Our People

Lauren Read

Operations Manager

Lauren’s first fundraiser was at age 10, selling baked goods and badges out the front of her local general store in aid of koala conservation. It wasn’t terribly successful, but that feeling of making a positive contribution stayed with her long after the last hedgehog slice sold.

Lauren has since spent more than 10 years dedicating her professional life to making a positive impact in our communities. She has worked and volunteered with major non-profit organisations, ensuring children, women and families are supported during times of crisis, with a focus on providing access to basic essentials. With experience as both a Volunteer/Project Coordinator and a volunteer herself, Lauren has a deep appreciation for all that volunteers do and is inspired by what communities can achieve when they work together. And as a mum to two little ones herself, she’s dedicated to ensuring nappies are accessible for every little bum in Australia.

Lara Paturzo

Communications and Donor Manager

Lara is a strategic communications specialist driven by a genuine commitment to social impact and equity. With extensive experience across digital, television and radio in the media, education and non-profit sectors, including roles at the ABC, Channel 10’s The Project and News Corp, she brings a versatile and well-rounded perspective.

Her broad skill set spans editorial strategy, content creation, digital marketing, website management, social media, SEO, relationship and partnerships management, campaign delivery, digital growth and data analysis. Lara excels at turning insights into action, creating clear and effective communications that motivate real support.

At her core, Lara’s work focuses on connecting Australians with straightforward, meaningful ways to help families facing hardship and delivering impact that’s both measurable and human.

Sandra Jacobs, Chair

Sandra Jacobs is a philanthropic executive and social entrepreneur with a background in wealth management. Sandra's executive roles have included CEO at the Self-Determination Fund and the Bennelong Foundation. Sandra transitioned to the philanthropic sector following 12 years at Morgan Stanley as a private wealth adviser. Sandra has and continues to contribute to the community through not-for-profit directorship roles, focusing on supporting women, children, education, employment,  social cohesion, youth, and the arts.

Leonora Roccisano LLB/LP FGIA, Company Secretary

Leonora has spent her career managing risk for private clients and in house for international banks.  In Leonora's legal career, she worked as a litigator and alternative dispute resolution professional across Australia and Asia.  During her time in the international banking arena, she advised on Operational Risk Management, product risk management and risk governance in Asia, Africa and the United Kingdom.  Leonora is now based in Melbourne and continues to consult in this area.  She lives with her fiancé and dog Monty and loves them both very much, as well as interior architecture and design.  Leonora is an ardent believer that access to basic needs, like nappies, disproportionately improves the trajectory of a life and its community.

Jacob Clifton, Vice-Chair

Jacob was introduced to the work of The Nappy Collective when he was a Chief of Staff in the Victorian Government and has continued to be a supporter. He has worked across three levels of government in Australia at the highest levels and is passionate about social justice and children's wellbeing.

Jacob has three children - including one still in nappies - and is acutely aware of the stress that purchasing nappies generates for people in a less fortunate position. Jacob welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the work of The Nappy Collective.

Rebecca Xuereb

Rebecca is a passionate individual who is excited about the opportunity to be a part of The Nappy Collective. With three children of her own, and over 12 years of experience as a registered foster carer, she understands the importance of supporting Australian families to ensure that children are given every opportunity to thrive. 

As an engineer with a background in management consulting, Rebecca brings a unique skill set to her role as a board member of The Nappy Collective. Her analytical skills and strategic mindset have been honed through her experience as the Head of Strategic Partnerships for an energy management firm where she has successfully built partnerships and driven growth.

Cynthia Chiu, Treasurer

Cynthia has always loved the idea of giving back to the community and contributing towards making an impact to the wider society. When presented with the opportunity to be involved with The Nappy Collective as a Treasurer in 2021, it perfectly matched her skills in the Accounting and Advisory industry as well as her experience in having 2 little boys.

Cynthia is a Partner at Rose Partners and has over 13 years of experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) with Distinction, a Masters in Applied Finance, and is a CPA.

Marianne Marchesi GAICD

Marianne is the Founder and Managing Principal of Legalite - a multi-award-winning commercial law firm committed to delivering Simplified and Strategic Advice.

She is a visionary leader, deeply passionate about the power of business as a force of good, and the intersection between for-profit and for-purpose businesses.

As a mum to two young kids, Marianne became aware of The Nappy Collective after the birth of her first child during Melbourne lockdowns, and felt a keen sense of privilege to be able to access essential baby and hygiene products. With this, she is even more emboldened to make sure no family ever has to go without clean nappies for their little ones. 

Marianne holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts (Politics) and is a Graduate of the AICD Company Director's Course.

MELBOURNE

Central, East and North East - Position available

South East and Mornington Peninsula - Hope Trueman

West and North - Kylie Conway

GEELONG - Position available

BALLARAT - Position available

BENDIGO - Position available

HOBART - Sahana Sehgal

ADELAIDE - Kaitlin Scott

PERTH - Paula Gates

ALICE SPRINGS - Position available

DARWIN - Position available

BRISBANE - Alice McKay

SUNSHINE COAST - Hayley Hopley

GOLD COAST - Position available

SYDNEY

Central, East and North - Antonia Murphy

South and West - Position available

NEWCASTLE AND CENTRAL COAST - Sharon Williams

ORANGE AND CENTRAL WEST - Chloe Garlick

WOLLONGONG AND SOUTH COAST - Position available

CANBERRA - Position available