The Board Internship Alumni
The most recent cohort of 12 interns graduated at the CMA 2024 Conference in Melbourne. They represent outstanding young leaders from Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, and now have some training and boardroom experience to take with them into future board roles.
If your organisation is seeking Christian young people to serve on your board, we commend our Board Internship Alumni to you!
Interns after commissioning at CMA's 2024 Conference
2023-2024 Cohort
Grace Sha
Grace lives in QLD
Grace completed her internship with CMA
Dr Grace Sha is a dentist, board director and professional speaker, who, besides her healthcare career, is :
* a leader passionate about good governance and rejuvenating organisational culture
* a volunteer and advocate who supports local and overseas not-for-profits
* a creative entrepreneur who excels in a diverse range of endeavours including property investment and event production
Grace currently holds leadership and board positions in Australian dental associations and Professional Speakers Australia, mentors young professionals and loves connecting with other like-minded individuals who have a passion for collaborating, serving and creating positive impacts in our community.
Sarah Rizkallah
Sarah lives in QLD
Sarah completed her internship with Hillcrest Christian College
Sarah is a Clinical Psychologist with a Research Background, committed to making a positive impact, to foster resilience, promote mental health, and deliver evidence-based interventions while continuously learning and growing in the field of psychology to ensure the highest level of care and support for her clients.
Dedicated to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide prevention among adolescents and young adults, she experience in trauma, criminogenic factors, early psychosis, and providing culturally sensitive care to diverse populations. Sarah is deeply committed to supporting young people within the Youth justice space.
Jeffy Philip
Jeffy lives in NSW
Jeffy completed his internship at Anglican Aid
Jeffy leads the Future Students Service Centre at the University of Wollongong, with a strategic focus on service excellence and conversion activities, and a dedication to tailoring experiences that meet diverse student needs while maintaining rigorous service standards.
Jeffy’s expertise in customer relationship management and office administration has been instrumental in forecasting enquiry volumes and resource planning, ensuring that service delivery is both efficient and student-centric. In collaboration with my team, we’ve implemented continuous process improvements, fostering a culture of innovation and a commitment to a sales-based approach that significantly enriches the overall student experience.
Andrew Pfeiffer
Andrew lives in the ACT
Andrew completed his internship at Korus Connect
Andrew is an in-demand public speaker, neurodiversity advocate and change agent. Passionate about leaving a legacy, including through my TED talk, Neurodiversity: the untapped competitive advantage.
He is an executive-level (EL) data leader with experience at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) and the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC).
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjpfeiffer
Andrew has continued to be a supporter of The Board Internship Program through creating networks, arranging events, and assisting in onboarding the new cohort.
Bianca Nicholls
Bianca lives in VIC
Bianca completed her internship with the Leprosy Mission
Bianca is a diligent and adaptive arts and law graduate. She is a strong capacity for taking initiative, leading in complex situations, and collaborating with a wide range of people and teams.
Bianca has lead large teams of people from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, in both a paid leadership and volunteer capacity. She has a keen interest in humanitarian issues and advocacy.
Sarah Melville
Sarah is based in NT
Sarah completed her internship with Southern Cross Kids Camps
Sarah has been actively involved with 35+ camps and 15 years experience serving as a leader on Southern Cross Kids Camps across Australia working to build teams and deliver hope to children who have experienced trauma, abuse and/or neglect.
She has 11 years experience working collaboratively as an Occupational Therapist to enable teams and clients to reach their potential.
Sarah’s excellent relationship building skills with various stakeholders enables her to work collaboratively towards a common goal. She has become a mentor to other buddies who volunteer on camp to provide support and build connection within the team.
Her experience with The Board Internship has resulted in Sarah becoming a Board Member of Southern Cross Kids Camps.
Samuel John
Samuel lives in NSW
Samuel completed his internship with Langham Partnership
Samuel is Head of Sales for BaptistCare and has extensive experience in sales strategy and performance, including leading an experienced and successful sales team.
Understanding the critical role of stakeholder management, Samuel develops both internal and external stakeholder relationships including conducting customer focus groups, and ensuring the customer experience journey is understood and executed end to end.
Samuel has served as a Board Member on his local Parish Council.
