Meet the NK Board

Skye is a strong and outspoken Gamilaroi woman, proud mother of two boys and CEO of Kowa Collaboration. In 2022, she was awarded her PhD from the University of Sydney for her thesis on the co-design and implementation of monitoring, evaluation, and learning into NGO-delivered services for high-risk young people. Skye is the creator of the OCCAAARS framework, an accessible and flexible high-level set of principles for Indigenous Data Sovereignty that can be adapted and implemented by First Nations communities and organisations. Through her research, participation in Maiam nayri Wingara Indigenous Data Sovereignty collective, and her leadership of Kowa, she has become a champion of Indigenous Data Governance and Sovereignty and is an active contributor to the national dialogue on Indigenous data rights and responsibilities.

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Chad Trudgett is a proud Wiradjuri / Wailwan man and COO of Kowa Collaboration. He brings over 20 years of experience advocating for transformational change within the child protection, out-of-home care, and education sectors. His leadership expertise and deep understanding of government systems ensure Kowa's operations are efficient, Culturally sensitive, and aligned with First Nations values.

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Ronald is a Qualified accountant in public practice for the last 19 years. He has dealt with businesses small and large, from various sectors, helping them scale and manage their financial affairs.

He is also a director of a childcare group and a financial controller of a mid-sized commercial construction company.

Outside of work Ronald likes to spend time with his family, friends and sport related interests.

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Bhiamie Williamson is a Euahlayi man from north-west NSW with familial ties to north-west Queensland. Bhiamie is a consultant and trainer in Indigenous governance and a leading Indigenous academic, translating research into practical outcomes to support communities, care for Country and address injustice.

Bhiamie is a Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow at Monsh University, leading the National Indigenous Disaster Resilience research project, and has a PhD from ANU, a Masters of Arts in Indigenous Governance, a Bachelor of Arts in Environment Studies and Political Science, and a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Trauma and Recovery Practice. His professional and academic achievements make him a leading expert in Indigenous disaster resilience, environmental management, cultural burning, Indigenous youth leadership, Indigenous governance and Indigenous data sovereignty.

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Fiona Zimmermann is a proud Marranunggu woman committed to advancing First Nations justice, governance, and data sovereignty. With extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and advocacy, she brings a collaborative and strategic approach to creating systemic change. Fiona is currently undertaking a Master of Applied Cybernetics at the Australian National University, where she is deepening her expertise in Indigenous governance, evaluation, and ethical technology.

Elosie Bentley is a proud Wiradjuri woman based in Naarm (Melbourne).  Eloise currently works as an independent consultant supporting First Nations not-for-profits and philanthropy with strategy, planning and First Nations engagement. She previously worked at the Paul Ramsay Foundation, one of Australia’s largest private philanthropic foundations, as the First Nations Manager where she was responsible for identifying, developing and managing impactful partnerships with First Nations organisations across Australia. Before joining the Foundation, Eloise was a management consultant at Bain & Company based in the Melbourne office. Eloise holds a BSc in Civil Engineering and a Graduate Diploma (Advanced) in Australian Indigenous Studies from the University of Melbourne.

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Rachel Kerry has over twenty years experience in philanthropy and corporate responsibility with a background in financial services and responsible travel. Rachel joined CAGES Foundation in 2011 focussing on strategy, measurement, partnerships and overall administration of the foundation. Rachel was formerly on the Board of Curious Works and has spent time consulting to non-profits around strategic philanthropy. She is an enthusiastic member of the Early Childhood Impact Alliance and the International Funders for Indigenous People network. Rachel was born and raised in Sydney on the land of the Bidgigal people, after much exploration she now lives there with her husband and two teenage sons.

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Jodie is the representative of the general community of South Australia and has extensive experience, including in her current role as the Manager, People & Culture at the City of Port Adelaide Enfield Council. Jodie is a proud descendent of the Wiradjuri people who is committed to building capability and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within South Australia and interstate. Jodie has had previous experience as a Board member with the Zahra Foundation, Australia and is a current Board member with Women’s Safety Services SA and Headstart Homes.