Our Team
Our Founder
Michelle Boundy
Michelle leads our organization with an extraordinary record of over 30 years in government and over 15 years as a recognized expert in Workplace Wellbeing and Culture. She has designed and implemented two award-winning Wellbeing Programs across Government sectors, earning multiple regional, state, and national accolades. Michelle’s impact goes beyond her professional achievements—she’s a national advocate for kindness, mental health, and workplace wellbeing. As a Community Kindness Champion for the Stay Kind Foundation, Michelle launched transformative initiatives like the 50 Walks Project, earning her a special mention in the NSW Parliament in 2022. That same year, she led the charity event "Elephant in the Room," raising over $26,000 for Lifeline and gaining national attention for mental health awareness.
In March 2023, Michelle founded She Inspires Me, a movement celebrating women’s achievements and empowering them to share their stories through the #tellyourstory initiative. Since its launch, Michelle has shared hundreds of stories and inspired thousands of women globally, making She Inspires Me a widely cherished movement in Australia. Michelle also co-hosts the podcast series She Has The Courage to Lead, launched in 2023, featuring interviews with Australia’s most influential women. In 2024, she launched Women at Work an initiative to educate, empower and enhance the lives of women in the workplace. This latest initiative has cemented Michelle’s role as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Workplace Safety, with over 20,000 followers, and made her a sought-after speaker advocating for kinder, safer workplaces. Michelle’s dedication and impactful advocacy continue to inspire a movement toward inclusivity and support for women.
Our Patron
(Waskam) Emelda Davis
Emelda is the first Black woman elected to Sydney City Council in its 180-year history, representing the Clover Moore Independent Team. A proud second-generation Australian South Sea Islander (ASSI) and long-time Pyrmont resident, she brings decades of experience across corporate, grassroots, and government sectors, advocating for Indigenous knowledge and community resilience. As Deputy Chair of the Resilient Communities Committee and representative on the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Multicultural Advisory Panels, Emelda drives initiatives for equity and inclusion. She championed national recognition of Blackbirded South Sea Islanders with a landmark 175th-anniversary flag-raising ceremony. Founder of ASSI – Port Jackson, Emelda’s contributions include groundbreaking oral history research, Children of the Sugar Slaves: Black and Resilient, and leadership on climate justice and social housing. Honored with awards like the NSW Premier's Human Rights Award, she continues to inspire change locally and globally through her advocacy, collaboration, and commitment to justice.
Our Integral Ambassador
Katherine Berney
Katherine is the Director of the National Women's Safety Alliance. She is passionate about social, economic, and safety equality for women and children. Katherine has a strong not-for-profit background including internationally with the Red Cross in the South Pacific and on the DV-Alert Program as part of the National Safety Plan. She has experience in strategic planning with the Higher Education and Government consulting sectors. With a genuine passion for changing the statistics for women in Australia, she understands the power of Women’s Alliances and the collaborative strength of the sector. Katherine is currently working towards her Ph.D. in Sociology under Dr Michael J Walsh at the University of Canberra. Katherine represents everything She Inspires Me strives for and represents in our community. Her passion, desire, and commitment to keep women and children safe in our community is truly commendable. Katherine continues to inspire us all, by empowering and providing hope to so many women across the Country. You can find out more about Katherine and the National Women’s Safety Alliance here: National Women's Safety Alliance
Lauren Cassimatis
Lauren is one of Victoria’s top criminal lawyers, a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist, and founder of Gallant Law. With over 20 years of experience, she is renowned for her legal expertise, compassion, and dedication to clients, ensuring they feel supported throughout stressful legal proceedings. Lauren also founded Connecting Lawyer Mums™️ (CLM), a nationwide network empowering over 12,000 lawyer mothers with professional development, networking, and well-being resources. As an Adjunct Lecturer at the College of Law, she mentors future lawyers in advocacy and practical skills. Passionate about access to justice, Lauren actively supports charitable initiatives like Aboriginal Youth Sport and Recreation, St Kilda Mums, and Pride in Law, inspiring positive change in both the legal and broader community.
Corinne West
Corinne is Head of Diversity and Inclusion at King & Wood Mallesons for Australia and Singapore and one of Australia’s foremost culture transformation experts. With over 20 years’ experience driving complex change across sectors including the Australian Army, Victoria Police, and Fire Rescue Victoria, she excels in tackling entrenched toxic cultures, even in settings where issues are masked by positive optics. A fierce advocate for human rights, Corinne uses intersectionality as a reform framework to address systemic inequities. She acknowledges her privilege and limitations, creating space for diverse voices to lead change. Her early work as an oral historian partnering with marginalized communities shaped her consent-driven, trauma-informed approach to fostering trust and collaboration in building safer, inclusive cultures. At King & Wood Mallesons, Corinne embodies this philosophy through initiatives like Words Can Harm, an animation series co-designed with employees to highlight the impact of language on well-being and inclusion. As a storyteller and advocate, Corinne is a powerful ambassador for She Inspires Me, bringing expertise and lived experience to advance gender equality and social justice.
Belinda Hughes
Belinda is an accomplished prosecutor, having spent more than a decade with the New South Wales Police Force, attaining the rank of Sergeant and prosecuting some of the most significant cases arising from organised crime and outlaw motorcycle gangs. Following her time with the New South Wales Police Force, Belinda moved to Transport for New South Wales to lead their prosecution team. As a Senior Manager, she was responsible for a team of over 30 lawyers, advocates and administration staff and prosecuting over 36,000 matters per year. Belinda commenced as the National Director of Prosecutions with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) in 2020. Belinda leads the Prosecutions Team with over 40 staff, based across New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. The team supports Heavy Vehicle investigations and prosecutes on behalf of South Australian Victorian and New South Wales Police, together with the NHVR Safety Compliance Officers and Investigators. Belinda has a Masters’s Degree in Law, a Bachelor of Law, a Bachelor of Criminology and a Diploma in Policing Practice.
Joanna Abraham
Joanna is a Lecturer at the College of Law and President of Victorian Women Lawyers (VWL), the peak body supporting women in the legal profession in Victoria. A champion for gender equity and diversity, she leads strategic initiatives addressing mentorship, community engagement, and justice issues, including sexual harassment. With extensive experience in Administrative, Immigration, and Refugee Law, Joanna has worked with marginalized clients, including refugees, family violence survivors, and those facing deportation. Recognized as one of Australia's 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians and a leading Human Rights Lawyer in 2024, she was also Highly Commended at the 2020 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence. As a board member of Afri-Aus Care, Joanna advises on migration and family violence issues, driven by her belief that grassroots needs must guide decision-making. Her impactful leadership exemplifies a commitment to justice and equity both within and beyond the legal sector.
Sapphire Parsons
Sapphire works as a Senior Associate in Workplace Law at Macpherson Kelley, in the areas of employment, discrimination, industrial relations, and psychological safety. As a survivor of domestic and gendered violence, Sapphire has transformed her pain into purpose, harnessing the power of education, advocacy, and collaboration with those who have the power to make the greatest difference. In recognition for her work in this space, in 2023, Sapphire was the Winner of the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Award for Workplace Health and Safety. She was also a Nominee for the National Protective Services Safety and Wellbeing in the Workplace Award which forms part of the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards for Victoria. Sapphire was also selected as a Bond University Ambassador for their 2023 Giving Day. In 2022, she was the Winner of the Rising Star of the Year Award at the Women in Law Awards. She was also a Finalist for the Innovator of the Year and Women in Law Excellence Awards and was a Finalist in the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards for Workplace, Health & Safety.
Fiona Kirkman
Fiona is the Global Family Law Evangelist at Smokeball, a leading global legal practice management software. She is also the Co-Founder of Family Property, an expert family law system that streamlines the family law process. With 20 years of experience in the legal industry, Fiona is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law, a Mediator FDRP, and a Collaborative Coach and holds a Masters in Applied Law (majoring in Family Law). She runs her own mediation and collaborative coach firm, Kirkman Family Law, where she helps families resolve their disputes without going to court. Fiona is passionate about using dispute resolution and legal technology to make the legal process more efficient and affordable for families. She is also an advocate for the education of the next generation of family lawyers and mediators, mentoring a number of students within her firm.
Asha Bhat OAM
Asha is the CEO of Southern Aboriginal Corporation (SAC) and an internationally acclaimed leader dedicated to social justice, equality, diversity, and inclusion. At the helm of SAC, she drives transformative initiatives in affordable housing, employment, youth empowerment, suicide prevention, health advocacy, family violence support, and legal services. Her landmark achievement is expanding family violence prevention legal services, improving access to justice for Aboriginal communities. As an Indian migrant leading an Indigenous organisation, Asha masterfully bridges cultures to deliver life-changing outcomes for Australia’s most marginalized people. Recognized with prestigious honors, including the 2022 Order of Australia Medal, 2023 WA Women’s Hall of Fame, and WA Excellence in Women’s Leadership Award 2024, she also holds international accolades like the Stevie Gold Businesswomen’s Award and UNAA Gender Equality Promotion Award. A sought-after keynote speaker and media expert on social and emotional wellbeing, migrant success, and holistic family support, Asha’s leadership inspires change. Known for her empathy, vision, and ability to empower others, she exemplifies how embracing culture and diversity strengthens Australia.
Our Young Ambassador
Keeley Johnson
Keeley, a remarkable 19-year-old from Victoria, is the founder of Keeley’s Cause, a national charity she launched at just 13 to provide communication aids for children with disabilities. Diagnosed with a Mild Intellectual Disability and Autism, Keeley overcame challenges in the mainstream education system with the help of a communication iPad, inspiring her to ensure other children could access similar tools. Since 2019, Keeley’s Cause has raised over $300,000 through community initiatives and provided more than 400 iPads to children in need, empowering them with confidence and independence. Keeley’s extraordinary impact has earned her accolades, including The Diana Award (2020), Young Women of the Year (2023), and Champion Social Enterprise Business (2023). Her passion, resilience, and commitment to inclusion continue to transform lives, making Keeley a true force for change.