Our Leaders.
Real people, real impact. These folks lead the way - but they’re supported by 40+ incredible people working behind the scenes to help hundreds of thousands of Australians navigate education, work and everything in between.
TAJ PABARI
TIONNE YOUNG
JAHIN TANVIR
LEILA VARGA
GABI PARKER
LATIFAH RASYID
Our Impact Investors & Advisory Board.
Young energy meets proven experience. Together, we turn fresh lived experience and bold thinking into serious outcomes that are changing Australia’s future.
TECH TYCOON & ‘INVESTOR’ ON CHANNEL TEN’S SHARK TANK.
STEVE BAXTER
Steve Baxter is one of Australia’s best-known tech entrepreneurs and investors. He co-founded PIPE Networks, growing it into one of the country’s largest broadband infrastructure companies before its $373 million sale.
Today, Steve invests in and mentors early-stage startups, bringing real-world experience from building multiple ventures from the ground up. His focus is on backing founders with grit and helping them scale quickly and sustainably.
Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk served as Queensland’s 39th Premier from 2015 to 2024, leading the state through major economic, social and infrastructure initiatives.
She is recognised for championing education, skills and employment programs that shaped opportunities for young people. During her tenure she oversaw projects like Cross River Rail and led Queensland’s successful bid to host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Dr Sarah Jones is a leading figure in entrepreneurship education and innovation strategy. As CEO of the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship, she developed programs connecting students, educators and industry to accelerate new ideas.
She brings expertise in ecosystem building, designing pathways for founders and fostering collaboration across sectors. Sarah is passionate about unlocking creative potential and building future-ready skills.
FORMER MINISTER FOR TOURISM, INNOVATION & SPORT.
Hon Stirling Hinchliffe was a long-standing Queensland MP and Former Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport.
He has overseen key portfolios in economic development, infrastructure and community services, driving initiatives that support jobs and innovation. A passionate basketball fan, Stirling’s career reflects a deep commitment to public service and delivering meaningful outcomes for all Australians.
Steve Macdonald is an experienced finance executive and impact investor with a background at Macquarie Bank.
He specialises in governance, capital strategy and sustainability, helping organisations grow while delivering measurable economic and social outcomes. Steve has a long track record of advising leadership teams on risk management and responsible growth. He is committed to aligning commercial success with positive community impact.
LALI WIRATUNGA
Lali Wiratunga has over 20 years of experience across corporate legal services, consulting and financial services.
At Westpac, he leads initiatives in ESG, sustainability and digital strategy, while also serving as Chair of Plate It Forward, a social enterprise addressing food insecurity. Lali brings deep expertise in partnership building and stakeholder engagement. He is passionate about aligning business success with positive social outcomes.
Anisha Anandh is a youth leader, mentor and keynote speaker passionate about empowering young people to reach their potential.
She is a strong advocate for mental health, drawing on her own journey to create safe spaces for open conversations.
CORPORATE STRATEGY PROFESSIONAL & ESG LEADER.
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
MEMBER.
ANISHA ANANDH
MO ALIZADEH
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
MEMBER.
CEO OF THE SYDNEY SCHOOL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP.
DR SARAH JONES
STEVE MACDONALD
HON ANNASTACIA PALASZCZUK
HON STIRLING HINCHLIFFE
IMPACT INVESTOR & FORMER MACQUARIE BANK EXECUTIVE.
FORMER PREMIER OF
QUEENSLAND.
Mo Alizadeh is a young entrepreneur who first took part in our school program when he was in Grade 9. Inspired by that experience, he has since developed a strong passion for youth entrepreneurship.
Mo believes in the power of young people to turn ideas into opportunities and is dedicated to helping others build the confidence to share their voice.