2019, Her Excellency graciously accepted the role of Patron of the Sydney Community Foundation. Prior to her appointment as Governor, Her Excellency enjoyed a long and distinguished law career spanning 43 years, during which time she served as a role model for women in law at both the State and national level. Her Excellency brings her deep commitment to education, youth leadership, human rights and social justice to the role in service of the people of New South Wales.

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC Governor of New South Wales

Our Board

Our Board of Trustees is drawn from citizens of the Greater Sydney area who are actively engaged in our community

Sophie McCarthy

Chair

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Sophie McCarthy

Chair

Sophie McCarthy is the owner and Chief Executive of McCarthy Mentoring, a Sydney based consulting group that works globally with organisations to inspire and develop their emerging and current leaders. Sophie is a coach and mentor and has established partnerships with schools and community groups assisting them in a pro bono capacity to establish mentoring programs for students, graduates, refugees and newly arrived Australians.

“In my role as Chair of Sydney Community Foundation, I am to grow the funding to support the most vulnerable people in Sydney and inspire others to build a kind, compassionate and fair city.”

Georgina Byron AM

Deputy Chair

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Georgina Byron AM

Deputy Chair

Georgina is the CEO and Executive Director of The Snow Foundation. Over the last 18 years, Georgina has led the expansion of the Foundation and championed major social change projects and social entrepreneurs. She is passionate about creating social change to improve the lives of Australians, especially women, girls, and First Nations Australians. Georgina is community-minded and committed to progressing a more inclusive, kinder, safer Sydney where everyone can thrive.

Lucinda Brogden AM

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Lucinda Brogden AM

Lucy Brogden is a board member of Sydney Community Foundation Gives (previously Be Kind Sydney) and co-founder and Patron of the Sydney Women’s Fund. She has more than 25 years’ experience commercial experience with companies including Macquarie Group and Ernst & Young working in accounting, finance, and organisational psychology. She has a strong commitment to helping others and building stronger communities.

Lisa Chung AM

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Lisa Chung AM

Lisa serves as a non-executive director on boards of various commercial and not-for-profit organisations, spanning a wide range of sectors. She was previously Chair of Australia’s oldest charity, The Benevolent Society, and formerly the Deputy President of the Board of Trustees at the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.

Joanna Ryan

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Joanna Ryan

Joanna is a financial services specialist, having founded and run a highly successful financial planning consultancy for professional women for the last 20 years. She has worked in banking and finance for over twenty years both in Australia and the US.  She is an active public speaker, educator, and coach to women on all money matters and the paths to securing their financial future.

“Sydney’s Women’s Fund keeps me grounded in the plight of Sydney’s most vulnerable women in my city’s most disadvantaged areas. My involvement keeps urging me to act, to speak out and apply my skill set, resources and networks to advance other women.”

Melanie Leijer

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Melanie Leijer

Melanie is an experienced executive with a diverse background spanning large and mid-sized organisations. She brings strong financial and operational expertise gained from roles such as COO of Only About Children and VetPartners and GM of Operations for Lendlease’s retirement living business. She has previously been a director for Link Housing and Stepping Stone House and is a Graduate of the Institute of Company Directors. Melanie is currently a management consultant and executive coach.

“I am excited to be joining the Board of Sydney Community Foundation. As a proud Sydneysider, I am motivated by the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact in the Sydney community.”

David McCarthy

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David McCarthy

David is a member of the Deloitte Australia Executive, the Managing Partner of Deloitte Financial Advisory and Executive Sponsor of Deloitte Climate & Sustainability. He leads a team of 1,500 people who serve the private and public sector responding to economic and societal shifts and structural changes including: a sustainable health system; investment in social infrastructure; transition to a net zero economy; security and justice and advising investors seeking transformational M&A opportunity. David has spent his professional career advising companies, investors, financiers and government in transactions and financial restructurings.

Eric Moore

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Eric Moore

Eric Moore is the CEO and Founder of LJE Global. He is a dynamic organisational leader with over twenty years of experience in conducting business transformations and turnarounds to exceed shareholder expectations.

