About
My influence across the health and social sectors has been built on trust, authenticity and enduring relationships. I use my own experiences, technical knowledge and storytelling to progress issues I care about and mobilise people towards collective action.
I trained as a medical research scientist and began my career in vaccine research. That work took me to the Indian Institute of Science, where my passion for health equity was born. From there, I moved into immunisation policy, improving health outcomes at a population level.
A later role in corporate philanthropy broadened my understanding of the health sector and the many people, organisations and funders involved in creating change. I saw first-hand how different sources of funding, cross-sector collaboration and strong systems can help translate research into better health outcomes for communities.
As the Founding Director of Franklin Women, I spent more than a decade turning a vision for a more inclusive health and medical research sector into a nationally recognised social enterprise.
From scientist to systems leader
Under my leadership, Franklin Women grew from a volunteer-led initiative into a six-person team, 27 partner organisations and a community of more than 6,000 women and allies. Together, we mobilised the sector and created evidence-based programs that continue to strengthen the health and medical research ecosystem today.
Across my career, I have become known for turning purpose into collective action. I build trusted relationships, bring diverse people around a shared vision and translate complex ideas into practical action.
Today, I bring that experience together with deep and enduring networks, a strong understanding of the health research and innovation ecosystem, and a track record of building initiatives and driving change across systems.
Areas of expertise
Women’s health
Closing persistent gender gaps in research, investment, innovation and care to improve women’s health and wellbeing.
Health innovation
Translating research, backing founders and guiding capital to turn bold ideas into practical solutions and better health outcomes.
Workforce & gender equity
Understanding the structures, policies and cultures that shape who participates, progresses and leads across health and research.
Philanthropy & social impact
Guiding collaborative philanthropy and strategic investment towards the people and programs creating lasting social change.
In 2014, I founded Franklin Women to advance women’s representation and participation within the Australian health and medical research. Over 11 years, I grew a volunteer-led initiative into a national social enterprise with a six-person team, 27 partner organisations and a community of more than 6,000 women and allies.
At its heart was a connected community spanning career stages, disciplines and organisations. I brought people and leaders together around a shared ambition, built trusted relationships and partnerships, and implemented innovative programs and initiatives that enabled thousands of women and allies to collectively drive momentum towards gender equality and systems change across the ecosystem.
When Franklin Women closed in December 2025, I led the transition of its flagship programs to new organisations, ensuring its impact continues through both these initiatives and the people and relationships that carry the work forward.
Track record of sustained social impact
6,000+
Members
& supporters
27
Partner organisations
10+
Years
of impact
Her Health Feed. A podcast helping women make sense of all the noise about their health. In the meantime, watch my
TEDx Talk on turning one big idea into a social enterprise.
Coming soon
Have an idea, initiative or event you’d like to explore?
I
I enjoy working with researchers, founders, funders, leaders and organisations seeking to create meaningful impact across health, innovation, leadership and social change.