Australia &
Nova Zelândia

With over 15 years of experience in design, strategy, corporate finance and transformation, Donna is a business leader who loves helping people solve complex problems. As CEO of High Resolves Australia, Donna is focused on growing the program to reach more than 50% of Australian teenagers over the next five years.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…
We are changing the world, one young person at a time. By equipping a critical mass of young people with the skills required to solve complex problems and act in the long-term collective interest of humanity, I believe we can make a difference.

Rebbeca is a trained high school English and Drama teacher, conservation enthusiast, and proud Wiradjuri woman. Her interest in global citizenship started in high school, where she was involved in youth politics, and has continued to do so through her adult life where she has led teams of high school students in programs similar to those she herself participated in. As a high school teacher, she developed a passion for education that inspires change, and gained a keen appreciation for the power of positive professional role models in the lives of young people. Outside of her work in New South Wales schools, Rebbeca has volunteered on education and conservation projects in England, Cambodia, Peru, Ecuador and the United States. She has a Bachelor’s in Arts and Teaching from the University of New England and, as an advocate for life-long learning, she continues to peruse academia alongside her other passions. Rebbeca believes that we all have the responsibility and privilege to create a sustainable, equitable and inclusive world, and that education and awareness are essential in achieving this.

I am passionate about High Resolves because… As a human living on this extraordinary planet, who has been fortunate enough to travel it extensively, I am keenly aware of the responsibility we all have to care for our interconnected world. As a teacher, I have seen first-hand how the energy and enthusiasm of young people can drive important change. I am passionate about working with High Resolves, because this is where those ideas come together: cultivating global citizenship in our future leaders.

Alisa is a highly experienced global educator working in the field with teachers and administrators in Queensland since 2010. Alisa has provided advice to schools and government about incorporating innovative programs into school curriculums, and has supported schools and teachers in delivering cutting-edge programs. She holds a Masters in Educational Studies and Bachelor of Arts (Geography and Economics) from the University of Queensland and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary Education) from the Australian Catholic University.

I am excited about the transformative power of High Resolves’ educative approach to empowering students to think critically about the global context of their local lives. I believe it is important that students develop a sense of belonging to a common humanity and act responsibly for a more just, peaceful and sustainable world. I am thrilled at the part High Resolves can play in making that happen.

Allana is a High Resolves alum, having participated in the program as a student in 2009. Coming full circle, Allana is excited to work with an organisation that was pivotal in cultivating her passion and interest in social justice. Allana holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Philosophy from the University of Sydney, writing her Honours thesis on the political rights of children. Allana’s previous work experience includes Project Officer and Instructional Designer for HammondCare, a not-for-profit aged care provider. Allana spent her early career working with children in educational settings, as well as holding volunteer positions, working with students at 826NYC and Children of Promise. In her free time, Allana enjoys performing in improvisational theatre.

I am passionate about High Resolves because… I believe that every young person should be recognised as, and empowered to be, a contributing member of their community. I am passionate about the mission of High Resolves, to encourage young people to be critical thinkers and vocal advocates for the change they want to see in their world.

Nikki has 20 years of experience working in design and education – her two biggest passions. She has had her own graphic design practice and has worked as an in-house graphic designer for Optus Communications and the International School of Colour & Design. Nikki has education management experience as well as extensive classroom teaching and course and curriculum development. She has studied educational psychology and design in both Sydney and New York. She is a qualified ESL teacher, holds two Diplomas in Creative Arts & Design, a TAE in Workplace Training & Assessment and is currently in the final semester of a Bachelor of Creative Arts & Design at Charles Sturt University. Nikki’s design philosophy is to only create work that has a positive impact or shares a positive message with its audience.

I am passionate about High Resolves because… The young people of today inspire me with their courage, resilience and compassion. What motivates them to action are issues that are of deep importance to me I am excited to be part of an organisation that offers them a platform to support them spread their messages and empower them to make a positive change in the world.

Dan grew up in Southern California where regular trips to Mexico and South America opened his eyes to the disparities in wealth between communities around the world. To pursue his passion for social justice and help the poor, Dan got a degree in International Development from Seattle Pacific University where he learned about the globalised world and the ways in which it empowers some and creates hardship for so many others. He has worked for various non-profits that focussed on the development and empowerment of young people and is passionate about creative teaching methods that inspire young people to work for the greater good and help those that are in need around them.

I am passionate about High Resolves because… To see young people learn something new and realise that they can have a positive impact on the world around them is so inspiring to me. I love being a part of an organisation that truly believes in the power of young people to create change on a local and global scale.

Mia is a passionate educator and strong believer in its transformative power. Through her extensive travels and time living abroad, she has developed an understanding of how powerful real world learning experiences can be. This, accompanied by her love of working with young people, drives her to provide meaningful educational experiences which encourage students to engage in their local and global communities. Across her nine years of teaching experience in secondary schools she has led international immersion trips, managed social justice initiatives and developed a student leadership program to empower young leaders. She has a Bachelor of Secondary Education (PE/Health/Science) from Deakin University.

I am passionate about High Resolves because… I have the opportunity to connect with students through empowering them to lead positive social change. Their insight, passion and drive to make our world a better place is truely inspiring. Education and self belief are powerful tools, and High Resolves supports students in deepening both.

Rachel has worked in the education sector in both Australia and overseas since 2007. She has a strong commitment to empowering students to be the leaders of tomorrow and a belief that all young people can make a difference to their own lives. During her time as a classroom teacher, Rachel worked predominately with disengaged and at-risk students and was instrumental in designing and implementing an alternative education program for disengaged students in the UK. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Education from Griffith University.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…
I have seen first-hand the impact we have on young people. It is an awesome thing to experience when you see a young person feel empowered to step up and create the change they want to see in the world!