Dr Rhonda Itaoui

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Dr Rhonda Itaoui

Rhonda Itaoui is an experienced leader in higher education and strategic advocacy. As Director of the Centre for Western Sydney at Western Sydney University, Rhonda leads evidence-based research and policy initiatives that aim to address the region’s needs and foster sustainable growth. Her work focuses on the geographies of equity, diversity and multiculturalism, developed through years of both local and global research and community engagement. Her dedication to impactful, data-driven research supports targeted solutions and investments, aligning with the Foundation's mission to strengthen communities. “I am inspired by Sydney Community Foundation’s approach to supporting grassroots initiatives that create real change. Joining the board is an honour, and I am eager to contribute my commitment to research-driven strategies that inform decision-making and amplify targeted investments for a more inclusive and resilient Sydney.”

“Sydney’s Women’s Fund keeps me grounded in the plight of Sydney’s most vulnerable women in my city’s most disadvantaged areas. My involvement keeps urging me to act, to speak out and apply my skill set, resources and networks to advance other women.”

Sydney Women’s Fund Co-founders and Patrons

Our all-volunteer Board of Trustees is drawn from citizens of the Greater Sydney area who are actively engaged in our community

Wendy McCarthy AC

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Wendy McCarthy AC

In a career spanning five decades and most continents, Wendy McCarthy AC has remained committed to the belief that education for women and children is the best investment any nation can make. Teacher, educator, writer, social advocate, business woman and executive, she is also mother of three, grandmother of five and a friend, mentor and role model to many.

Lucinda Brogden AM

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Lucinda Brogden AM

Lucy Brogden is a board member of Be Kind Sydney and co-founder and patron of the Sydney Women’s Fund. She has more than 25 years’ experience commercial experience with companies including Macquarie Group and Ernst & Young working in accounting, finance and organisational psychology. She has a strong commitment to helping others and building stronger communities.

Sydney Women’s Fund Advisory Council

Our all-volunteer Board of Trustees is drawn from citizens of the Greater Sydney area who are actively engaged in our community

Georgina Byron AM

Chair

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Georgina Byron AM

Chair

Joanna Ryan

Deputy Chair

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Joanna Ryan

Deputy Chair

Nicole Abadee

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Nicole Abadee

Nicole Abadee has worked in the books industry for many years, after a twenty-year career in the law. She currently writes about books for Good Weekend Magazine and is a contributor to the popular Two of Us page. Nicole appears regularly as a moderator at writers’ festivals and other literary events. She has been a literary judge and is a regular guest on ABC Radio National’s book show, The Bookshelf. In 2023 Nicole was a co-founder of Writers for the Voice.

Before working in the books industry Nicole was a barrister for ten years and an academic after that, teaching international law at the University of Sydney, University of New South Wales and the Australian National University. She has long had an interest in international and human rights law and has a Masters in International Law from the University of Cambridge.

“I have been a supporter of the Sydney Women’s Fund for many years because I am so impressed with the work they do, collaborating with grassroots organisations to make Sydney a better, more equitable place to live for women. It is a privilege and a joy to now be on its Advisory Council so that I can contribute in a more meaningful way to that fantastic work.”

Lucinda Brogden AM

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Lucinda Brogden AM

Catherine Fox AM

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Catherine Fox AM

Catherine Fox AM is a leading commentator on women, an award-winning journalist, author and presenter. During a long career with the Financial Review, she edited several sections of the newspaper, and wrote the Corporate Woman column; and she has published five books, including Stop Fixing Women which was awarded the 2017 Walkley Award for Women’s Leadership in Media.

“I’m on the Sydney Women’s Advisory Board because I want to do anything I can to help philanthropy take the lead in closing the gender gap in Sydney by giving crucial investment and support to women and girls in need.”

Lisa Grinham

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Lisa Grinham

Lisa is passionate about supporting women and families through community-based charities. Lisa was CEO of Good2Give and three of Westpac Group’s charitable foundations. Lisa is a current Board director of International Women’s Forum Australia and a past director of Daystar Foundation and ShareGift Australia.

Karen Iles

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Karen Iles

Karen Iles is the founder of Violet Co Legal & Consulting, a woman-owned, Indigenous business and social enterprise, focused on women, gender diversity and First Nations social justice. Karen is also a member of the Sydney Women’s Fund Advisory Board. Karen is a lawyer, consultant, board director, sexual assault survivor and Dharug Aboriginal woman.

