Our staff

Gabrielle has over 25 years consulting experience in Human Resources Management for Australian and US organisations and has worked across a broad range of industries including government, professional services, health, banking and finance. She is a specialist in program design, leadership development, career development, coaching and mentoring which has given her a deep understanding of the people challenges from both management and employee perspectives. Since 2017 Gabrielle has volunteered for several not-for profit agencies, community-based organisations, refugee and education agencies that assist disadvantaged women to become economically independent. 

Kat has over 10 years lived experience of imprisonment and advocating for many others affected by the justice system since 2003. Whilst in prison, Kat commenced a law degree and started mentoring other women prisoners. In 2007 Kat co-founded the organisation, Women in Prison Advocacy Network (WIPAN), and was the driving force behind its successful development and operations. Kat was the CEO/Director of WIPAN for 8 years, developed and facilitated the training of over 160 volunteer mentors, secured it’s recurrent funding and personally mentored and advocated over 350 women. In 2017, Kat was admitted to practice law and was a criminal defence and family lawyer for 5 years and a half years. Kat’s commitment and ongoing purpose is to demonstrate through actions and motivation that a criminal record does not define our abilities.

Natascha has a diverse professional background encompassing management and customer service, and she also holds a Diploma of Counselling, which she completed while on bail awaiting sentencing. Through her own experiences, Natascha recognises the significance of providing a non-judgmental, safe space and empowering individuals to be the experts of their own lives. Her lived experience brings understanding and empathy, enabling her to offer effective support and advocacy for others in similar situations. Natascha’s role involves devising and implementing employer engagement strategies to ensure the program successfully matches all qualified candidates with suitable employment and training opportunities.

Gemma has valuable experience in system management, customer service, and operation management, with a proven track record of formulating successful systems and processes. In her role, she oversees the mentoring program, matches mentors with mentees, and provides ongoing support to ensure a successful mentoring experience. She is responsible for providing high-level operational support to candidates on their journey to employment and further training, as well as to mentors participating in the SWP Mentor Program. Gemma is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of women who have been affected by the criminal justice system.

Lois has 12 years of experience in community services, the justice system, and the social enterprise sector. After running programs in prisons and then moving to post-release support, she has a proven track in creating and building a social enterprise that supports people leaving prison through training and employment. The award-winning social enterprise was supported by numerous corporations and funders and created both environmental and social impacts.  Lois brings her passion for supporting people leaving prison and her expertise to the Success Works team to create and implement a social enterprise to break the barriers of employment.

As Business Program Coordinator, supporting the Business Manager and CEO. Afreem manages and orchestrates the planning and implementation of business projects and programs, ensuring the successful execution of key initiatives that drive SWP’s success. With a background and extensive experience across various industries and administrative support, Afreem brings a detail-oriented approach and exceptional organisational skills to achieve the goals and targets of SWP. She is a strong advocate for giving people a second chance to redefine their futures and is passionate about empowering women to reclaim their lives.

As a dedicated Candidate Support Coordinator, Kylie specialises in assisting women with criminal records in their journey towards employment. With a strong background in community services and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by women impacted by the criminal justice system, Kylie is committed to providing comprehensive support and guidance. By leveraging her extensive knowledge of available resources and her expertise in navigating complex systems, Kylie ensures that each candidate receives personalised assistance aimed at enhancing their employability and achieving financial independence. Her trauma informed approach and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable asset in assisting women rebuild their lives and secure meaningful employment opportunities.

Lara has been working within the community services and not for profit sector for approximately 26 years. Her purpose, commitment, and dedication to this area of work is driven by Lara having lived experience of the criminal justice system, and having engaged in significant addiction and therapeutic work, through her own life experiences. Lara’s passion is to be a continuing role model and an example of hope and resilience, to others and to mostly inspire other women to believe in themselves, to heal and become empowered, fulfilling their own life’s journeys. Having such extensive community services skills, both practically and tertiary, Lara enhances the Success Works team, bringing with her a wealth of opportunities to engage with her community sisterhood that she relates to. Lara’s many years of experience within this sector demonstrates she is a living example of empowerment via her continuing connections to inspire other women, who have also walked a similar journey.