Pat had a long, successful career in the corporate world at senior levels, spending 20 years with Thales Australia involved in Learning, Employee Development, and Organisational Transformation. He is presently active in the start-up business community in the Hunter through the University of Newcastle, and is an Industry Professional Fellow at UTS in Sydney. His PhD in Education Research — 'Second chance at learning in the workplace' — has amplified his view that employment can empower financially disadvantaged adults in our community.

Bridget has been part of business transformation projects for a wide range of companies. She has over 25 years of operational and business transformation experience, and is currently the Commercial and Category Manager for Waste Services at City of Newcastle. She gained international experience supporting the introduction of Lean for Rio Tinto Alcan in Europe and South America. Bridget has a Masters of Organisational Psychology from Sydney University.

After an extensive career as a primary school teacher, she always loved helping people — and since retiring, this has continued. She is now involved with the Raise Foundation and Mentor Support Network, mentoring disadvantaged refugees and high school students. She also works with the University of Newcastle on a casual basis, reporting on student teachers and supporting them in their internships. She is enthusiastic to be involved here.

Doug's career in finance spans 35 years, working with financial institutions and later in the telecommunications industry. Since retirement he has worked in a voluntary role with a junior sporting club as treasurer. He has organised the major fundraiser events for the last 10 years, and is interested in supporting disadvantaged adults as well as seeking financial sponsorship.

Robyn has enjoyed a long, distinguished career in the Mental Health industry, holding numerous senior positions in both management and clinical education. Since retiring from full-time work, she has continued her passion for education by working as a casual academic at the University of Newcastle, teaching into the Master of Nursing Management and Master of Mental Health Nursing programs. Dedicated to giving back to the community, Robyn actively volunteers on Not-for-Profit boards. Her extensive governance experience includes serving as the Secretary of the Mentor Support Network, alongside her role as the Public Officer for the New Leaf Foundation. She holds a Master of Mental Health Nursing.

Roya Amani joined New Leaf Foundation as Director, bringing a strong passion for supporting people, creating opportunities, and helping individuals build confidence and independence. Her background in education, community volunteering, and work supporting migrants and people from diverse backgrounds has shaped a deep commitment to inclusion and community development. On the Board, Roya works collaboratively with fellow members and the wider community, contributing her experience, ideas, and perspective to create meaningful opportunities for people to achieve financial independence and a better future.

Yvette Elliott is an accomplished sales, marketing and business development executive with more than 20 years' experience driving growth across the education, telecommunications, technology, not-for-profit and commercial sectors. She has a proven track record in strategic partnerships, brand development, fundraising, stakeholder engagement and revenue generation, helping organisations achieve sustainable growth and meaningful community impact. Yvette holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), majoring in Innovation, which complements her strategic approach to business growth, organisational development and identifying new opportunities for impact.

Kumbirayi is an accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) from the University of Newcastle and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). She is passionate about using her skills and experience to contribute to initiatives that create positive and lasting change within communities. Driven by a strong commitment to service, Kumbirayi has mentored disadvantaged refugees through Mentor Support Network and enjoys supporting programs that promote opportunity, inclusion and community development. She believes in the power of collaboration to help individuals and communities reach their full potential.

Nyasha was born in Zimbabwe and came to Australia in 2016 as an international student. He currently works as an accountant for one of the biggest construction companies in Australia. His goal in life is to help the disadvantaged as much as possible and make their lives better — motivating him to join as a director here.