Angelica Ojinnaka-Psillakis

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Angelica Ojinnaka-Psillakis

Angelica Ojinnaka-Psillakis Angelica is a pioneering global youth and community affairs leader, social and public health researcher, and advocate. She has led strategic research, education and advocacy agendas in university and non-profit sectors exploring social inequalities, youth participation and development, mental health, marginalisation and intersectionality, and civic and community leadership. She served as the 2022 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations and is the current Oceania Representative on the World Federation of United Nations Associations Youth Advisory Council. She is a Founding Member of the Wellbeing for African Australia Youth collective in Western Sydney and Where They Are. “I am excited to be part of the Sydney Women’s Fund Advisory Council, and the opportunity to advocate for women in Western Sydney to be centred and affirmed in partnership and bring our tables for meaningful investment to improve the lives of all women.”

Leigh Page

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Leigh Page

Leigh Page has over 15 years of experience in campaign strategy and fundraising within higher education, healthcare, cultural, public policy, conservation and international organisations. She has worked closely with CEOs, boards, leadership donors, partners, and volunteer committees. Leigh helps mission-driven organisations meet their most pressing philanthropic challenges and achieve their most ambitious goals to make a bigger impact - locally, nationally, and globally.

“There are invisible barriers inhibiting women from improving their lives. Whether it’s pay discrimination, domestic abuse or a disproportionate load of family responsibilities. These barriers can impact women without adequate support in a devastating way. Sydney Women’s Fund recognises those often-unseen barriers and funds local organisations that are supporting women in their own communities.”

Genevieve Smart

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Genevieve Smart

Genevieve is the co-founder and creative director of renowned Australian fashion brand Ginger & Smart. Her career in the fashion industry spans over 30 years. In 2022, Genevieve co-founded Ginger & Smart and the brand quickly gained international recognition for its distinctive aesthetic and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Beyond her brand, Genevieve is actively involved in environmental and social initiatives, serving on several advisory councils.

“I became involved with Sydney Women’s Fund Advisory Board through working on a project working with migrant women in Western Sydney. Its grassroots ethos and intimate scale resonated with me. It is an extraordinary circle of women empowering others to rise.”

Nicky Verco

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Nicky Verco

Nicky is the founder of Herd MSL and a highly experienced communications and PR strategist. She works as a trusted advisor across the venture capital and community sectors and is inspired by social enterprise and Australian innovation. Expert Topics: Communications strategy, public relations and storytelling, climate technology advocacy, community-driven initiatives, Australian innovation and business start-up strategies.

Staff

Loredana Fyffe

Chief Executive Officer

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Loredana Fyffe

Chief Executive Officer

Sydney Community Foundation & Sydney Community Foundation Gives Ltd

Loredana Fyffe is the Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Community Foundation and a board director for the network organisation, Community Foundation’s Australia. Loredana holds over 20 years’ experience in the philanthropic sector and has worked for organisations focused on creating local grassroots change and with international charities. She is passionate about Community Foundations and their ability to create lasting change.

Jodie Streckeisen

Operations & Donor Manager

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Jodie Streckeisen

Operations & Donor Manager

With over 11 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Jodie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as Operations and Donor Manager at Sydney Community Foundation. Since starting at the Foundation in 2021, Jodie has been instrumental in fostering philanthropic engagement and streamlining operational efficiencies, ensuring the Foundation’s mission to support the community is at the heart of what we do.

Roshni Anand

Finance Manager

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Roshni Anand

Finance Manager

Roshni is the Finance Manager of the Sydney Community Foundation with a background in audit, compliance and corporate finance spanning 20 years. She manages the day-to-day finance compliance and operations of the foundation and is passionate about the not-for-profit sector and the impact community foundations can have in driving positive change. She is also pursuing qualifications in the field of Psychology to better understand and contribute to the space of mental health.

Gabrielle King

Sydney Women's Fund Manager

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Gabrielle King

Sydney Women's Fund Manager

Gabrielle is the Manager of Sydney Women’s Fund. She brings over 20 years of experience across professional services and the for-purpose sector, with a background spanning law, governance, strategy, social enterprise, impact measurement, and human-centred design. Deeply committed to advancing gender equity and social impact, Gabrielle leads initiatives that create meaningful outcomes for women and families across Greater Sydney.

