Mark Cleaver has rejoined the Younity Board after a stay in the USA in 2023. Mark brings a long and strong relationship with Younity and was Chairperson supporting the organisation during the significant changes made over the past few years. Mark has also been responsible for referring many wonderful students to Younity over the years and brings many years of experience in this field to the committee.

Ashleigh Stephens (Ash) has worked in the community sector for over 10+ years building communities through community development, strategy, engagement, empowerment and stakeholder management. She is currently working for the Department of Education (Early Years) as a Partnership Facilitator to support children <0-5 to have a great start. Ash truly believes our biggest opportunity for change starts in the first 1000 days of a child’s life. ‘If we work together as one team and include the voice of children and families in the work we do- we can provide the best possible start to children’s lives and ensure families have the opportunity to be the best parent they wish to be.’

Kim has been working in the field of Social Service for the past 10 years, and prior to this, 15 years in the Child Care sector. Kim’s areas of employment have ranged from Children’s Senior Liaison Officer throughout Australia and New Zealand and Domestic and Family Violence Counsellor within women’s shelters throughout Queensland. Currently, Kim is a Case Coordinator at Gateway Housing in Murarrie and assists families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and living in crisis. Kim’s qualifications are a Diploma of Children’s Services, a Bachelor of Social Science and by mid-2022 will have completed her Master of Social Work. Kim is currently undertaking work within a Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs facility at The Mater.

Dr Emily Moir is a lecturer in Criminology and Justice at The University of the Sunshine Coast. Emily is an environmental criminologist and crime analyst who is interested in how certain environments enable opportunities for crime. She is passionate about understanding what works in crime prevention. She has applied this work across a range of crime types including burglary and property crime, elder abuse, workplace exploitation, and parole and probation reoffending. Emily has consulted with a variety of state and local agencies on projects related to community safety, crime trends, and project evaluation.

James Weait has worked in the employment services sector for almost 20 years in Australia and the UK, leading generalist, disability, skills and youth welfare contracts. James formed his company, Populi Solutions, in 2019 and has led client engagement programmes, project management consultation, performance uplift projects and executive coaching for employment service providers and other purpose-led organisations. Currently James serves as an Advisor to the Board for industry leading recruitment specialists Parkhouse Bell. Bachelor’s Degree and Diploma of Leadership qualified, James is also an accredited DISC facilitator and a passionate advocate for the role that employment plays in reducing anxiety, building resilience and the prosperity of local communities.

Lachie is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to delivering results, with a diverse background in business process automation, client relationship management, and innovation consulting. Throughout my career, he has cultivated a unique blend of analytical, strategic, and interpersonal skills, that he uses to drive positive change and add value in every role he undertakes. Lachie thrives in collaborative environments where creativity and innovation are encouraged and is dedicated to leveraging technology to solve complex challenges and drive sustainable growth, especially in for-purpose organisations.

Amanda Kirchner brings robust business acumen shaped by an extensive career in consulting in accounting, tax, corporate finance, governance, and risk. She has experience working with and advising executive teams and boards on topics such as transactions and public listings, strategic risks and risk appetite, and establishing a strong risk culture. Having also worked in industry, she understands the importance of solutions that balance the needs of the business and its stakeholders. Amanda is passionate about bringing out the best in everyone to create a better world for all.

Erica is an experienced commercial generalist who has worked in the business community for the past 25 years. Her key skills include delivering strategic and operational strategies, business restructuring, and change management. She has worked across a broad cross section of industries, including engineering and finance, and for several years, she operated for NFPs in health, aged care, and education. Erica seeks to contribute to help create sustainable, operationally sound, community-based organisations that focus on improving individual outcomes. She has a Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA.