Chairperson

Jenny was a senior adviser in a financial advisory company and retired in 2010. She brings corporate, financial and management skills to the Board. She is an active member of Zonta International, having served in many capacities during her 20+ years of membership. Jenny is an active member of the Zonta Club of Adelaide Torrens and coordinates a Zonta interclub advocacy group. She was an inaugural Board member and was awarded an OAM in the King’s Birthday Honours in 2023.

Deputy Chair

Joy is a medical practitioner who has a wide background in administration and strategic planning. She created the Birthing Kit and started production in 1999, supported by her fellow members of the Zonta Club of Adelaide Hills, and was an original member of the Zonta Birthing Kit Committee and an inaugural Board member of the BKFA. She brings specialist skills in maternal health research and informs the Board on matters of medical information research.

Director

Ted has worked in international development since 1975 after graduating from Reading University (UK). This has involved working with communities in over 50 countries and living with his family in Somalia, Swaziland and Papua New Guinea. He has given support and advice on community development to BKFA informally over the last twelve years. He was co-opted to the Board in May 2017. He is pleased to have the opportunity to use his program management and international development skills to support BKFA, gained through working with Aid Agencies like DFAT, United Nations and international and local NGOS.

Director

Julie is an inaugural Board member and brings with her business administration, personnel management skills, and health profession knowledge as a partner in a large private dental practice. She is a Charter Member of Zonta Club of Adelaide Hills, serving at Board level for 15 years, including that of president for two years. She coordinated the Zonta Birthing Kit Project with Joy O’Hazy from 2000, and was Project Administrator from 2000-2007.  She was the inaugural Chair of the Board from 2006 – 2009, the Zonta District Project Co-coordinator for Australia from 2004 to the present and has been the liaison with Zonta International and clubs overseas since 2000.

Director

Julie has worked in the not-for-profit sector for 30 years, including 25 years in CEO roles with Asthma SA, Arthritis SA, the RDNS Foundation and Ronald McDonald House. A member of Zonta Club of Adelaide Torrens for over a decade, Julie has served on the Board for six years, including two as President. Her board experience also includes roles with Kidsafe, the SA Medical Education Association, and Transplant Australia SA and NT. A qualified nurse and midwife, Julie was awarded a gold medal in midwifery. She is a graduate of the Governor’s Leadership Foundation program, an ANZAC Fellowship recipient, and has been a finalist in both the Telstra Business Woman of the Year Awards and the SA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence in Education Awards.

Director

Madhu is General Manager of IT in a large Australian Experiential Tourism business. She has over 14 years of experience in a wide range of Technology and Leadership roles in Australia, Belgium and India. She is a strong technologist with strategic vision, who leads technology-based growth initiatives grounded on business value and user centric design. Her passion for women rights, education and financial independence brings her to BKFA board.

Treasurer

With over 15 years experience as a finance professional, Clare has developed broad expertise across multiple industries. She is currently the Finance Manager for a South Australian advanced manufacturing group of companies. Her skill set includes finance, leadership, human resource, and strategy. Clare’s problem-solving mindset focuses on operational outcomes that align to the strategy of the organisation. She drives change through stakeholder engagement and a collaborative leadership style. Clare’s business expertise and passion for advancing women’s rights motivate her to be part of the BKFA board.

Director

Angelina is a medical doctor with a strong background in global health. Deeply committed to compassion, empathy and social justice, she has supported a number of not-for-profits throughout her career, including serving on several national boards. Her work in health equity and social justice has earned recognition at both national and international levels. Among her many honours are the Barbara Hackett Medal for Inspiration, the 7NEWS Young Achiever of the Year Award, recognition by Federal Parliament and Dame Marie Bashir for promoting peace and harmony, and being named Young Citizen of the Year. She is also a TEDx speaker and a nominee for Young Australian of the Year. As a member of the BKFA Board, Angelina is passionate about advancing maternal health and education, and contributing to meaningful, lasting change for women and communities around the world. X99lsl

Business Development Manager

Adrian has been involved in managing transport and logistics for over 30 years. He has managed the operations of the supplies, storage, and logistics of the BKFA for over 15 years creating effective and efficient channels for distribution of clean birth kits to the most challenging of locations.

Program Manager

Mercy has a professional background in accounting, entrepreneurship, and community development, with work experience spanning Africa, North America, and Australia. She has been with BKFA for over five years, managing the Clean Birth Program and managing in-country projects for the foundation. Mercy is deeply passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in empowering communities to improve their economic outcomes.

Assembly Day
Coordinator

Hilary oversees the organization of 250-300 groups annually to assemble birthing kits. With nearly 13 years in the role, Hilary is the first point of contact for groups, expertly managing their needs from start to finish. Dedicated to ensuring smooth and enjoyable assembly days, she addresses all questions and requirements with care. Hilary’s commitment and passion for her work play a pivotal role in BKFA’s mission to support safe birthing practices worldwide.

Social Media and Marketing Coordinator

Emily is a trained journalist with more than 20 years’ experience in media and communications. As BKFA’s Social Media and Marketing Coordinator, she helps bring the Foundation’s impact to life by telling the stories behind every birthing kit – from the volunteers who pack them and the partners who distribute them, to the mothers and babies whose lives they are designed to protect. A natural storyteller, she is passionate about turning statistics into stories that inform, connect and inspire action. Emily is the proud mother of two girls, which fuels her passion for helping to build a more equal future for women.