Champions
for Change
Champions for Change exists to recognise and celebrate the work of equity practitioners across our network.
It was developed in 2020 in partnership between EPHEA and the ACSES (formerly the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSEHE)) as part of World Access to Higher Education Day (WAHED). In our first year we celebrated over 70 nominees, and since then have recognised over 260 Equity Practitioners from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Meet the 2025 Champions for Change
Alissa Candy | University of the Sunshine Coast
Alissa delivers the Equip program at UniSC, a destination-agnostic and research-informed widening participation program for non-school leavers. The program includes individual consultations, workshops, and financial support. Alissa champions change through this innovative program; one of very few initiatives in the sector actively addressing this critical gap.
Gemma Mann | CQ University
Gemma Mann is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Access Education with a passion for inclusive education. She advocates for inclusive education across various roles including Access Coordinator, Unit Coordinator, and trainer for the CQ University Ally Program for LGBTIQ+ inclusion. Her recent work evaluating resources for teaching LGBTIQ+ inclusiveness in health courses has resulted in systemic change in healthcare provider attitudes, respect for gender, names and titles, confidentiality considerations, and mental health care, and driving health care equity.
Shiron Kirkman | Country Universities Centre - Western Riverina
Shiron leads a dynamic team across two sites in rural NSW. Under her leadership, multiple programs have been developed specifically engaging groups underrepresented in higher education, ensuring every possibility for student success.
Sam Avitaia | University of Wollongong
Sam lives and breathes equity. Based in Bega in rural NSW, Sam actively promotes education as a broad social good within and beyond her community. Her collaborative approach is widely valued by those within her community, the broader higher education sector, and beyond.
Dr Elaine Laforteza | University of Technology Sydney
Elaine is a dedicated equity practitioner whose work exemplifies inclusive leadership, cultural responsiveness, and social justice. She has led impactful campaigns including the Say My Name campaign and the How I Celebrate project. Through her SBS podcast My Bilingual Family, panel sessions for International Mother Language Day, and recording Acknowledgements of Country in First Nations and non-English languages, she elevates linguistic diversity as a core equity issue, creating spaces where diversity is honoured and inclusion is foundational.
Matt Elsum | University of Melbourne
Matt is Manager of Student Connection and Belonging at the University of Melbourne. A down-to-earth and action-oriented leader, Matt embeds equity into every aspect of his work. Initiatives like the Get Ready to Work event, leadership of the Food Program, and establishment of the Narrm Scholars Common Room demonstrate his commitment. His leadership, advocacy, and commitment to equity make him an outstanding role model and true Champion for Change.
Stuart Allen | Griffith University
Stuart's leadership transforms how Griffith University supports and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. He has created a deeply connected and culturally grounded community where students are seen, heard, and valued as whole people. Leading with empathy and authenticity, Stuart knows students by name and ensures they succeed academically, personally, and culturally. Under his leadership, the GUMURRII Student Success Unit has become a space where First Nations students feel genuine belonging and pride. Stuart’s impact is far-reaching, and his dedication to supporting First Nations success continues to inspire everyone who works alongside him.
Chris Ronan | Country University Centre
Chris has made an enormous contribution to regional, rural and remote higher education in Australia. Under his strategic direction, the Country Universities Centers network has expanded to 28 Centers in more than 40 communities. He was instrumental in establishing the Eastern Australia Regional University Centre Partnership; the first program of its kind supporting place-based, community-led, culturally responsive higher education outreach, which won the ACSES Award for Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement 2025.
Lucy Jellema | University of New South Wales
Lucy has consistently demonstrated her commitment to educational quality and equity in higher education. She led a central initiative to improve academics' understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusive teaching. Established as a Universal Design for Learning expert within UNSW, Lucy provided support to staff across every faculty. She uses lived experience and open storytelling to destigmatise mental health and neurodiversity in university staff and joined the EPHEA executive for 2025 . Her passion for equity and inclusion is inspiring.
