Who We Are

Kathryn is a respected Australian leader with a distinguished career in local government, social services, and leadership roles across both public and private sectors.

A graduate of the University of New South Wales, where she earned a degree in social work and later received a Certificate in Early Childhood Services from Macquarie University, Kathryn has dedicated her life to improving community welfare and educational systems. Her involvement in the Gonski Review, a pivotal reform of Australia’s school funding system, cemented her influence in shaping policies that promote equity and access to quality education.

Throughout her career, Kathryn has held key positions in non-profit organisations such as Save the Children Fund Australia and the Salvation Army, showcasing her deep commitment to humanitarian causes and social justice. In recognition of her service, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), a testament to her impactful contributions to society

Currently, Kathryn holds several prominent roles, including Chair of the Pennington Institute, and Chair of Lifestart Services Ltd. She also serves as a Director for the Paul Ramsay Foundation and Relationships Australia (NSW), reflecting her ongoing dedication to social welfare, public health, and community development.

Daniel, a proud Kanolu man from Central Queensland, has built an impressive career across financial services and Indigenous engagement.

Raised on Turrbal Country in Brisbane and now living on Gadigal land in Sydney for over a decade, Daniel currently serves as Westpac’s Indigenous Partnerships Lead (Procurement) within Corporate Services.

Previously, he managed Indigenous Engagement and Strategy for Westpac's Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan, focusing on fostering strong relationships between the bank and Indigenous communities.In addition to his corporate role, Daniel serves on the Westpac Indigenous Advisory Committee. Under his leadership, the bank has strengthened its engagement with Indigenous communities, contributing to initiatives with Show Me The Way, which has helped improve school retention rates among First Nations students.

Daniel's work emphasises cultural respect and understanding within corporate frameworks, reinforcing his commitment to both compliance and meaningful community impact. With over 10 years of experience as a Senior Financial Advisor, Daniel’s career also includes the media, where he worked for NITV News (part of SBS)  and the National Indigenous Radio Service.

Aunty Glendra, a proud Wiradjuri woman, is a dedicated advocate for Aboriginal education with over 30 years of experience supporting Indigenous communities.

As the Elder-in-Residence at the University of Technology Sydney, she plays a vital role in mentoring and guiding Indigenous students, helping them navigate their educational journeys. Aunty Glendra is committed to enhancing student retention and success by offering cultural support and practical guidance, fostering a sense of belonging among Aboriginal students. She believes in the transformative power of education.

Beyond her work at UTS, Aunty Glendra has been involved in initiatives that promote educational opportunities for Aboriginal youth, particularly those in out-of-home care. She emphasises the importance of strong family ties in building resilience and empowerment, and advocates for educational pathways that help young people succeed both academically and personally.

Her lifelong dedication to education and community has made a profound impact on the lives of many young Aboriginal Australians, and she continues to inspire and support future generations through her leadership and cultural wisdom.

Lindie is a passionate educator with thirty years of experience, dedicated to fostering equity and inclusion in Australian education.

She has worked across a wide range of educational settings, and has gained a deep understanding of student diversity. Currently, Lindie works in rural education and distance education roles supporting students with complex needs through personalised learning programs and supporting rural teachers in their first years of teaching. She has been instrumental in aligning Show Me The Way programs with the National Curriculum, and leading the development of National Child Safety policies.

As co-founder of Show Me The Way, Lindie leverages her experience as an educator with filmmaking to empower First Nations students, encouraging them to celebrate local heroes and pursue their educational aspirations.

Kairavi Somaiya is a Chartered Accountant with 19 years of experience in the social enterprise and non-profit sectors. Her work focuses on financial management and organisational governance, playing a key role in the success of initiatives that empower communities.

Alongside her role at Show Me The Way, Kairavi holds a managerial finance position at Relationships Australia Northern Territory.Passionate about creating opportunities for youth, Kairavi believes in the transformative power of education. Her experience, gained through work abroad and travel, has shaped her commitment to equity and social impact. She is a strong advocate for self-determination, drawing on her personal experiences to champion education and employment opportunities.

Kairavi’s management experience in public practice, commercial and various not-for-profit organisations equips her with strong skills in strategic planning and governance, which she brings to her role as a board member and public officer for Show Me The Way.

With over 40 years’ experience in the film and television industry, Chris has contributed to a wide range of productions, from news and current affairs to sports, drama, and educational programs for major networks such as ABC and SBS.

Early in his career, Chris was principal cameraman at SBS for ICAM (Indigenous CulturalAffairs Magazine) that later became Living Black.His deep commitment to educational media saw him take on roles as a producer, director, and scriptwriter, most notably for the production of “Get It On,” a safe sex education video aimed at First Nations teenagers, commissioned by the New South Wales Department ofEducation.In 2005, Chris completed a Masters of Multimedia Design at the University of Sydney, further refining his skills in visual storytelling.

As CEO of Show Me The Way, Chris designs and leads innovative workshops that inspire young people to engage in creative expression and develop critical thinking skills. Show Me the Way has had a profound impact, providing disadvantaged youth with greater access to education and opening up new career opportunities.

Alicia, a proud Darkinjung woman and mother of two boys. She began her career teaching VisualArts at various high schools across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Currently, she works as a freelance graphic designer and lectures in the Bachelor of Design (Visual Communications) program at the Western Sydney University

With her experience as an educator, Alicia has developed a deep understanding of the challenges many young people face. A passionate advocate for youth of all backgrounds, she is committed to helping disadvantaged students realise their full potential.

Combining her creative expertise with her passion for education, Alicia contributes to Show Me The Way by designing marketing materials for products created by students in the program.

As the inaugural Ambassador for Show Me The Way, Richard Sterling champions its mission and fosters relationships to strengthen its initiatives. Leveraging his extensive networks, he aims to enhance support for Show Me The Way in empowering First Nations’ students to appreciate the importance of education.

Richard began his career as an educator, focusing on students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds and marginalised groups. His commitment was to cultivate a nurturing educational environment that empowered students to pursue higher education and to achieve their career aspirations.

Transitioning into a new phase, Richard has devoted over twenty-five years to providing executive search and leadership consulting. As the co-founder and managing partner of AltoPartners Australia, which operates affiliates in 35 countries, Richard brings extensive global expertise to his work. Recently, he has redirected his skills and networks exclusively on the For Purpose and Social Impact sector.

Mandy Braddick is a proud woman from the Dharawal and Gumea of the Wandandian Nation, based on the South Coast of NSW.

Mandy is the founder of Wojamin Creative, an organisation specialising in Indigenous Design Communication.

With over 12 years of experience in graphic design, communication and digital media, Mandy has developed expertise in crafting innovative online and print solutions that authentically represent and celebrate Indigenous brands and communities.

A qualified Graphic Designer, Mandy holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Communication, complemented by studies in Indigenous history, health and politics.

Mandy's professional experience includes significant collaborations with government and non-profit organisations, where she has created bespoke promotional strategies grounded in cultural respect and sustainability. Her commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding has earned her a reputation as a trusted leader in her field.

In addition, Mandy holds qualifications in Diversity and Mentoring from the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre, further strengthening her ability to empower and uplift others.

She is deeply passionate about creating work that honours and amplifies Indigenous voices, contributing to a contemporary landscape where culture and creativity thrive.