Donna McSkimming - Chairperson
Donna is an International Development senior executive and has worked within Australian and global non-government organisations for two decades. She currently holds the position of Regional Programme Manager for Oxfam in Asia. She also worked for the International Women’s Development Agency as Director of Programs. She has previously worked within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement as Head of International for Australian Red Cross and with International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies. Her expertise includes designing and managing multi sector, development and emergency programs and Donna has led initiatives in more than 30 countries. She has managed large teams and budgets, including remote teams based in complex environments and supported programmes preventing and responding to violence against women in Asia and the Pacific. Donna is a feminist with a strong commitment to gender equality and diversity and inclusion outcomes at all levels in organisations and has served on the Board since 2015 and was elected Chair for a second time in 2023.
CPA, Master of Business Administration, Master of Practising Accounting, BEcon/BJournalism
Manisha Soosaipillai - Deputy Chair
Manisha is a senior finance executive with 15+ years’ experience in diverse businesses across commercial, government and not-for-profit sectors, including pharmaceutical, IT consulting, healthcare and emergency services. Manisha has significant experience delivering strategic oversight while managing and developing large teams. Her expertise ranges from strategic and financial management, corporate governance, risk and analytics. She is passionate about serving community organisations with her distinct skillset and commercial acumen.
Bachelor of Commercial Interior Design, Diploma of Project Management, Diploma of Government Procurement and Contract Management
Rose Stranan - Board Member
Rose has been in the construction industry for over 15 years and has significant experience in leading commercial projects for private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Rose commenced her career working for an architectural firm where she led numerous ethical and environmentally sustainable projects and has since curated her career around working for ethical organisations. Rose’s many roles in the industry have included: overseeing architectural projects for the Australian Parliament House; assuming the first internal Development Manager for Nightingale Housing, a multi-residential model for affordable and sustainable living in Australian cities; and working for the Victorian Government acquiring large-scale sites for residential development with a focus on affordable and sustainable outcomes. Rose is proud to play a role in progressing a vision of Australia that upholds gender equality and is free from family violence. She brings her skills in project management to the Board and provides her expertise for WLHH’s refuge redevelopments and new builds.
CPA, ACMA, CGMA, Master of Financial Analysis, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance)
Kavisha Senaratne - Treasurer
Kavisha (Kavi) is a finance professional with over 10 years’ experience obtained in a variety of industries including not-for-profit and healthcare. She has extensive experience in successfully leading teams in development and implementation of financial systems, strategies, processes, and controls. Kavi brings to the board her unique set of skills and expertise in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, internal and external audits, and data analytics. Kavi is proud to be part of the WLHH board, continuing her passion and commitment to serve and support communities.
Sanna Conquest - Board Member
Sanna is a trusted advisor and storyteller. She ignites collaboration between business leaders and creatives on projects that involve complex problem solving, big picture thinking and big-hearted stories. Her expertise in strategic communications spans stakeholder relations, public relations, branding, traditional and digital media management, film production and design. Sanna shares more than 20 years’ experience in communications working with local and global brands across multiple industries and has managed teams working in the UK, USA and Australia. She has worked for many agencies and corporates and has also run her own consulting business. This lens consistently leads to fresh, innovative and results driven outcomes. Having consulted to myriad clients in the not for profit and social enterprise sector, Sanna has proudly helped grow initiatives designed to empower young people. Her focus is in making a positive difference for people and planet.
Rachna Muddagouni - CEO
Rachna was appointed as the CEO of Women’s Liberation Halfway House in Nov 2023 and has over 24 years of executive leadership and management experience in the non-profit, public, and university sectors. Holding an MBA, an MPP, and a GAICD credential, along with certifications in mediation, leadership, and facilitation, she has extensive experience working with women and children in the area of family violence.
Rachna has also worked as a consultant and assisted community organisations and business with strategic planning, interim CEO roles, organizational change, and reviews. Rachna serves as a non-executive director on the boards of community organizations. In this capacity, she contributes her expertise to governance, strategy development, and risk management, playing a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of these organizations.
Rachna's commitment to making a positive impact on communities, supporting organisations with complex challenges, drive positive change, and achieve lasting success.