Kylie Hofer
Kylie is based in WA
Kylie completed her internship with Churches of Christ WA
Kylie is Executive Minister at Warnbro Community Church, where she leads the staff team in the interim between Senior Pastors and alongside new the Senior Pastor, including training, vision casting, forward planning, and performance reviews.
She manages a team of approximately 200 volunteers, developing teams and motivating them to serve and perform across a range of activities and events. She is responsible for pastoral care for staff, leaders and families, building networks across the local area, as well as developing and monitoring policies and procedures and governance for the church.
Imogen Herperger
Imogen is based in NSW
Imogen completed her internship with SU NSW
Imogen is an experienced health professional with excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills. A lateral problem solver with a track record of successful project delivery, working most recently with Anglicare NSW.
Experienced in policy analysis, driving strategic and systems-based advocacy work to support vulnerable older people.
Imogen continues to develop good governance and risk management capabilities for effective future leadership.
Nicholas Heng
Nick lives in VIC
Nick completed his internship with Habitat for Humanity VIC
Nick is extremely passionate about philanthropy and impact – he currently volunteers for his church and sponsors a child. His dream is to become a philanthropist – volunteering his time and donating his money. If there is a motto he lives by it is “the best use of your life, is to use your life, so that the use of your life, outlives your life!” He describes himself as a voracious learner, always on courses,
participating in mentorship programs and
mastermind groups to develop his career, and
mindset.
He is an experienced Innovation Manager at ARIIA working with stakeholders to build and deliver growth and innovation in aged care in Australia. He has also worked as a Project Manager at Western Health, and has had experience as a Project Officer in the My Health Record specialist project. His role focused on engagement with medical specialists – it included marketing, building and delivering content and business development.
He is currently on the board of Moree Care.
Peter Chi
Peter lives in NSW
Peter completed his internship with Local Leaders International
Peter loves using data to develop insights into organisational strategy ranging from CX, business growth, and product development.
He has worked in senior roles in Financial Services, and is active in volunteering and fundraising.
He has held lead oversight of children’s ministry in his church for many years and is recognised for his diligence and commitment.
Jason Authers
Jason lives in WA
Jason completed his internship with Peacewise
Genuinely curious. Optimistic. Intentionally focused. Committed to personal and professional evolution. Budding creative.
Having worked in the not-for-profit space for 7 years carrying a variety of roles, I’ve gained valuable experience in leadership, team management, vision casting and strategic planning. In these 7 years I’ve run large scale events, pioneered new systems and processes to manage large, decentralised volunteer and staff teams. I’ve also worked closely with youth and families to provide meaningful spaces for young people to get connected with others and equipped for life.
I’m currently in a social research and advisory agency, and loving working on dynamic solutions, client partnerships, engaging research projects and sales.
I’ve worked on key strategic reports for boards and executives, compelling thought leadership reports and a number of presentation sessions.
I’m still growing and developing and deeply committed to gaining the most out of the present opportunities.
Ashleigh Khoo, 2023 graduate
2022-2023 Cohort
Yongsheng Tan
Lives in Sydney
Served his internship with Local Leaders International
I am currently a senior investment analyst at an ethical funds management firm, as well as a CFA charterholder. Prior to this, I spent 9 years working at Christian Super, and I am currently studying a Graduate Diploma of Divinity. I have a broad range of institutional investment experience through various market cycles and I am keen to see ordinary Australian people and organisations steward finances in a prudent and ethical manner.
Sayaka Miyashita
Lives in Sydney
Served her internship with Christian Media and Arts Australia
I am a Branding Consultant and Designer, specialising in providing services to not for profit and faith-based organisations. I have a passion for seeing Christian organisations live out their values and mission through effective brand positioning, by crafting compelling visual identities and digital communications. Having completed the CMA Board Internship, I am determined to bring fresh perspectives and creative solutions to Boardrooms that will result in Christian organisations making Kingdom impact in our culture.