Corinne Kemp

KWOOP Director

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Corinne Kemp

KWOOP Director

Corinne is the Coordinator for the Keeping Women Out of Prison (KWOOP) Coalition. She is also the Co-Chair of our Key Impact Sub Fund, IMPACT100 Sydney. Her expertise in gender equity, health, social inclusion, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship drives her commitment to creating meaningful and lasting impact through collaboration and inclusive leadership.

Christie Maria James

SWF Program & Engagement Officer

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Christie Maria James

SWF Program & Engagement Officer

Christie brings close to a decade of experience working in gender equity and social impact, beginning her career in India and continuing her work in Australia. As an ever-evolving feminist, she has dedicated her work to advancing women’s rights, with a focus on addressing discrimination, gender-based violence, and systemic inequity.

Her experience spans grassroots organisations and policy-oriented initiatives in India, shaping a deep commitment to community-led change and justice for women. Now contributing to the mission of Sydney Women’s Fund as the Program and Engagement Officer, Christie supports programs that empower women and families across Greater Sydney, carrying forward her passion for gender equity into the Australian context.

Driven by curiosity, compassion, and a belief in collective progress, she continues to build bridges between lived experience, community needs, and meaningful impact - striving for a more equitable future for women everywhere.

Laura Prittie

KWOOP Project Manager

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Laura Prittie

KWOOP Project Manager

Laura has over 10 years of experience in project management, partnerships and communications as well as experience developing and implementing diversity and inclusion programs. The desire to fuse corporate and project management expertise, and a passion for social impact was the catalyst for Laura to join the for-purpose sector. Alongside this role, Laura manages philanthropy at a crisis drop-in centre for women.

An Le

SCF Administration Assistant

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An Le

SCF Administration Assistant

An supports the day-to-day functioning of Sydney Community Foundation, providing administrative and communications assistance. A recent graduate in Political Science and International Studies, she brings academic expertise on the subject of sexual and gender-based violence. A lifelong commitment to racial justice and intersectional feminist activism inspired An to pursue a career in the for-purpose sector, in the hopes of driving lasting social change. Through her organisational work at the Foundation, An is proud to contribute to the social development of the community, with a particular interest in Western Sydney.

Angela Guestrau

Schools Program Director

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Angela Guestrau

Schools Program Director

Angela is the Program Director for Schools for Impact, a Sub Fund of Sydney Community Foundation. Angela is a collaborative business executive with an MBA and experience in business development, education and program management across corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Angela has local and global experience in the not-for-profit sector working with diverse communities to deliver positive social outcomes.She is passionate about creating more connected communities and is driven to lead change, to make our city thrive.

Naomi Monfrooy

First Nations Engagement Coordinator

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Naomi Monfrooy

First Nations Engagement Coordinator

Naomi is the First Nations Engagement Coordinator for the Keeping Women Out of Prison (KWOOP) Coalition. She is a proud Budawang woman from Yuin Country, with a background in case management and youth work supporting Aboriginal children, young people and families navigating the child protection and justice systems.

Naomi has an undergraduate degree in Criminology and is currently undertaking her postgraduate Juris Doctor studies through UNSW. She brings both professional and lived experience of the custodial system, shaping her commitment to ensuring First Nations women’s voices are genuinely centred in policy, advocacy and community engagement. Her work focuses on building strong, trust-based relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and community, and supporting culturally grounded, community-led approaches to reducing incarceration and improving outcomes for First Nations women.

We’ve raised and connected over $40 million to benefit people in local neighbourhoods in Sydney

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Ourpeople

Meet the passionate team behind our work

Our Patron

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC Governor of New South Wales

Our Board

Our Board of Trustees is drawn from citizens of the Greater Sydney area who are actively engaged in our community

Sydney Women’s Fund Co-founders and Patrons

Our all-volunteer Board of Trustees is drawn from citizens of the Greater Sydney area who are actively engaged in our community

Sydney Women’s Fund Advisory Council

Our all-volunteer Board of Trustees is drawn from citizens of the Greater Sydney area who are actively engaged in our community

Staff

We’ve raised and connected over $40 million to benefit people in local neighbourhoods in Sydney

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