Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
My purpose it to create impactful partnerships and strong community ties that creates transformational engagement and a legacy of a better future for all. As a Senior Manager - Strategic Partnerships at Griffith University, I lead the strategic development and delivery of impactful partnerships, engagement programs and initiatives, all anchored in STEM and focused on transformation and impact. I’ve proven and repeated success designing, leading, and scaling high-impact STEM-focused partnerships, initiatives and programs that inspire positive behavioural change and community stewardship. My purpose-driven career has centred on working at the intersection of science, community, and education to deliver outcomes that protect ecosystems, engage industries for impact, and empower future generations. With deep roots in Queensland and a demonstrated record of shaping cross-sector alliances that drive research-based outcomes, As a senior leader at Griffith University and a highly commended Queensland Women in STEM Prize recipient, I have consistently delivered innovative, award-nominated programs and partnerships that strengthen community and industry’s capacity to create impact. My work is guided by values of inclusion, impact, and intergenerational equity—perfectly aligned with the core values of Griffith University. I have built enduring and meaningful partnerships with both Australian and international industry partners, government, not-for-profit organisations, schools, and the wider community, create positive outcomes and change and impact through my collaboration leadership. II am passionate about promoting STEM opportunities and pathways for diverse and underrepresented groups, especially young women and girls. My programs and partnerships are not one-offs—they are designed for legacy, ensuring enduring stewardship and impact, after project timelines conclude. Oh - and the 'dealer in hope' part? It's all about intentionally connecting and catalysing opportunities between university and partners that allow intentional hope to flourish. We all want and hope for a better future - I work in the space that converts this into action.
The Senior Manager - Strategic Partnerships (Science, Engineering,IT & Environment) works with other senior managers at the University, under the broad direction of the Vice President (Industry and External Engagement (IEE)), to achieve outcomes consistent with the objectives of the Office of the VP (IEE) and University Engagement Plan. This includes leading and developing a suite of multidisciplinary partnerships to build and grow Griffith’s profile and reputation and achieve University strategic goals. My portfolio focuses on partnerships within the Science, Engineering, IT and Environment faculties within the University. I engage in high level representation and effective relationship management with key stakeholders both within the University and externally, to further enhance the reputation of Griffith University. Watch this space!
I am a Principal Engagement Manager at Griffith University, where I lead the strategic development and delivery of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Environment (STEM) partnerships, engagement programs and initiatives. I have built strong and meaningful relationships with industry, government, not-for-profit organisations, schools, and the wider community, to creating positive social outcomes and impact.
I am responsible for the overall strategic delivery and management of STEM Outreach programs, activities and annual events for the Griffith Sciences Group (School of Engineering& Built Environment, School of ICT and School of Environment and Science) . I provide high level strategic leadership and direction to manage the Group’s school-based on and off campus programs, activities and events across Queensland and Northern NSW. The position reports directly to the Science on the GO! Program Lead (Griffith Sciences) but operates with a high level of autonomy and authority to carry out the Group’s objectives in STEM outreach & community engagement. The position is responsible for the direct line management of the Group’s Science on the GO! Coordinator (HEW Level 6) and the Group’s Science STEM Squad (up to 70 Griffith University volunteers). KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: Manage Griffith Sciences outreach program including the Griffith Science Education Alliance and Science on the GO! programs; Continue to implement the Griffith Sciences Group strategic plan for outreach, community engagement and student recruitment; Provide strategic support and high level advice to internal and external stakeholders regarding school STEM outreach & community engagement. In consultation with Griffith Science Schools develop, support, coordinate and lead on and off campus activities for Primary and Secondary school students and teachers. Develop and maintain relationships with high level representatives from external partners including: the Department of Education and Training (local, state and federal) the Office of the Qld Chief Scientist; the Office of the Australian Chief Scientist; relevant STEM-related professional organisations; and Industry Partners Contribute to the delivery of STEM outreach experiences; have overall responsibility for the quality and impact of these programs. Effectively manage the Group’s Outreach Budget
I assess the eligible grants submitted to the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist's Engaging Science Grant Program. I work alongside the team at the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist and other assessors to moderate and award grants that: 1. increase public awareness and engagement with science and innovation, and First Nations cultural knowledge and science, 2. build science literacy and critical thinking skills through inquiry-based and active experiential learning, 3. grow opportunities for scientists to engage directly with communities and 4. promote diversity of, and opportunities provided by, STEM careers to increase the pipeline for the jobs of the future. Science is critical to Queensland’s economy, driving innovation in key industries and improving our lifestyle. We want all Queenslanders to value science, critical thinking and evidence-based decision making as part of everyday life. In 2025, this round prioritised projects that integrate science participation or STEM education into nature-based tourism, supporting Queensland's goal to be Australia's leading ecotourism and nature-based tourism destination as outlined in the Destination 2045 -delivering Queensland’s tourism future. Projects should seek to provide meaningful scientific interactions with nature, preserve biodiversity, understand visitor behaviour, or explore cultural ecological knowledge through engagement with First Nations peoples. Grants of up to $25,000 each (excluding GST) are available to support recipients deliver events, activities or projects for up to 12 months. The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation has allocated more than $3.6 million in Engaging Science Grants to 286 grant recipients since 2016 with more than half of these events and activities located in regional areas. https://science.qld.gov.au/engaging-queenslanders/engaging-science-grants
• The first point of contact for current and prospective indigenous university students at Central Queensland University. Performed a wide range of support, reporting and engagement duties to support the Office of Indigenous Engagement’s goals in continuing to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in relation to their access, participation and completion of qualifications at CQUniversity. Duties included: ➢ Support the learning journey of students by providing information, advice, and support to students. Work with relevant team members within the Office of Indigenous Engagement and CQUniversity to coordinate the promotion of programs, services and activities which support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. ➢ Research, investigate and compile data, reports and information regarding student progress and completion rates for management as required. ➢ Work across all directorates at CQUniversity, assist and participate in a range of student recruitment activities and provide a range of information and support to current and prospective students.
Intermittent with over 2 years combined experience. Classroom Teacher for Year 7 and Year 5. Relief Teacher for all Year Levels (Primary &Secondary)
• Development and delivery of education products and services of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s (GBRMPA) Reef Guardian Schools stewardship program in the Northern Region. This included: ➢ assisting with the coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Reef Guardian Schools program and outcomes by their due date including associated projects, events and workshops with internal and external stakeholders and reviewing data relating to the impact of activities. ➢ ➢ coordinating and implementing risk management strategies for events, field work and working with students and teachers. ➢ maintaining up to date information including databases, stakeholder contacts and reporting. ➢ providing presentations as well as liaison, consultation and negotiation with internal and external stakeholders, clients and service providers, as required, concerning education issues and services relating to the Reef Guardian Schools program and other Reef Guardian programs as appropriate. ➢ assisting with the development, implementation and review of education resources and products including current ACARA-aligned Science Curriculum Units and the Guides to Making Judgments, online education resources and other education or community outreach resources as appropriate.