Our Board

Monique is an arts manager and practitioner with over a decade’s experience using storytelling to create social impact. A proud Bunjalung woman, she centres collective well-being and cultural connection in all of her work. Currently, Monique serves as Acting General Manager of ActNow Theatre. Monique’s early career as a speech pathologist instilled in her a deep understanding of supporting autonomy and societal needs.

Sidonie is a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, arts, and relationship management. After spending a decade working across the UK and US in tech and PR, she returned to the Adelaide arts industry where she held senior roles spanning producing, marketing, and development. Now a director of her own business, Sidonie works with clients to assist them achieve inspiring transformations in mindset and action. Sidonie completed a bachelor's degree in performance studies at the Elder Conservatorium.

Jade brings over 17 years of experience in banking and financial services, with a specialisation in agribusiness across South Australia and the Northern Territory. As a dedicated leader, she is passionate about advancing gender equality and fostering inclusion within both the corporate and agricultural sectors. Jade’s commitment to empowering women is reflected through her role in advocacy, mentorship, and her active involvement with organisations focused on women’s leadership. Additionally, she is a respected judge for the Food South Australia Awards, recognising excellence in the primary producer category.

Paula brings over a decade of hands-on experience in operations, sales, marketing, and diverse projects. Leveraging her extensive background across various industries and departments, she excels in delivering exceptional people experiences and facilitating seamless change adoption in digital transformation projects as a Change Consultant through SynergyIQ. Passionate about people and a hugger by nature, Paula infuses great energy into her work, building strong relationships and enhancing communication between teams.

A highly resilient leader in arts and cultural management, Laura specialises in creating unique sensory driven experiences for audiences in events environments through placemaking. Since beginning her career 15 years ago, she has worked with events and festivals such as Womadelaide, Sydney Festival, Adelaide Festival and Next Wave Festival, her experience is defined by creating industry-leading, customer-centric strategies for events through stakeholder and relationship management. Laura holds qualifications in stage and tour management, and Festival and Event design from Flinders University.

Georgia brings over five years of diverse experience in the advertising industry, from out-of-home media sales to tourism marketing. In her current role in professional education at the University of Adelaide, she harnesses creativity and strategic thinking to develop bespoke education solutions for corporate clients. Outside of work, Georgia enjoys volunteering as an industry mentor and contributing to the Spence Club community as a board member.

With a rich background in education, change management, and community engagement, Charlene joins the Spence Club Board to champion diversity and growth among women leaders. She has two decades of experience across STEM, education, community, emergency services, and defence sectors. Her leadership, passion for inclusivity, and dedication to empowering women are invaluable assets to the club's mission.

Sara, Founder of The People Plugin, melds 15+ years in People & Culture with a startup fervor. Dedicated to cultivating engaged teams, Sara envisions business triumph and human flourishing by guiding optimal employee experiences. A lifelong learner, she studied at Flinders, Monash, and the University of South Australia. Recently featured in the University of Adelaide leadership course, Sara was interviewed for South Australia's premier business and leadership podcast.

Beth has over 12 years’ experience working in marketing, communications and project management roles across the tertiary education, arts and private sectors. Currently the Manager, Global Engagement & Intelligence at the University of Adelaide, she has also won a netball premiership with the Adelaide Thunderbirds. Beth holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Adelaide and a Master of Marketing from the University of South Australia.

Alisa is an experienced Financial Adviser and owns her own holistic advice firm, Align Wealth. She has over 15 years’ experience supporting clients on their wealth journey, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce & Bachelor of Business (International Business) as well as being certified by the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia. She is passionate about supporting sustainability & gender balance in finance.