Anna is a community engagement professional, who worked for Microsoft for 14 years, most recently supporting youth and community outcomes, in the position of Microsoft Philanthropies Manager. Prior to this role, Anna was Microsoft Australia’s chief customer advocate in the position of Customer Experience Director. She also led Employee Communications functions across Microsoft, Optus and the Commonwealth Bank.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…
I am a passionate advocate for supporting Australian youth and I am excited to personally be involved in an organisation that embraces diversity and works with young people to develop inclusive behaviours in our leaders of tomorrow.

With extensive teaching experience across primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education in Victoria, Australia, and Missouri, USA, Cindy achieved a Masters degree in Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Cindy is passionate about the transformative power of the performing arts and education. A classically trained musician and educator, Cindy is committed to improving access, participation and inclusion for students, with an emphasis on supporting children and young people with special needs. Cindy held leadership roles in Victorian Catholic and independent schools and transitioned from the classroom to industry roles at Federation Square, Melbourne Recital Centre and Arts Centre Melbourne. Cindy commenced her teaching career in Victorian government schools and recently returned to the Department of Education and Training (DET) to work in the delivery of teacher professional learning. Cindy also participated by invitation in the DET Music Education Expert Reference Group in response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the extent, benefits and potential of music education in Victorian schools.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…
As a first generation Asian-Australian and having experienced many degrees of racism, I’m motivated to see increased tolerance, compassion, empathy and genuine respect for cultural diversity in our society. Citizenship education is a powerful tool to empower young people to drive effective social change.

Lee has worked at High Resolves since 2010, working in a variety of roles including face-to-face delivery of content to young people and teachers, developing curriculum, and quality assurance and training. He holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Sheffield and a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in History and Politics from the University of Warwick. Lee worked as a high school history teacher in socially diverse areas of the U.K. and took on the roles of form tutor, Head of Year and Head of Department. In May 2009, government inspectors reported that the history department and its management were “outstanding”.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…
I have always believed that education is the most effective way of overcoming some of the problems that the world faces today. High Resolves offers me that opportunity by working with young people to develop the confidence, motivation and skills to make our world a better place.

While working in some of India’s poorest communities, Steve was struck by the power of education to create social change. Upon returning to Australia he resolved to help equip young people with the skills to positively change the world around them. Working as a science teacher in Sydney’s high schools, Steve saw the need for new educational experiences that developed students as active participants in society, leading to him organizing and running leadership programs in low socio-economic status schools. Joining the High Resolves team enabled Steve to unite his management experience in the for-profit sector with his passion for social change through education. Steve holds a Master of Science from the University of Bristol, a Graduate Diploma in Education from Macquarie University, and a Master of Business Administration from Kaplan University.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…
I have the opportunity to work with a group of individuals who are incredibly determined to make the world a better place.

Hannah’s passion is working to achieve social justice and the empowerment of young people through education. She has over five years of experience working in the intersection of the education, advocacy, social justice and not for profit management sectors. Hannah holds a Bachelor of International and Global Studies and Juris Doctor law degree from the University of Sydney, and a Master of Teaching from Deakin University. An alumnus of the Teach For Australia program, she spent three years teaching English and Humanities in Darwin where she loved engaging her students to think critically about global issues. Hannah’s previous work experiences include a volunteer legal placement with the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, Board Director of UN Youth Australia, National Ambassador for education charity One Girl, and President of the University of Sydney Union.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…
I truly believe that the education of young people is the most important and powerful way we can invest in our future. Helping to create a generation of globally aware, values-driven, curious, and empathic young citizens and leaders is something that fires me up and gives me hope for our society and our world.

During her time as an English teacher, Marlina’s passion to empower and inspire young people to be positive leaders in the community and globally saw her develop and implement new educational programs and initiatives that increased student involvement and engagement in understanding social issues. She participated in the Make Poverty History Campaign in NSW, which involved meeting with ministers at Parliament House on the issue of foreign aid. Her experiences in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East further fueled her desire to see students become global leaders and citizens who are motivated to make a positive difference, which led her to High Resolves. She completed a Bachelor of Secondary Teaching (Double English major) at the University of Technology Sydney and a Bachelor of Arts (English Literature and History) at the University of Wollongong where she also undertook a 3-year leadership program, delivering a number of projects for social action, development and change in the University and community.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…
What we do is for the greater good. Seeing that achieved by empowering young people to be global citizens is inspiring and exciting.

Growing up in one of Canada’s largest and most diverse cities, Carrie developed a great curiosity about the cultures that surrounded her, which led her to study world religions, modern history and population geography and make the brave leap to move to Australia in her late teens. She has taught history, geography and social and community studies in Queensland classrooms, and holds a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching from the University of New England.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…
At High Resolves I have the privilege of connecting with young people and finding out what they are passionate about. Every day brings a new story from amazing young people who inspire me, and I’m excited to see what this generation will do to make the world a better place!

Lauren’s passion for social justice was nurtured and fueled through her Bachelor of International and Global Studies from the University of Sydney. With several years of teaching experience in both high school and university classrooms, Lauren combines her love of teaching and facilitation with hands-on experience from the non-profit sector to bring enthusiasm and passion to her job every day.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…
I am fueled by my passion for creating a fairer, more peaceful world, and my deeply held belief that the best way to do this is to raise a generation of young people who believe that this world is possible. I’m passionate about emboldening young people to reach their fullest potential in all aspects of life.