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Gem Spotlight - Nathan Reynolds
Meet Nathan, passionate connector and purpose‑driven leader, Nathan builds meaningful partnerships that bring joy and support to seriously ill children and their families. This Thursday, he kicks off the Leadership & Emerging Issues track, sponsored by Gembridge with his inspiring session, “Harnessing the power of love in fundraising leadership.”
Gem Spotlight - Rebecca Passlow
Meet Bec Passlow, a purpose‑driven leader and bequests specialist who brings empathy, emotional intelligence and a deep commitment to conservation. With a decade of experience guiding supporters through personal and meaningful giving decisions, Bec honours their stories and helps transform their passions into lasting impact.
In this Spotlight, she reflects on what motivates her, the conversations that shaped her career, and why genuine connection sits at the heart of powerful philanthropy.
Gem Spotlight - Jayne Wasmuth
Meet Jayne Wasmuth, a values‑driven fundraising leader who brings clarity, purpose and heart to every conversation. At Strategic Grants, she helps CEOs and fundraising teams tackle complex funding challenges with confidence.
Jayne shares what inspires her, the advice that’s shaped her career, and why trust remains fundraising’s greatest superpower. Gembridge partnered with Strategic Grants on her appointment, and love catching up with her at sector events.
Gem Spotlight - Rachael Lance
Gembridge is proud to sponsor the Leadership & Emerging Issues track at the FIA Conference and feature Rachael as Co-Chair, bringing her expertise and passion for innovative fundraising leadership. Known for championing collaboration and creativity, Rachael is helping shape conversations that matter. A huge thank you to Rachael and all the volunteer committee who make this track and conference possible!
Read more about Rachael…
Gem Spotlight - Heather Little
Gembridge is proud to sponsor the Leadership & Emerging Issues track at the FIA Conference and delighted Heather returned as Co-Chair, a passionate advocate for bold, values-driven leadership. Heather’s commitment to mentoring emerging fundraisers and shaping the future of philanthropy makes her an inspiring force in the sector and a valued part of the Gembridge network. A big thank you to Heather and all the volunteer committee who bring the conference to life!
Let’s hear from Heather…
Gem Spotlight - Paul Mendham
Gembridge is proud to spotlight Paul as Chair of the Program Committee for 2026 FIA Conference, aptly named Impact Amplified. Paul recently stepped into his current role as Campaign Director at World Vision through Gembridge and brings exceptional energy and commitment to connecting generosity with purpose.
This year’s conference will feature 9 Specialist Tracks over 3 days, 7 pre-Conference Masterclasses, and 3 Keynote Sessions. A huge thank you to Paul and all the volunteer committee who make this possible!
Now let us hear from Paul…
Gem Spotlight - Alisa Vartuli
Alisa is driven by a passion for health equity and meaningful impact. “I love being part of a team committed to improving health outcomes across our communities,” she says, reflecting her dedication to values-driven work and collaborative fundraising at Cancer Council NSW as a Trusts & Foundations Specialist.
Gem Spotlight - Chris McKenzie
As Head of Philanthropy at Vinnies Victoria, Chris is driven by impact and collaboration. “All good things happen collaboratively,” he says, reflecting on a career shaped by community, connection, and a deep respect for those delivering frontline services.
Gem Spotlight - Francine Poisson
We were so excited to see that Francine Poisson was awarded the FIA fellowship.
With over two decades of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Francine is the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at the Black Dog Institute, a leading Australian medical research institute dedicated to mental health across the lifespan.
Here is what Francine has to say after we put her through the Gem Spotlight questions…
Gem Spotlight - Sharon Hillman, Arthur Venn Lifetime Achievement Award
Sharon Hillman FFIA has received the prestigious Arthur Venn Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to fundraising. With over 30 years of experience, she has been a leader, innovator, and advocate for best practices.
A dedicated member of FIA, Sharon has served as Past President of FIA Victoria, a Board Member, and a volunteer on key committees, helping to shape the future of fundraising in Australia.
Let’s see what Sharon has to say when we caught up with her…
Gem Spotlight - James Garland, Fundraiser of the Year 2025
James recently had the honour of being named Fundraiser of the Year 2025 at FIA’s prestigious Awards of Excellence, an accolade that recognises his extraordinary impact and leadership in the fundraising sector.
Gem Spotlight - Marietta Asaad
Marietta began her Senior Philanthropy Manager role at Peter Mac in the middle of this year. She talks about her journey into the ‘for purpose’ sector, her love for connecting people to cause, achieving positive impact and her formative first job in face-to-face fundraising.
Gem Spotlight - Humaira Mehboob
Humaira joined the Settlement Council of Australia as their Communications Lead just over six months ago. Here she shares her passion for storytelling, commitment to creating change and her lifelong desire to work in the development sector.
Gem Spotlight - Bree Jopp
Bree was hired as Eastern Health’s Head of Donor Engagement around 18 months ago, and she is currently their Acting Director, Foundation. Bree has kindly shared a little of her journey from first job through to her current role, along with the strategy that keeps her team happy and advice for a satisfying work life.
Gem Spotlight - Lisa Krishtul
Lisa recently joined Team Gembridge as a Senior Recruitment Consultant. Here we learn about her extensive travels, her love of shopping, what prompted her move into the NFP sector and how a manager’s comment gave her the confidence to shine.
Gem Spotlight - Mary Chackola
Mary was hired as Philanthropy Australia’s National Engagement Manager for VIC/TAS in early 2023. Here we learn more about Mary’s passion for marketing and fundraising and her journey to this current role and how she contributes towards positive and meaningful change.
Gem Spotlight - Olivia Zinzan
Olivia began her role as Head of Fundraising and Communications at Our Village (previously St Kilda Mums, Geelong Mums and Eureka Mums) just over a year ago. Now we have the chance to learn more about her...
Gem Spotlight - Sally de Guingand
Sally started as Monash University’s Senior Manager, Planned Giving in January 2023. Below, she shares a few things that bring her joy, from her family to swimming to the rewarding work she is a part of. Keep reading to learn more about Sally.
Gem Spotlight - Dugald McNaughtan
Dugald started his Head of Communications role at Beyond Zero Emissions nearly one year ago. Here he shares with Gembridge about his experience working in the UK and Australia and how his passion for protecting nature has informed his proudest achievements and led to where he is now.
Gem Spotlight - Richard Boland
From time in the Royal Navy, to marketing, to advertising agencies… to Account Director at Precision Fundraising… and now Group Marketing Manager for Precision Group. Discover Richard’s very interesting path not only to his role, but to Australia as well…