News

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jody Evans and Sharon McGowan AM to the Board of Melbourne Women’s Foundation. Both women bring deep experience in for-purpose strategy, leadership, and governance as well as a passion to progress our mission.  

Jody is a senior academic at Melbourne Business School with over 25 years of experience in marketing, leadership development, and the social purpose sector, and current Board Member of the Melbourne Recital Centre, where she chairs the Foundation Committee.  

Sharon is a dedicated MWF member since 2016, an experienced nonprofit Chief Executive Officer and Non-Executive Board Director, and Chair of the Australian Living Evidence Consortium. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2024, in recognition of her significant contributions to community health, particularly stroke prevention and awareness. 

As we acknowledge our new Board Members, we also wish to celebrate the legacy of Christine Darcas and Amanda Thornton, who have vacated their Board Member roles.  

Christine and Amanda have been key to our vibrant development. Amanda has been appointed to the critical new role of Operations Administrator for MWF and Christine as MWF’s Member Liaison Lead, whilst also contributing her experience and knowledge in her significant role with Collective Giving Australia. 

Both Christine and Amanda are past recipients of the Sue Beecher Memorial Award, given to recognise outstanding leadership and contribution to MWF, embodying our mission, vision and values. The award honours a greatly-missed MWF founding member whose commitment to causes, philanthropy and MWF continues to inspire us today. 

To all who responded to our call for Board positions, incoming Chair Leonie Boxtel thanks you for your willingness to contribute your time and talent to further our mission:  

“I was overwhelmed by the calibre and quality of those who applied. With all of you contributing, I could not be more confident in our ability to impact the trajectory of women in Melbourne. The possibilities are exciting!” 

Christine Darcas joined the inaugural Grants Committee in 2014 as Co-Chair, laying the foundations of our rigorous approach to granting. She also served as Co-Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee and for over three years, Christine was our Executive Officer (pro-bono). When MWF became a Foundation in 2023, Christine stepped up as Chair of our newly-formed Board. There is no part of MWF that Christine has not shaped, influenced or led. 

When asked what she reflects on with satisfaction about her 11 years putting together the nuts and bolts of our giving circle, Christine could not hold back: 

• We have grown from strength to strength with resilience and the goodwill of all involved.  
• We have always put mission first. 
• The organisation is so strong, the founders and founding members can step back. 
• We are in good hands with the Board and operational committees in great shape. 
• This year we will report continued membership and funding pool growth. 

Christine also reflected on Pat’s and Gillian’s commitment to supporting women in leadership.  

“Pat and Gillian have been wonderful mentors. They encouraged me to build my skills and be brave to lead and use my voice.” 

We can’t wait to hear more, as Christine steps up to broaden her influence within collective giving at the national level.  

Amanda Thornton met Pat and Gillian at Swinburne, studying a Masters in Philanthropy and Social Investment. With a varied career and background in fundraising and grant-seeking within cultural and community nonprofit organisations, Amanda was inspired by Pat’s and Gillian’s brave vision to create a giving circle. 

Amanda joined MWF in 2016 and volunteered with Grants Committee to 2022, the final four years as the committee’s Chair. In late 2023, she joined the MWF Board as Company Secretary, bringing her nonprofit Board experience to contribute to and learn how to meet the governance needs of our new entity.  

As a hands-on member of our former Executive Committee, Amanda is familiar with all areas of our operations, including membership, events, marketing and communications, and IT. When we needed a dedicated Operations Administrator, Amanda was the obvious choice. Her role will improve our operational systems and processes, supporting the Board and all committees. 

“I love contributing my knowledge and collaborating with all the MWF volunteers to help make things easy and efficient for them, so that everyone can focus on what really matters – our purpose, vision and mission.” 

Jody Evans PhD | GAICD  

Associate Professor Jody Evans is a senior academic at Melbourne Business School with over 25 years of experience in marketing, leadership development, and the social purpose sector. Spanning numerous industries, her work supports leaders and organisations align purpose with strategy and marketing. She created and directs two executive leadership programs that support women at key points in their careers. Jody’s research and education initiatives have focused on strengthening leadership capacity and driving social impact. 

With past Board roles within the Arts sector, Jody currently serves on the Board of the Melbourne Recital Centre, where she chairs the Foundation Committee. 

 “I believe strongly in the value of collective action and thoughtful, strategic philanthropy, and I see real potential to contribute to MWF’s growth and impact in these areas. I’m looking forward to supporting the Foundation’s next chapter by bringing my experience in engagement, strategic storytelling, and fundraising, and to working alongside women who share a deep commitment to creating lasting, systemic change”. 

We look forward to introducing the refreshed Board in person at our next event and to honouring the contributions made by those who have contributed to our foundation and growth. 

Sharon McGowan AM, MBA, GAICD  

A member of MWF for nine years, Sharon has been inspired by the power of collective giving. An experienced nonprofit Chief Executive Officer and Non-Executive Board Director, her career started in nursing and developed through health management roles, community engagement, advocacy, culture transformation and philanthropy.  

She is currently Chair of the Australian Living Evidence Consortium, a group whose vision is to accelerate the application of medical research to actionable guidance for front-line clinicians using a “living” approach to evidence synthesis.  

“Joining the MWF Board is a great opportunity to work with a committed, engaged and capable group of women to make a difference. Together I hope we can build on the incredible legacy established by Pat and Gillian back in 2014 and help even more women and families to thrive”.