Priscilla Tran
Lives in Sydney
Served her internship with Anglican Aid
Priscilla Tran is an award-winning property developer (UDIA Young Leader, NAWIC Future Leader, PowerHousing Rising Star) that loves working in the property and construction industry. Since 2008, she has had diverse experience in property development, project management, property valuation, architecture and shopping centre management, and has worked in Brisbane and Sydney, in for-purpose, private and listed companies, and the market residential and community housing sectors. Priscilla is working towards using her qualifications (GAICD, Master of Property Studies, Bachelor of Architectural Design), experience and passion to further her contribution to the for-purpose sector by becoming a board director of an organisation that aligns with her aspiration to help to end homelessness and provide more diverse and resilient communities for all. Priscilla has a long history of volunteering her time and efforts in her church, community and industry, including raising funds to alleviate youth homelessness, mentor youth and younger leaders, and organise professional development, networking and fundraising events.
Katelyn Thierry
Lives in Melbourne
Served her internship with Arrow Leadership
Katelyn is a young lawyer based in Sydney. She has experience in leading and serving in her local church and in community organisations, and is passionate about helping charities, not for profits and Christian organisations ensure their structures and governance assist in carrying out their good work, rather than hinder it.
Katelyn completed her studies at Deakin University in Victoria where she was awarded the Dean’s Merit List Award for Academic Excellence, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (Distinction) and a Bachelor of Arts (Distinction), specialising in History and Politics and Policy Studies.
Elton Teh
Lives in Melbourne
Served his internship with Langham Partnership Australia
I am an accountant who is passionate about working charities and not-for-profits to find pragmatic and practical solutions. As an auditor I really enjoy engaging with boards around their financial governance and I believe in the role good governance plays in ensuring the longevity and success of any organisation.
When I’m not at work you can find me at a hipster (snobby) coffee shop or at the latest foodie hotspot in Melbourne. If I’m not there then chances are that I’m at home cooking or baking for my friends who are coming around for dinner. Qualifications: Member CAANZ
Judith Mendes
Lives in Brisbane
Served her internship with Hillcrest Christian College
Judith Mendes, based in Brisbane, completed her Board Internship with Hillcrest Christian College in 2022-23. Judith has a background in law and currently works in the area of Human Rights & Social Impact Consulting across the government, corporate and energy & natural resources sectors. Judith’s governance experience began in 2018 and she is currently up-skilling her knowledge by undertaking the AICD Company Directors course.
Judith is passionate about church, her family and mentoring the next generation. Judith enjoys leveraging her strategic focus, analytical skills and problem-solving nature to cultivate positive change.
Isaac Sargeant
Lives in Melbourne
Served his internship with Habitat for Humanity Victoria
Isaac is a graduate of the 2023 Board Internship, having completed his internship with Habitat for Humanity Victoria. During his internship, Isaac developed his understanding of board dynamics and the symbiotic relationship between boards and management.
During the week, Isaac works as a lawyer specialising in construction and major infrastructure projects.
Ashleigh Khoo
Lives in Melbourne, VIC
Served her internship with Korus Connect
Ashleigh is a regular giving product manager who enjoys facilitating and stewarding people’s giving and generosity. With over a decade of experience across the not-for-profit and corporate sector in both Australia and the UK, she is passionate about playing her part in building a more just and compassionate world. Particularly interested in social transformation, addressing systemic causes of inequality and organisations building healthy governance structures, Ashleigh enjoys empowering others to identify their purpose and utilising it to see a better society for all. Outside of this she is also a lover of spicy food (or just food in general), a coffee enthusiast and is probably planning her next scuba diving adventure.
Chelsea Evans
Lives in Brisbane. QLD
Served her internship with Christian Venues Australia
Chelsea is the Coordinator of Operations, Systems, and Compliance at Baplink, the financial services arm of The Baptist Union of Queensland. Her role includes broad responsibilities for operations team leadership, banking system administration, second line compliance leadership, and training and other support for church treasurers and administrators (including Xero implementation). She has a passion for empowering churches, specifically bookkeepers and treasurers, to gain confidence in their systems and processes. She strives to make accounting fun and exciting for everyone. She’s an unashamed Xero fan. Chelsea has a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and is a member of CPA Australia.
