Ella is a social researcher who brings her diverse experiences and interests to the projects and communities she works with. Formally, she has a background in international development, working to strengthen food security and food justice systems in Australia and the USA.

Ella is an educator and facilitates literacy and learning through a creative and holistic approach. She has worked to strengthen participation and uptake of education programs in India and Cambodia. Ella has worked in Melbourne supporting refugees, asylum seekers and newly arrived communities to begin a new life in Australia, with support and community connections. When not working with Conversation Co, she teaches First Nations students arts and humanities at the University of Melbourne, and is always learning from her students.

Hearing people’s stories and working to their strengths is one part of Ella’s community development toolkit. Her favourite projects are those committed to social justice and strengthening resilient communities.

Outside of work, Ella is an avid gardener and enjoys cooking and selling seedlings in her front-gate hobby nursery.

Key Strengths & Attributes:

• Community development to empower diverse communities

• Social research and data analysis

• Storytelling and reporting

• Education and facilitation

Qualifications:

• Masters of Arts in International Development, RMIT Melbourne

• Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, RMIT Melbourne

• Certificate IV in Community Services