Our People
At the heart for The Nappy Collective is community. We are powered by our volunteers running Collectives in their own communities.
We couldn’t do our work without them.
OUR HEAD OFFICE
Lauren Read, Community Engagement Manager
Lauren’s first fundraiser was at age 10, selling baked goods and badges out the front of her local general store in aid of koala conservation. It wasn’t terribly successful, but that feeling of making a positive contribution stayed with her long after the last hedgehog slice sold.
Lauren has since spent more than 10 years dedicating her professional life to making a positive impact in our communities. She has worked and volunteered with major non-profit organisations, ensuring children, women and families are supported during times of crisis, with a focus on providing access to basic essentials. With experience as both a Volunteer/Project Coordinator and a volunteer herself, Lauren has a deep appreciation for all that volunteers do and is inspired by what communities can achieve when they work together. And as a mum to two little ones herself, she’s dedicated to ensuring nappies are accessible for every little bum in Australia.
Sarah Witty, Chief Executive Officer
Sarah’s professional background is diverse. Her career has spanned everything from corporate roles within Banking, Insurance and Real Estate sectors to heading up for-purpose organisations. She most recently led a team raising money for social and affordable housing. Sarah is proud to say that she took the organisation from the start-up stage to raising a pipeline of over $110 million, and it is still going strong.
Giving back to the community is important to Sarah. She is a foster parent and has proudly provided a temporary safe haven for children who have been welcomed into her home. Through foster care, Sarah has witnessed firsthand the impact a simple gift of nappies can have on a family that is struggling. This experience drives her to ensure that all families have enough nappies to keep their little ones clean, healthy and happy.
As well as her work with The Nappy Collective, Sarah is also a member of the Board of Foster Care Association Victoria, supporting families that have been formed through adoption.
OUR BOARD
Our Volunteer Board, led by Founder Sandra Jacobs lead the overall strategic direction of The Nappy Collective.
Sandra Jacobs, Chair
Sandra is a Philanthropic Executive, Social Entrepreneur with a background in Wealth Management. She is an advocate for philanthropy, committed corporate and global citizen with a passion for social justice, innovation and the advancement of women. Sandra is the CEO of the Bennelong Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Melbourne based family office Bangarra Group. Prior to joining the Foundation, Sandra worked at Morgan Stanley as an investment manager. In 2013, after learning about the impacts of family violence on women and children, Sandra founded The Nappy Collective as a way for the community to provide practical and meaningful support to families during periods of crisis.
Leonora Roccisano LLB/LP FGIA, Company Secretary
Leonora has spent her career managing risk for private clients and in house for international banks. In Leonora's legal career, she worked as a litigator and alternative dispute resolution professional across Australia and Asia. During her time in the international banking arena, she advised on Operational Risk Management, product risk management and risk governance in Asia, Africa and the United Kingdom. Leonora is now based in Melbourne and continues to consult in this area. She lives with her fiancé and dog Monty and loves them both very much, as well as interior architecture and design. Leonora is an ardent believer that access to basic needs, like nappies, disproportionately improves the trajectory of a life and its community.
Jacob Clifton, Vice-Chair
Jacob was introduced to the work of The Nappy Collective when he was a Chief of Staff in the Victorian Government and has continued to be a supporter. He has worked across three levels of government in Australia at the highest levels and is passionate about social justice and children's wellbeing.
Jacob has three children - including one still in nappies - and is acutely aware of the stress that purchasing nappies generates for people in a less fortunate position.
Jacob welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the work of The Nappy Collective.
Rebecca Xuereb
Rebecca is a passionate individual who is excited about the opportunity to be a part of The Nappy Collective. With three children of her own, and over 12 years of experience as a registered foster carer, she understands the importance of supporting Australian families to ensure that children are given every opportunity to thrive.
As an engineer with a background in management consulting, Rebecca brings a unique skill set to her role as a board member of The Nappy Collective. Her analytical skills and strategic mindset have been honed through her experience as the Head of Strategic Partnerships for an energy management firm where she has successfully built partnerships and driven growth.
Cynthia Chiu, Treasurer
Cynthia has always loved the idea of giving back to the community and contributing towards making an impact to the wider society. When presented with the opportunity to be involved with The Nappy Collective as a Treasurer in 2021, it perfectly matched her skills in the Accounting and Advisory industry as well as her experience in having 2 little boys.
Cynthia is a Partner at Rose Partners and has over 13 years of experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) with Distinction, a Masters in Applied Finance, and is a CPA.
Amelia Druhan
Amelia joined the Board of The Nappy Collective in November 2022. She is a mother, Registered Midwife, Deputy CEO and executive director in the NFP health sector. She brings a long-standing commitment to improving the lives of young families experiencing poverty, especially women and children. As a health professional experienced in working with minority and marginalized groups, Amelia has a deep understanding of the social determinants of health. This, combined with her experience in advocacy, executive leadership and stakeholder management, underpins her contribution to the Board and strategic direction of The Nappy Collective.
OUR VOLUNTEER COLLECTIVE LEADERS
Our Collective Leaders generously volunteer their time to manage Local Collectives across their own regions. They are the unsung heroes of The Nappy Collective.
ADELAIDE - Kerrie Smith
ALICE SPRINGS - Position available
DARWN - Bek Garrett
BRISBANE - Jen Chapman
MELBOURNE - Fiona Pourgoutzidis
GEELONG - Tanya Maschio
NSW CENTRAL COAST - Katy Mooney
PERTH - Amber Davey
SYDNEY - Position available
TOOWOOMBA - Position available
HOBART - Kelly Direen
Join the team!
We are always looking for volunteers across Australia to join our team.