Sarita Narayan CCD - Chair

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Sarita Narayan joined the CALD2LEAD Board in 2025 after successfully completing her CALD2LEAD scholarship and the Certified Community Directors Course through the Institute of Community Directors Australia. Having already established our CALD2Action Working Group focussed on increasing our “Scholars Experience and Impact”, Sarita joins our Board as a purpose-driven diversity advocate and strategic leader with over 24 years of experience across government, consulting, and community engagement.

 

Sarita is deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and driving meaningful policy reform. Sarita has a proven track record in leading diverse teams, chairing influential networks, and delivering systemic change through cross-sector partnerships. She is recognised for translating community insights into actionable government strategies, drawing on lived experience and inclusive governance expertise to influence long-term reform. Her passion lies in strengthening social cohesion by fostering collaboration that delivers equitable outcomes for all Victorians.

 

Sarita is also Founder and Director of both SDN Connect and The Resilient Journeys.

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The Resilient Journeys provides a platform to empower women and individuals from multicultural and multifaith backgrounds — including migrant communities — through tailored coaching, mentoring, and inspirational keynote speaking. It also provides consulting services to advance cultural inclusion through corporate programs, inclusive leadership development, and diversity coaching tailored to organisational needs.

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SDN Connect is a purpose-driven consultancy advising government and community organisations on customer centric strategic planning, business case development, and investment models that align with community priorities and public value.

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Sarah Wood GAICD FCPHR - Deputy Chair

 

Sarah Wood is a positive, energetic facilitator, organisational consultant and coach who is deeply committed to helping people grow, develop and thrive in their professional and personal lives. As Deputy Chair of CALD2LEAD, Sarah brings deep expertise in human resources, organisational development, leadership capability and governance—along with a strong passion for creating safe, respectful and fulfilling workplace environments.

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With extensive experience leading in‑house HR, change and organisational development teams, Sarah has spent her career supporting purpose‑driven organisations to build healthy, productive workplaces and highly effective teams. Her work spans leadership development, change management, workforce strategy, cultural transformation, team effectiveness, and career development—underpinned by her certification as a Human Resources practitioner and more than 15 years working with not‑for‑profit organisations.

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Sarah is motivated by a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves to work in an environment where they feel safe, respected, supported and able to grow. Having witnessed firsthand the negative impact of poor leadership on wellbeing, engagement and performance, she is passionate about developing empathetic, effective leaders at all levels. Her strengths—Positivity, Empathy, Responsibility, Achiever and Developer—shape her supportive, strengths‑based approach to coaching and leadership.

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Across her consulting and coaching practice, Sarah works closely with organisations to build cohesive cultures, develop impactful leaders and design workplace experiences where people can succeed and feel fulfilled. She is especially committed to supporting organisations with a strong social purpose, contributing to communities and driving positive societal impact.

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Sarah brings valuable governance experience to CALD2LEAD, having supported multiple organisations to strengthen their governance frameworks as they grow. She has also played a key role in shaping and updating CALD2LEAD’s strategy over several years, helping guide the organisation’s evolution and long-term vision.

Beyond her board work, Sarah is an active community contributor. She co‑coordinates the Australian Human Resources Institute Victoria Senior HR Leaders Community of Practice, mentors emerging HR professionals, and serves as Vice President of her local tennis club. Outside of work, she enjoys tennis, hiking and keeping fit—activities that reflect her energetic, uplifting and community‑oriented nature.

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A natural connector, mentor and facilitator, Sarah brings empathy, clarity and strategic insight to CALD2LEAD’s mission. Her commitment to developing confident, capable and compassionate leaders continues to make a meaningful impact across sectors and communities.

 

Valissa Warren - Treasurer

 

Valissa Warren is a growth marketing analytics and innovation leader with more than fifteen years’ experience in large corporations. She specialises in analytics strategy and digital transformation, helping organisations make confident, data-driven decisions in complex environments. She is currently Campaign Analytics Lead at Flybuys.

 

As Treasurer of CALD2LEAD, Valissa brings financial oversight, governance discipline and digital expertise. She is particularly interested in strengthening financial foundations and broadening fundraising approaches to support the organisation’s long-term impact. She is driven by a belief that varied perspectives lead to better decisions, and that meaningful change happens when more CALD women are represented in leadership.
 

Originally from the United States, Valissa has lived across four continents and now calls Australia home. Her lived experience as a migrant informs her perspective on identity and leadership. A former Rotary Exchange Student, she developed an early appreciation for language and cultural exchange, and recently completed a personal goal of visiting all the continents. She holds degrees in Linguistics and World Economics & Business, along with a Master’s in Spanish Bilingualism.

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Sarah Senanayake - Director, Scholar Support and Engagement

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Sarah Senanayake is a global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) leader with a strong commitment to advancing equitable opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women. At CALD2LEAD, she leads the Scholars Support and Experience portfolio, ensuring scholarship recipients are supported, connected and empowered throughout their leadership journey.

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Sarah brings extensive experience in HR business partnering, talent strategy and inclusive culture transformation across global and APJC environments. She has led initiatives that embed equity and belonging into every stage of the employee experience, working closely with senior leaders to deliver meaningful, sustainable outcomes.

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A key focus of her work is advancing Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), through programs and policies that address systemic barriers and create pathways for underrepresented groups to access leadership opportunities. At CALD2LEAD, she applies this expertise to foster a supportive and enriching experience for scholars—helping them build confidence, capability and strong networks.

