Meet Our Team
The Waalitj Foundation prioritises the employment of strong and passionate First Nations roles models. 72% of our 121 staff identify as First Nations Australians, ensuring our diverse workforce is always guided and led by First Nations voices.
Senior Leadership
Lisa Cunningham
CEO
Lisa is the CEO of the Waalitj Foundation and has been in this role since 2007. Prior to joining the Foundation Lisa was the State Manager of AFL Sportsready for 7 years and was instrumental in developing its Indigenous Employment Program in WA. Lisa has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education and for over 17 years and has focused on consulting with the First Nations community.
Troy Cook
GM - Community Development
A Yamatji man from Carnarvon, Troy spent 14 years playing AFL Football for the Sydney Swans and the Fremantle Dockers. Troy’s passion for helping his community led him to the Waalitj Foundation where he has been instrumental in the development of the organisation since joining in 2007. In his role he works with community and businesses to help foster partnerships with the Foundation, leading to tangible opportunities for First Nations peoples.
Josie Janz-Dawson
GM - Education
Josie is a Merrium Mer Torres Strait Islands woman who grew up in Derby. Josie represented West Coast Fever in the ANZ Championships as an elite netball player from 2008 to 2016, before joining Severn Stars and Team Bath in the UK Netball Super League. In her role as GM of Education Josie leads the implementation of programs that empower and enable First Nations youths to lead positive and healthy lifestyles.
Carly Davis
GM - Education and Employment
A Noongar woman, with three daughters of her own Carly strongly believes that education sets our kids up to make informed decisions and access opportunities that will lead to change for future generations. Carly graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Health Science degree, majoring in Public Health and her professional experience includes 15 years in the Australian Public Service working across WA, NT and QLD with a number of health programs.
Gohar Rind
GM - Waalitj Hub
Gohar Rind is a proud Badimaya Yamatji man. He has completed tertiary qualifications in Commerce, Commercial & Resource Law (Masters), and Cyber Security (Masters) and developed a strong skillset in Supply Chain & Logistics, Strategic Planning, and IT & Cyber Security. Gohar is passionate about promoting digital innovation and advancing the careers of his fellow First Australians.
Ben Webb
GM - Justice
Ben Webb, a proud Wiradjuri man, leads our Justice department with a fervent dedication to reducing recidivism rates. Prior to joining the foundation in 2020, he spent years in Employment Services, gaining firsthand insight into the daily struggles faced by First Nations people. This experience fuels his passion for helping individuals rebuild their lives. Over the years, Ben has seamlessly transitioned between roles in both Justice and Employment programs whilst fostering meaningful relationships.
MANAGEMENT
Dale Kickett
Manager - Education Programs
Megan D'Agostino
Team Manager - Deadly Sista Girlz
Fiona Dann
Team Manager - Deadly Sista Girlz
Jacinta Anderson
Team Manager - Deadly Sista Girlz
Leann Carsburg
Program Manager - Indigenous Scholarship
Leah Ashwin
Manager - Community Engagement
Melissa Lamb-Justins
Manager - People and Capability
Piri Parker
Operations Manager - Community Development Program
Dezarae Pau
Regional Manager - Goldfields
Lina Fernandez
Manager – Quality, Compliance and Safety
D'Arne Corr
Manager - Marketing, Communications and Events
Nicole Baroni
Manager - Partnerships
Matt Selby
Operations Manager - Waalitj Hub
Kerrie Stones
Program Manager – Workforce Australia
Suzanne Wilson
Manager - Onslow Family Support
Views: 5862