Jade Blakkarly – CEO
After an extensive and diverse career in both government and community sectors, Jade became the CEO of Juno in 2017. She has initiated and led ground-breaking projects focused on achieving positive outcomes and sustained change for people experiencing disadvantage in family violence, homelessness, justice, health, drug and alcohol sectors and in Aboriginal health. As the CEO of Juno, Jade is spearheading a new strategic direction that will see the organisation partner with women to build their long-term independence and capacity to thrive. Her expertise lies in strategic leadership, operations and system design, policy and program innovation.
Melissa Clarkson – Chair
Melissa is passionate about social change. She has over 20 years’ experience in corporate responsibility and sustainability, strategy development and implementation, stakeholder and community engagement, cultural change and strategic partnerships. She has worked in management roles within corporates, non-profits and start-ups, applying business acumen to help organisations create sustainable, meaningful social and environmental impact and achieve their strategic goals.
Kirra Johnson- Deputy Chair
Kirra is a non-profit leader with 15 years’ professional experience in the mental health and community services sector across service delivery, organisational development and governance. She has held senior management roles with responsibility for business development, social innovation, service design and implementation, consumer/participant collaboration and inclusion. Kirra graduated from the University of Leeds (UK) with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and since coming to Australia has qualified as a Social Worker and gained post-graduate qualifications in Social Health/Health Policy and Social Impact.
Nayanisha Samarkoon – Secretary
Nayanisha is a Senior Manager at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, in an area focused on corporate transactions and governance and is also the Chair of the gender-focused diversity committee, Women in ASIC. She has a keen interest in good governance and regulation as well as experience in overseeing complex policy projects. In 2017, Nayanisha took a 6-month break from her day job to volunteer in the tiny Pacific country of Kiribati as a Legal Policy Adviser at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, as part of the Australian Aid program.
Alexandra Fink – Treasurer
Alex is passionate about woman’s equality and social justice. Alex is a senior executive and company director with over 20 years’ experience working in commercial and investment banking, consulting in corporate strategy and designing and leading large regulatory risk management programs, in Australia, Europe, UK and Asia. Alex has a MBA from the University of North Carolina (ECU), and a Bachelor of European Business from Fachhochschule Trier, Germany. She holds a license as a German “Bankkauffrau” professional from the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce and has completed the Australian Company Directors’ course (GAICD). Alex is fluent in English, German and Spanish. She holds the role as Treasurer and chairs the Finance Committee and the Risk Committee.
Marquita Nolan – Member
Marquita graduated from Florida State University with Bachelor of Arts and subsequently undertook her legal studies in Australia. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Australian National University. Marquita has practiced law in both the private and community sectors and is currently the Legal Practice Manager (Principal Lawyer) at Northern Community Legal Centre. In addition to her position as a Board Member with Juno (previously WISHIN), Marquita is a Voting Executive Member of Victorian Women Lawyers and an active law student mentor.
Megan Davidson (MAICD) – Member
Megan has 17 years’ executive management experience developing and managing social, affordable and NDIS accommodation across Australia. She has worked in national, state, regional and remote settings, including Aboriginal communities. Held positions within both the government and community sector with responsibility for overseeing governance, risk, strategic services, Company Secretary, marketing, and communications. Megan has a strong track record of supporting boards and senior executives to lead change, and helping organisations to grow and transform.
Judit Brown – Member
Judit has experience across the for-purpose landscape, from grassroots movements to community services and social enterprise, and currently works in Corporate Social Responsibility at ME Bank leading the design and implementation of the bank’s Social Impact strategy. Judit is a Member of the Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee for Macedon Ranges Shire Council and an Associated Professional Member of the Institute of Community Directors Australia. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact and is currently completing a Master of Business Administration.
Geeta Kulkarni- Member
Geeta is an experienced finance and operations leader who is passionate about business being instrumental in social transformation. Over the last 10 years. She has held various Senior Finance, Executive and Governance roles influencing strategy, planning, investment and risk management. Her experience is across several industries including packaging, primary produce, food manufacturing and laboratory testing. Geeta is a qualified CPA and has completed the Australian Institute of Company Director Course (GAICD). She hold a Bachelor of Commerce after graduating from the University of Pune (India).
