By Kaylee Neil, Menzies Foundation Fellow for the UN Commission on the Status of Women In March 2024, I was supported by the Menzies Foundation to attend the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City as part of my fellowship with Global Voices. I […]
The philanthropic landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, and the Menzies Foundation is leading this change with innovative strides. Over the past two years, the Foundation has undertaken a comprehensive review of its investment strategies, aligning them more closely with its core values. A key component of this strategic shift is the integration of the
The Great Shift: Menzies Foundation’s journey toward Impact Investing Read More »
Menzies Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Aiden M. A. Thornton, Leadership Scientist and Management Consultant, as the Menzies Senior Research Fellow in Leadership and Complexity. This appointment, based at the Australian National University in the School of Cybernetics, marks a significant step towards addressing the critical need for research and actionable
Navigating today’s complex leadership landscape; Dr Thornton accepts challenge Read More »
The Menzies School Leadership Incubator, delivered by Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) and powered by the Menzies Foundation, continues to be an example of innovation in building a pipeline of leaders who are equipped and empowered to lead in increasingly challenging and complex settings. The Incubator’s approach to school leadership and improvement is one
Evolving perspectives sees the Menzies School Leadership Incubator advance Read More »
Working with an outstanding group of collaboration partners, the Menzies Foundation is committed to developing a systemic approach to citizen leadership and community resilience. Exploring the culture infrastructure and capability platform to build resilience and new ways of thinking, this focus will inform the development of governance and capital flows to support the agency and
In addition to the already established Menzies Leadership Forum podcast series, the Menzies Foundation has formed a dynamic partnership with renowned leadership specialist, Peter Collins of Collins Leadership to launch a series of thought-provoking podcasts based on the belief that leaders need expert assistance and grounded advice to successfully lead teams through unpredictable and challenging
Fostering a more collaborative and effective leadership paradigm both in Australia and Asia, Menzies Foundation proudly unveils its engagement with Economist Impact, an initiative aimed at exploring traditional notions of leadership across sectors. Under the banner of “Learning, Communicating, and the End of the Autocratic Leader,” this work seeks to explore and promote a new
Natasha is driven by a profound passion for both creativity and analytics, a synergy that fosters authentic storytelling in the digital realm with both innovation and integrity.
Throughout her career, she has consistently integrated the overarching marketing and communications narrative with the emotional connections of audiences. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Society and the Individual from Flinders University, furthering her exploration of human behaviour and the critical importance of connectedness between organisations, individuals, and communities.
Sarah has more than 18 years’ experience in communications and marketing leadership across a range of sectors.
Communications strategy and organisational growth is a continuing theme in Sarah’s career. Most recently, she leads the development of a Leadership Movement, evaluated by Menzies Viral Co-efficient Model; a contribution to the NFP.
Sarah’s early career centred around best practice in marketing and communications which later culminated into the establishment of her very own agency. This work extensively spanned across PR, traditional media, event management, strategy, digital marketing, graphic design and business development consultancy.
In 2019, Sarah joined the lean and robust team at the Menzies Foundation. She has since crafted the Foundation’s narrative and communication strategy. The development of this strategic communications platform is essential for ‘movement building’ and requires a strong strategic, management and communication skills set. Sarah has brought so much to this important work, which sits at the forefront of communication practice.
Sarah continues to contribute to the NFP sector through her commitment to Purpose; as she reflects on her own leadership, builds her own leadership capability and contributes to the greater good.
LinkedIn | sarah.jenkins@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0401 880 071
Rohan has 15 years’ experience in facilitating cross-sector collaborations to address complex social and health challenges. He has worked with the World Economic Forum in Australia, led an international conflict resolution field team in Nepal, and directed a 10-year £40m initiative to reduce health inequity in London.
Most recently, Rohan was Major Grants Development Manager at the Ian Potter Foundation. He refined the foundation’s major grants strategy, and co-developed a series of large scale initiatives, including joint philanthropic-government funding for a new national organization to support place-based approaches across Australia.
Rohan has held several non-executive roles, including with an international NGO and with London Funders, the peak body of independent foundations in London. He holds several qualifications including a graduate degree in innovation and strategy from the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.
When Rohan isn’t exploring Melbourne’s creeks with his partner and 6yo daughter, he’s working on his currently weak Australian accent (after 15 years in the UK).
LinkedIn | rohan.martyres@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0404 505 954
A marketing and communications specialist with over 20 years experience in government, corporate and consumer marketing, Trudy brings her adaptive and organisational project management skills to the Menzies Foundation team.
With a BA degree in Public Relations, Trudy began her career with the City of Melbourne and in magazine publishing, before moving into marketing communications consulting. She has worked in strategic marketing leadership roles with retail brands and enjoys juggling many projects and tasks simultaneously. Her skills were further enhanced when managing her own communications business representing industries across private education, financial services, aviation, government and the health industry.
Trudy is passionate about leadership and all people being encouraged to reach their full potential through research and educational initiatives and opportunities throughout Australia. A skilled and accomplished writer and editor Trudy is enthusiastic about bringing her variety of skills to the Menzies Foundation team.
LinkedIn | trudy.morrison@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0402 361 878
Liz Gillies has had over 25 years experience in a range of fields focused on initiatives for social impact. She has held roles in multiple sectors and academia.
In 2018, Liz was appointed CEO of the Menzies Foundation which aspires to build a leadership movement that supports Australians to pivot to purpose, build their leadership capability and contribute to the ‘greater good’.
Liz joined the Melbourne Business School in 2009 and was instrumental in establishing the Asia Pacific Social Impact Centre (APSIC) and The Centre for Ethical Leadership. In November 2011 she was appointed as research fellow to lead a partnership focused on strategic philanthropy which culminated in the release of the reports: Philanthropy: Towards a Better Practice Model (2018) and the Philanthropy: The Continued Journey to Real Impact and better Practice (2021).
Liz has extensive governance experience, having served on the Board of the Publish Galleries Association of Victoria, Social Firms Australia, Uniting Care Community Options, United Way Australia and the Development Committee of the Towards a Just Society Foundation. She is currently on the Philanthropy Reference Group of Barmal Bijiril and a Director of Philanthropy Australia.
LinkedIn | liz.gillies@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0416 112 703
Natasha is driven by a profound passion for both creativity and analytics, a synergy that fosters authentic storytelling in the digital realm with both innovation and integrity.
Throughout her career, she has consistently integrated the overarching marketing and communications narrative with the emotional connections of audiences. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Society and the Individual from Flinders University, furthering her exploration of human behaviour and the critical importance of connectedness between organisations, individuals, and communities.