Rehana Lakhani | Griffith University
Rehana is a passionate, collaborative, and deeply principled equity practitioner who has driven systemic change across Griffith University and the broader higher-education sector. She has led transformative initiatives in equity governance, funding, and evaluation — including the redesign of SSAF and HEPPP processes to enhance transparency, accountability, and measurable impact. As EPHEA Queensland Chapter Convenor, Rehana has built a vibrant statewide community of practice, amplifying practitioner voices and centering student inclusion. Her leadership exemplifies partnership, innovation, and care.
Tina O'Keefe | Griffith University
Tina is a powerful educator, cultural leader, and Bundjalung woman whose work exemplifies courage, generosity, and transformative leadership. Through cultural capability workshops, Tina fosters deep reflection and critical consciousness, creating spaces where staff and students can meaningfully engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, histories, and futures. She has cultivated ongoing digital communities of practice that sustain dialogue, reflection, and growth. Tina embodies values of equity, care, and cultural integrity, and her leadership transforms understanding into action and awareness into enduring cultural change.
Rae Jobst | Griffith University
Rae is a deeply respected advocate, educator, and leader in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) whose work continues to shape inclusive and equitable learning across Griffith University. Through the Respectful Conversations series, Rae opened space for colleagues to engage in courageous, critical, and compassionate dialogue. She demonstrated that inclusion is not a static achievement but a continual practice of learning, listening, and growth. Rae models what it means to be an inclusive educator who learns alongside others.
Sheldon Smith | Curtin University
Sheldon has led and modelled sector-best practice in equity by combining strategic vision with hands-on, relational work. He establishes feedback loops and co-design forums that elevate voices of students from equity cohorts, ensuring solutions reflect lived realities. Working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues, Sheldon fosters culturally grounded initiatives improving belonging, retention, and success. Colleagues consistently remark on Sheldon's integrity, empathy, and steady focus on outcomes that matter to students.
Aspire UC Team: Tess Canty, Leo Alder, Ben Luck | University of Canberra
The Aspire UC Outreach Team are true champions for change both on and off campus. They spend most of their days travelling to regional communities, connecting with young people and showing them the power of possibility through unique, careers-focused, hands-on learning opportunities. More than just facilitators, they are role models, cheerleaders, and the highlight of many school calendars. Through genuine care and connection, they bring out the best in each young person. Their work is truly inspiring and changing lives.
Dr Lara Drew | University of Canberra
Lara is the ultimate champion for change, viewing the world through an equity lens. A deeply committed and passionate advocate for social justice, she has dedicated her career to enabling access to education for people from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in higher education. A highly respected colleague, researcher, evaluator and equity practitioner, Lara is modest, humble, and generous with her time. Her collaborative nature and commitment to knowledge-sharing have helped embed an evaluation culture across all equity programs.
Carol Drew | University of Canberra College
Carol is the heart of enabling and pathway education at UC College. She is one of the most genuinely committed, patient, and kind-hearted educators. With lifelong dedication to equitable access, Carol meets every student where they are, supporting them to achieve their own version of success. Her expertise and deep knowledge are matched by her generosity, passionate spirit, and whole-hearted belief in the potential of every learner. Carol creates safe, empowering learning environments where students feel seen, supported, and connected.
Steffi Linton | University of Canberra
Steffi is a fierce advocate for social justice, participation, and student success in higher education. Genuinely committed to empowering students from underrepresented backgrounds, she walks alongside them as they navigate the complex challenges of university life. Whether guiding first-in-family students, supporting mature-aged learners, or connecting someone to the right support, Steffi makes a meaningful difference every day. She challenges systemic barriers, helps students believe in their potential, and strengthens the team around her.
Asma Mohammad Rahim| Monash University
Asma devotes time, energy, and heart to ensuring access to and equity in education for people facing barriers to study and career aspirations. She employs her tools, networks, and skills to guide prospective and current students towards their goals, often volunteering outside work hours to advocate for asylum seekers and migrants. Asma advises students with compassion and truth, has campaigned for additional scholarships, and is passionate about equity for all groups facing challenges in education.
