Our Board of Governance ensures WHIN operates lawfully, ethically and in accordance with the purposes set out in our Constitution.
Board members bring knowledge, expertise and influence relevant to WHIN. All of our Board members have recognised leadership skills and specific understanding of women’s health issues relevant to WHIN’s Strategic Plan.
Petra Begnell (Chair, member of Finance, Audit and Risk Management Subcommittee) was elected to the Board in 2022. Petra has delivered positive results for the women’s health and health promotion sector for many years, most notably taking a lead role in the advocacy campaign that removed abortion from the Crimes Act in 2008. Petra brings experience and understanding of gender equity, prevention of gender-based violence, public health, and health promotion, together with critical and strategic thinking skills, and the ability to forecast trends and identify opportunities for change.
Katherine Wositzky (member of Development and Renewal Subcommittee), was originally appointed to the Board in 2017 and co-opted in 2023. Katherine has worked as a social researcher across local government and the community sector. Leading the Culturally Accessible Gateway Strategy at the Municipal Association of Victoria, she developed local government resources to address systemic discrimination and evaluated client support services of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Yasmin Karaata (member of Finance, Audit and Risk Management Subcommittee) was elected to the Board in 2022. Yasmin is an experienced leader in community development and stakeholder engagement. She is currently Program Manager at the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Yasmin’s energy, positive motivation and exceptional group training and facilitation skills have transformed stakeholder relationships, networks and teams into robust, collaborative and thriving teams. Yasmin is a passionate leader and human rights advocate, who strives for equity, particularly for disadvantaged minority ethnic and refugee groups.
Karen Jones (member of Finance, Audit and Risk Management Subcommittee) was elected to the Board in 2022. Karen has over 20 years’ experience in financial services and consulting. She is a people-centred leader with a talent for delivering transformational change. A career highlight was designing the operating model of a $50m government shared equity scheme providing affordable housing for Victorians. Karen is currently employed at ANZ delivering strategic programs for the technology division. Karen has lived experience of recovering from domestic abuse and has knowledge of holistic solutions and financial independence.
Lucy Forwood (member of Development and Renewal Subcommittee) was appointed to the Board in 2022. Lucy is a public health professional with substantial experience in strategic planning, policy development and project management. Lucy has made a significant contribution to the primary prevention of gender-based violence, gender equity, cancer prevention and sexual and reproductive health. Lucy brings a deep desire to make positive change to women and gender-diverse people living in Melbourne’s North. Lucy’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Work Degree.
Cara Rose (member of Development and Renewal Subcommittee) was appointed to the Board in 2023. She has over 15 years’ experience working in local government is currently employed as a Gender Equality Advisor at Brimbank City Council. Cara has come to know many WHIN staff through her work. She has a strong personal passion in seeing women have voice, choice, and power in all aspects of their health, safety, and wellbeing.
Helen Coleman (member of Development and Renewal Subcommittee) was elected to the Board in 2023. In 2019 Helen was awarded an Order of Australia for service to the community. She has spent much of her professional and personal career working with local communities improving many aspects of neighbourhood and community life. This includes being the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Nillumbik Shire Council. Helen’s particular strengths are networking and the development of local partnerships.
Kristen Boulton (member of Development and Renewal Subcommittee) was elected to the Board in 2023. Kristen brings over 20 years’ experience as a legal and compliance professional and currently works as In-house Legal Counsel at Block, Inc. Kristen also has a long history of involvement in community networks, especially those in the Darebin area where she has spent most of her life. She has a particular passion for diversity and inclusion.
