Our Board

Chairperson

Driven. Tenacious. Compassionate.

Sal is a questioner of systems, constantly fighting for those caught in structures that enforce the status quo. Using their background in psychology, Sal has worked in crisis accommodation, with the most marginalised and at-risk young people, as well as alongside child protection to reduce reporting rates and child removal. Sal's drive to ensure that the individual is at the centre of the conversation led to her completing a Master of Human Rights (with Distinction) in 2020, writing their dissertation on the experiences of trans and gender-diverse young people in historically oppressive systems. Retired from ultimate frisbee, Sal's life outside of work revolves around her two kids and wrangling their three cats.

Secretary

Curious. Creative. Collaborator.

Shelley is passionate about all things to do with people, diversity, and inclusion. Living in diverse places has deeply influenced her connection to place, community, and social justice. Following an early corporate based career, Shelley found a deep affinity and purpose working in the not-for-profit sector for the last 14 years. She believes that people are at the heart of everything and is passionate about collaborating with individuals who are dedicated to supporting and uplifting others. As the Chief People and Brand Officer at Richmond WA, Shelley is passionate about advancing mental health support services and reducing mental health stigma, particularly for young people. Shelley values listening with curious enquiry and sees the importance of being brave, speaking up, and taking action to address challenges. Shelley has a Masters in Organisational Development and is enthusiastic about innovation and finding new and better ways of doing things, always informed by the needs and experiences of service users. Her connection to place and previous work experiences have instilled a deep commitment to strategy and vision. She loves exploring new places, cultures, and food, along with spending time with her family, although it's well-known that the pint-sized dog is the real boss of the household.

Ordinary Board Member

With more than 20 years' experience working in the multicultural youth space in the education sector, Craig is a champion of refugee and migrant young people’s rights and chaired the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network of WA (MYAN WA) for most of the last 10 years. As an active supporter and advocate for opportunities relating to the rights and needs of refugee and migrant young people, Craig has worked hard to forge strong links and connection with community and finds a lot of enjoyment working with like minded individuals in the community services sector to improve outcomes for all young people. When not working, Craig is physically active and enjoy early morning swims, walks with his family or with more than 45 years training you will find him at his happy place at his Martial arts studio.

Ordinary Board Member - Young Person

Passionate. Authentic. Curious.

Jasmin is an advocate with extensive experience in the youth disability and mental health sector. She is dedicated to social justice and advocacy work, and cares deeply about inclusion, human rights and the wellbeing of community. Since completing her Bachelor of Criminology, Jasmin continues to make an impact within the community services sector with her project management and capacity-building expertise. Reflecting her passion to create safe spaces for young people, Jasmin currently works at the Western Australian Council of Social Service on their Child Safe Project. Outside of her career, she loves spending quality time with loved ones, baking new recipes, and learning Auslan.

Ordinary Board Member - Young Person

Visionary. Diligent. Ambitious.

Naomi is a young active Jewish contributor in her community as well as in the multicultural space. Naomi has involved herself in her local youth advisory committee (Stirling Youth Advocates) for the past 3 years. Naomi is also the Treasurer at her local town team (We Are Yokine). Naomi also has extensive experience as a project officer, organising events across Perth. When she is not proactively supporting local causes she can be found hiking on top of a mountain or laughing at a comedy show. Naomi is committed to ensuring young people are valued in the community.

Ordinary Board Member

Connection. Balance. Culture.

David is passionate about strengthening youth wellbeing and creating safe, inclusive communities. As Manager of Anglicare WA’s Student Wellbeing Service, he leads a statewide service that enhances mental health and wellbeing in schools, supporting young people to thrive. With over a decade of experience in health and community sectors across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, David brings a governance-informed perspective and a commitment to equity, collaboration, and culturally responsive practice to YACWA’s mission. Outside of work he can be found with his wife and 4 children most weekends, early morning gym sessions chasing PB’s, or learning a new song on the guitar.

Ordinary Board Member

Emily (she/they) is an intersectional feminist and youth advocate whose activism spans across various demographics and geographies to combat injustice. Her governance journey began at university, where she was elected to represent both undergraduate and postgraduate students. During this time, Emily completed Australian Institute Company Director training and served on the Flinders University Council. As a student representative, they championed the mental health and welfare of postgraduate students. She further served on the local Youth Council and volunteered for The Y SA Youth Parliament from 2019-2022. In 2024, Emily became the youngest President of Mandurah Pride (formerly Pride in Peel), leading its rebranding and developing a strategic plan that secured multi-year funding for the organisation. Emily is also the founder of AACE, a youth program to empower emerging young change-makers on their journeys, providing a workshop series that develops their activist toolkit. Currently, Emily works with the Geraldton and Perth Youth, Advance to Zero communities to facilitate collective effects to end rough sleeping. They have skills in project management, change theory, collective impact, strategic development and implementation. She graduated with a Master of Arts (Gender Studies) in 2025 after completing a Bachelor’s in Psychological Science (2020). Emily was the recipient of the WA Mission Australia Young Change-Maker of the Year Award at the 2024 YACWA Awards, celebrating their commitment to positive change, and in 2025 was selected as a delegate for the Humanitarian Affairs Asia Global Peace Summit at the United Nations in Thailand.