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SASEC BOARD 2023 - 24
Arianna Petra Watson, SASEC Chair
Arianna is the co-founder of Think Enough and has a background in not-for-profit and community development, over small/local NGOs as well as larger international organisations, across Zambia, Uganda, Italy, and Australia.
Arianna has gained a strong understanding of social enterprise models and the sector as a whole, through having visited and engaged with over 200 Australian social enterprises. Whilst in Victoria, Arianna was engaged by a SENVIC Local Lead to facilitate the development of a regional social enterprise network in the Hume region and has partnered, worked and volunteered for a range of diverse social enterprises.
A key trait that has followed Arianna throughout her work has been passion and skill for fostering collaboration.
Possible M Diessa, Deputy Chair
Possible Diessa is the Managing Director at Possible Consulting, a workplace diversity and inclusion advocate/ trainer. Possible has over 7 years of experience in the employment industry including working as an organisational CaLD Consultant and Employment Specialist.
As a migrant, Possible faced many challenges upon arrival to South Australia including navigating the job market with minimal English and no Australian experience. Possible is passionate about supporting individuals from multicultural communities find their way through the challenging employment market and working with various organisations to create workplace cultures where people of all nationalities and identities thrive.
Monique Russell, Secretary
Monique is the Account Director for Blend Creative, an Australian Disability Enterprise. Blend Creative is a social enterprise with a unique business model that provides real work opportunities in a Graphic Design studio for people with disability.
From 2014 to 2017, Monique was involved with the Federation of Catholic School Parent Communities, holding the position of President from 2015 to 2017. She had a role within the Political Strategy Working Group, and as the peak voice for Catholic school parents represented the Federation on Working Groups with the DECD.
Eloise Hall, Treasurer
Eloise Hall is the Managing Director and co-founder of TABOO Period Products, a social enterprise selling high-quality pads and tampons in Australia, with all profits dedicated to eradicating period poverty. Eloise has two bachelor's degrees in Business and International Relations and is passionate about making structural changes to bridge the inequality in our communities. Alongside her role as treasurer and board member with SASEC, she is also a member of the Advisory Committee for the Adelaide Economic Development Agency.
Eloise has been recognised as the youngest of InDaily’s 40 Under 40 recipients in 2020, a recipient of the Advertisers, Woman of the Year Rising Star award in 2021, and a 2019 Women in Innovation Finalist. Most recently, Eloise was announced as EY's Entrepreneur of the year in the Impact Entrepreneur category for 2023.
Abby McKay, Board member
Abby McKay has over 11 years’ experience in the disability and human services sector. In her current role at Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc. Abby leads the operation and delivery of all allied corporate services as well as overseeing CBS Inc. Social Enterprises.
Abby is passionate about training and employment outcomes for people with disabilities (PWD). Abby previously served on the board of directors for SA Arts and Disability organisation, No Strings Attached Theatre of Disability from 2020-2022. Abby completed the prestigious Governors Leadership Foundation (GLF) program through the Leaders Institute in 2019.
For 21 years, Abby was an active and dedicated member of the Calisthenics Association of South Australia and enjoys keeping active and spending time with her family and Puggle, Jango.
By working in collaboration with others and educating the community to be more inclusive of diversity, Abby hopes to impact positive change through leading by example.
Melissa Rayner, Board Member
Melissa Rayner developed and founded The Foodprint Experience, a five-year project utilising a social enterprise model, focused on creating ethical and sustainable meals with homegrown, hyper-local produce, and native Australian ingredients. The café was recognised as a leading food service provider and caterer for environmentally and socially conscious organisations and businesses.
Melissa’s diverse background includes a bachelor’s degree in visual arts, over 20 years in hospitality, tourism, and management. Her numerous voluntary roles in the community service sector include 2 years volunteering with St Vincent De Pauls (SVDP) men’s shelter and 18 months volunteering at SVDP Elizabeth Conference.
Melissa’s interest in environmental and social issues became the impetus to her developing a leading social enterprise. Melissa's most recent role with SA Plastic Free Places enables her to continue achieving her goal to inspire zero waste and circular economy strategies in the hospitality industry.
James Hutchinson, Board Member
After an extensive business and commercial career in energy, James now channels his experience in the support of a carbon neutral vision for Australia with a thriving landscape that supports diversity of life. Joining Trees for Life, James supports awareness raising about nature and empowers people to take action.
James has over 18 years of corporate experience across Australia, Papua New Guinea and South East Asia underpinned by an MBA and studies in commerce and chemical engineering. Committed to ethical and sustainable business practice, James has a track record of maximising value, fostering business growth and cultivating strong relationships.
Via work during his MBA with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, his understanding of the power of social Enterprise to drive real and positive change was deepened. James hopes to build on this to support the ongoing development of the Social Enterprise sector