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With experience spanning technology, e-commerce, humanitarian, aviation, education, government and consulting sectors, Sarah brings a global and culturally responsive perspective. Her background in psychology further informs her people-centred approach to leadership, learning and development.

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Passionate about inclusion and impact, Sarah is dedicated to creating environments where CALD women feel supported to grow, lead and thrive.

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​Saran Konteh - Director, Programs and Community Impact​​​​

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Saran Konteh is a youth advocate, community leader and Board Director at CALD2LEAD, dedicated to advancing equity, culturally responsive practice, and inclusive leadership for young people and CALD communities. With a professional background in Youth Work and Criminal Justice, and current roles as a Student Mentor and Cultural Diversity Officer at Victoria University, Saran brings both frontline experience and strategic insight to her leadership.

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Saran is the founder of The Wellness Table Australia, a community‑led initiative focused on culturally safe wellbeing, intergenerational connection, and strengthening identity and resilience for CALD women and young people. Her work is grounded in lived experience, shaping her commitment to systems change—particularly for those navigating educational, legal and support systems not designed with their realities in mind.

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Across education, youth mental health, mentoring, governance and community development, Saran champions representation, accountability and pathways that elevate CALD voices. She has delivered programs supporting young people at risk, advocated for culturally safe engagement practices, and partnered with organisations to embed meaningful youth participation in decision‑making.

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Her leadership is informed by a strong focus on intersectionality, cultural safety and trauma‑aware practice, ensuring young people can lead with dignity, agency and support. Saran’s strengths lie in building trust across communities, amplifying lived experience, and creating environments where young people feel seen, heard and empowered.

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At CALD2LEAD, Saran plays a key role in Program and Community Impact contributing practical experience from her frontline work and her commitment to shaping more equitable systems. She is particularly passionate about supporting emerging CALD leaders to step into influence with confidence and cultural pride.

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Outside of her governance and professional roles, Saran continues to mentor young women, facilitate wellbeing circles and collaborate with community groups to strengthen cultural identity and belonging. Her lived experience, authenticity and unwavering dedication to community make her a powerful advocate for change and a valued leader in CALD2LEAD’s mission.

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Stephen Lansdell FCLP - Director, Partnerships and Engagement

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As a Co-Founder, Former Chair and current Board Director, Steve is passionate about supporting CALD women leaders and their communities to access industry-leading programs, scholarships and increase diverse experiences and voices in leadership, decision-making and Board roles.

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A Leadership Victoria alumni Steve’s leadership journey and community volunteering weaves throughout his life and across the globe from building and fundraising for African schools to lifelong bonds and mentoring with asylum seekers, to creating gender diversity in local football and sports, and helping transform communities, education and not-for-profit organisations. 

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Steve currently serves as Director on the Geelong Grammar School Council where he brings his passion for positive, creative and adventure education, and also serves on their Survivor Engagement and Asset Management Committees. With 20 years of experience in the environment sector, previously leading EPA’s Western Metropolitan and Gippsland Regions, he has helped communities and industry grow and transition through complex issues and emergencies, major industry closures, and legislative reform.

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Steve lives and works in the Grampians/Gariwerd region, driving community and environmental outcomes through a range of tourism, events, and immersive arts, culture and nature-based experiences with Northern Grampians Shire Council, Experience the Grampians, Absolute Outdoors/Trail Made, Black and Ginger Wines, and the WAMA Foundation and National Centre for Environmental Art.

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Yohana Jury - Director, Media, Marketing and Communication

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Yohana Jury is a community leader, creative practitioner and advocate for inclusive leadership, with a deep commitment to elevating culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) voices. As a Board Director of CALD2LEAD, leading Marketing, Media and Communication, Yohana brings a unique blend of storytelling, community engagement and strategic insight to amplify impact and visibility for CALD women leaders.

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With over 19 years of experience across local government, international development and community sectors, Yohana has built a reputation for delivering high-impact, culturally inclusive programs that strengthen social cohesion and participation. Her work spans festivals and events, community activation and engagement, where she has consistently created platforms that celebrate diversity while connecting communities in meaningful ways. She is particularly recognised for her ability to translate complex ideas into compelling narratives that resonate across diverse audiences.

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Yohana’s leadership has been recognised through numerous state and national awards. She is a recipient of the Sir John Monash Women’s Leadership Award (2020) and the Victorian Government Meritorious Service Award for Multicultural Affairs (2018), alongside more recent recognition in the national level for her contribution to multicultural engagement and community experience. 

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Passionate about strengthening community connections beyond her professional role, Yohana is actively involved in a number of grassroots and cultural organisations. She is a board member of the Indonesian Diaspora Network Victoria and Peranakan Australia Association, and part of IndOzgroup, a grassroots movement supporting Indonesian communities and businesses. She also volunteers across the community, including as an AFL Multicultural Ambassador and with Dandenong ParkRun, reflecting her commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and participation.

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A creative at heart, Yohana enjoys photography and cooking—both of which inform her appreciation for culture, storytelling and connection. 

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At CALD2LEAD, Yohana is driven by a clear purpose: to amplify the stories, leadership and impact of CALD women, ensuring they are seen, heard and recognised as leaders shaping the future of our communities.