Diana Ong
Lives in Perth
Served her internship with CMA
Diana Ong is an emerging Director with over 10 years of working in the non-profit organisation management industry. She is skilled in communications, business development, operations, strategic planning and stakeholder management. Diana is a strong community and business professional, design thinker and ecosystem contributor to the non-profit and start-up ecosystem in Perth. She is a Co-founder and Managing Director at the Perth-based non-profit, The Platform and Purpose Studio, managing a network of over 80 impact-driven organisations ranging from known brands such as Anglicare WA and Telethon Kids, to grassroots organisations such as Raw Impact, Leading Youth Forward and more. Diana is passionate about good governance, has interned at The Board Internship, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Elise Jasper
Lives in Melbourne
Served her internship with The Leprosy Mission
I am Elise Jasper from Melbourne. My board internship was with the Leprosy Mission Australia. I have loved witnessing and learning from Christians who are actively using their skills to prayerfully and wisely govern an organisation that powerfully impacts individuals with Leprosy all over the world.
During the week I work as an Employment Lawyer. I enjoy advising on a range of employee and employer matters, in all sorts of diverse workplaces.’
Grace Szeto
Lives in Sydney
Served her internship with SU NSW
Grace resides in Sydney and has just completed her Board internship 2022-23 at Scripture Union NSW. She has a passion for governance at Christian organisations, and appreciates the unique calling each have to make a difference in the world in Jesus’ name. During the internship, she has enjoyed getting to know the complexities of how the organisation works at varying levels, and asking questions to better understand and/or challenge why things are done the way they are, and whether things can be improved.
Outside of the Board internship, Grace works as an Associate Director in investment consulting at WTW. Prior to this, she has worked 8 years at Christian Super. She also has a strong passion for social justice, and using finance to address inequality and transform local and global communities. She has volunteered with her local church on various fundraising and outreach initiatives for the community, and has led youth and adult bible studies.
2021-2022 Cohort
Lance Blythe
Lives in Melbourne VIC
Did his internship with Korus Connect
Lance Blythe is an Ordained pastor with the Baptist Union of Victoria (2022) currently working as an Associate Pastor at NewHope Baptist Church in Melbourne (2015 – current). Lance has a degree in Podiatry from LaTrobe University (2011) and a Masters of Divinity from Whitley College (2022). Currently, Lance serves in two governance positions as the Chair of NewHope Baptist Preschool’s Committee of Management (2016 – current) and as a board member of Baptist Financial Services (2022 – current). Lance completed the CMA Board Internship with Korus Connect (2021-2022) and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the internship and the placement with Korus Connect.
Thomas Chow
Lives in Brisbane QLD
Did his internship with Hillcrest Christian College
Tom is a Brisbane based professional engineer and project manager in the resource sector. He attends Sunnybank District Baptist Church with his wife Amy and 2 children. He has held governance type leadership roles for church and Christian non-profit organisations for 10 years. He is particularly passionate about developing solid governance processes and helping the socially disadvantaged. He chaired his church’s board for 7 years. Linkedin
James Baker
Lives in Adelaide
Did his internship with CMA
James is a messy Jesus follower and passionate disciple maker. James is currently the CEO and Creative Director of xp. ltd which creates digital resources to help young Aussies authentically explore life and faith. James is also an Endeavour Executive Fellow, recognised by the Australian Government for his strategic thinking and leadership in ministry, and brings his insight into emerging Christian churches to our board. Prior to ministry, James pursued a career in international law and social policy, and his work on disability rights was recognised by a prestigious Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Award.
Lucy Dessington
Lives in Perth WA
Did her internship with Peacewise
Lucy is passionate about sharing Jesus with young people and equipping local churches and Christian organisations to be thriving, Jesus-centred communities for all generations. She is an experienced allied health professional and has also worked in the area of youth engagement for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Lucy has a growing interest in governance and has completed studies with the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and NonProfit Studies (QUT). Lucy is a graduate of The Board Internship 2021/22 Cohort and is currently serving as a Board Member for PeaceWise.
Connecting with The Board Internship Alumni
We maintain a list of those Alumni who may be open to consider invitations to join ministry boards. We don’t provide a matching service, but we do have a simple system and form enabling us to communicate opportunities for board service to the alumni. There is a small fee involved for organisations (although no charge for CMA Standards Council accredited partners), please click here to provide the details of your board service opportunity, which will be passed on to the Alumni.