Our Board of Governance ensures WHIN operates lawfully, ethically and in accordance with the purposes set out in our Constitution.
Board members bring knowledge, expertise and influence relevant to WHIN. All of our Board members have recognised leadership skills and specific understanding of women’s health issues relevant to WHIN’s Strategic Plan.
Katherine Wositzky (Chairperson and member of Finance, Audit and Risk Management Subcommittee) was appointed to the Board in 2017. Katherine has worked as a social researcher across local government and the community sector. Leading the Culturally Accessible Gateway Strategy at the Municipal Association of Victoria, she developed local government resources to address systemic discrimination and evaluated client support services of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Lauren Cordwell (Deputy Chairperson, Development and Renewal Subcommittee member) was elected to the Board in 2018. She has led initiatives to improve the quality and accessibility of health services in Australia for over 20 years and is working towards a future where women shape the policies and services that affect them and their families. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Hons), Masters of Public Health and Postgraduate Diploma of Management. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and an Associate Fellow of the Australian College of Health Service Managers (AFACHSM, CHM).
Karen Huxley (Treasurer, Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Management Subcommittee) was elected to the Board in 2019. She has over 20 years’ global experience across aspects of governance, risk management and compliance, and financial management within the financial services sector and with ASX listed companies. Karen is currently employed at ANZ as General Manager, Audit. She is a Certified Practising Accountant and has a Bachelor of Business (accounting major).
Phoebe Prossor (Chair of Development and Renewal Subcommittee) was elected to the Board in 2018. Phoebe is a Barrister at the Victorian Bar, where she mostly acts for plaintiffs in personal injury claims. Phoebe was previously a member of the Darebin Women’s Advisory Committee where her role involved applying a ‘gender lens’ to Darebin Council policies and initiatives. She has a Bachelor of Law/Arts (politics major).
Tanya Stelmach (member of Development and Renewal Subcommittee) was elected to the Board in 2018. Tanya has worked as a community solicitor specialising in family violence, intervention orders and outreach. Previously Tanya worked in the international aid sector in South-East Asia and the Pacific. Tanya has a Masters degree in international development and the environment, and is pursuing a PhD on violence in the humanitarian space.
Yasmin Karaata (member of Development and Renewal Subcommittee) was elected to the Board in 2022, is an experienced leader in community development and stakeholder engagement. She is currently Program Manager at the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Yasmin’s energy, positive motivation and exceptional group training and facilitation skills have transformed stakeholder relationships, networks and teams into robust, collaborative and thriving teams. Yasmin is a passionate leader, human rights advocate, who strives for equity, particularly for disadvantaged minority ethnic & refugee groups.
Petra Begnell (member of Finance, Audit and Risk Management Subcommittee) was elected to the Board in 2022, has delivered positive results for the women’s health and health promotion sector for many years, most notably taking a lead role in the advocacy campaign that removed abortion from the Crimes Act in 2008. Petra brings experience and understanding of gender equity, prevention of gender-based violence, public health, and health promotion, together with critical and strategic thinking skills, and the ability to forecast trends and identify opportunities for change.
Karen Jones (member of Finance, Audit and Risk Management Subcommittee) was elected to the Board in 2022, has over 20 years’ experience in financial services and consulting. She is a people-centred leader with a talent for delivering transformational change. A career highlight was designing the operating model of a $50m government shared equity scheme providing affordable housing for Victorians. Karen is currently employed at ANZ delivering strategic programs for the technology division. Karen has lived experience of recovering from domestic abuse and has knowledge of holistic solutions and financial independence.
Lucy Forwood (member of Development and Renewal Subcommittee) was appointed to the Board in 2022. Lucy is a public health professional with substantial experience in strategic planning, policy development and project management. Lucy has made a significant contribution to the primary prevention of gender-based violence, gender equity, cancer prevention and sexual and reproductive health. Lucy brings a deep desire to make positive change to women and gender diverse people living in Melbourne’s North. Lucy’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Work Degree.
