FOUNDER/DIRECTOR

Sarah has spent over 20 years supporting young people with disabilities and learning differences, both in the UK and NZ. After gaining her teaching degree in 2011, Sarah’s focus was for her students to have the best possible chance of gaining employment post-school. Importance was placed on creating work experience opportunities and fostering positive relationships between her students, the local community and businesses.

Sarah established the Project Employ brand in 2017, with a focus on bridging the gap between school and work for these young people. With experience working in both the education and Not for Profit sectors, Sarah could not have been prouder when Flourish Cafe, New Zealand’s first training cafe established specifically to help prepare neurodiverse young adults for meaningful, community-based employment, opened its doors in July 2022.

CHAIRMAN

Tony's career has spanned law, accounting, property development, banking and wider financial services in both New Zealand and the UK. He is an experienced Chief Executive and Board Chair with a passion for applying governance principles in a practical and pragmatic manner for the benefit of shareholders, stakeholders and community.

Working with a wide range of businesses over many years, he is an advocate for purpose-driven strategy to deliver sustainable growth. The experience of successfully putting this into practice adds both value and relevance to the businesses he works with.

Tony is a Chartered Accountant, a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and holds a Bachelor of Law (Hons).

BOARD MEMBER

I began my volunteer life as a 14 year old. My governance journey has included:- youth groups, Girls Brigade leader, Plunket, Kindergarten, PTA's and School Committees, Board of Governors, Board of Trustees. In my last paid position I was a governance adviser within the education sector.

My work within the disability sector includes:- being on the DPA National Committee, Chair of the Disability Group to the then North Shore City Council, (15 years) Chair of Wilson School Board of Trustees. (17 years). My governance experience was also part of these groups.

I have no formal qualifications - what I have is life experience. I have a sister with an intellectual disability and a step grand-son living with disability. Positions I have held within my Rotary Club include 1 year as President and several years as secretary. I look forward to joining others on the Project Employ journey.

BOARD MEMBER

Kate is a lawyer with 20 years experience practising in business law, and is a Partner at Hesketh Henry. Hesketh Henry is a mid-sized commercial law firm based in Auckland. Kate has advised a number of charitable entities over her career, including assisting the Women’s Refuge New Zealand on a number of projects.

BOARD MEMBER

Andrew brings experience from being a partner at the accounting firm BDO Auckland, where he leads a team of accountants and business advisers. With clients across many different sectors, Andrew has a broad view of what is required to help owners unlock the potential in their businesses.

When not at work Andrew can be found either on his road bike or chasing fish around the Hauraki Gulf.

BOARD MEMBER

A US-born, Aussie-raised, Kiwi enthusiast residing on the Shore since 2009, Nicky has an extensive background in hospitality, including working with Hilton Hotels, teaching hospitality in the tertiary sector and consulting in systems and management training. The next step as Director of a fitness training organisation in Melbourne, offered valuable insights into nutrition and fitness. In 2017 Nicky circled back to her roots, opening Street Organics café, where she passionately delivers real, personal customer service and healthy whole foods, with her dedicated team. Committed to giving everyone a fair go, she's excited to collaborate with Project Employ to support their great trainees to become gainfully employed.

BOARD MEMBER

Mark's experience in the charity sector spans four decades, successfully leading and working for charitable foundations, charities and 'for purpose' businesses in New Zealand and the UK. Organisations such as the Prince's Trust, St. James's Place Charitable Foundation, Auckland Foundation, Heart Kids NZ and Southern Cross where most of the focus has been on supporting young people to reach their full potential.

Currently, Mark is Head of Community Engagement at Trust Management, a specialist financial services provider to for-purpose organisations, including charities, not-for-profits, trusts and foundations.

He is deeply committed to making a positive impact in both professional and voluntary capacities. He is the Chairperson of the Aotearoa NZ Online Giving Foundation and host of the Purposely Podcast, New Zealand's #1 non-profit podcast featuring 200+ changemakers worldwide where he amplifies their story to listeners, those who are intentionally shaping positive change in society and the environment.

Mark is passionate about the potential of young people, is excited about his role on the Board of Project Employ where he hopes he can contribute to our work supporting and inspiring young people to reach their goals and be active members of society.

Board Member

Murray has a background in business having founded several companies. He is presently on several not for profit boards and enjoys mentoring others in business and general leadership and helping resource opportunities particularly those in the disability sector.

Murray lives in Stanmore Bay with his wife Sue and is a dad to four adult children. To relax, he loves boating and motorbiking and travel, especially if it has an aspect of adventure.

YOUTH AMBASSADOR

Emma is an experienced Administration Assistant and has worked at Stuff for almost ten years. Emma will bring a unique insight to the Board as her lived experience means she has first hand knowledge of the life changing impact that paid employment can have on a young person with a learning disability.

Emma is excited to be an Ambassador and Board Advisor, she hopes it will encourage employers to give Project Employ trainees the chance to prove themselves, just like she was able to do.

YOUTH AMBASSADOR

Emily is a good example of someone who has come through the Project Employ Training Programme. In fact, she was in the very first cohort of trainees. Since graduating in 2022, Emily has worked at Flourish Café (Air NZ), and is now in paid employment as Food Prep/Café Assistant in Flourish Café (Takapuna).

Emily believes she will make a good Youth Ambassador and role model to trainees and other young adults because she has lived experience of disability, and can show them that with hard work and self-belief it is possible to gain paid employment.

As Youth Ambassador, Emily is looking forward to helping Project Employ encourage businesses and employers to give those with disabilities a chance.

AMBASSADOR

Terence is the Chief Executive of the Takapuna Beach Business Association, enhancing the economic, social, and environmental landscape of Takapuna through bold advocacy, active promotion, and enabling business excellence. Previously Terence has held management positions with Regional Facilities Auckland and the Bruce Mason Centre, as well as being current Deputy Chair of Eventfinda Stadium. Terence has two young kids and is passionate about helping local communities to thrive.

AMBASSADOR

Angela is recognised mostly for years on our television screens playing ‘Rachel McKenna’ on Shortland Street. Many don’t know that over her time working at South Pacific Pictures, Angela also trained as a Director and directed many television shows including her award winning short film ‘Linda’s List’. Since departing Shortland Street five years ago she continued to direct and teach young acting and directing students, she directed a web series titled ‘Project Employ’ for Sarah Dann Hoare. Her journey with Sarah creating this content saw them connect and is the very reason Angela has agreed to become an ambassador for Project Employ. Meeting and working with the families and young people striving to gain employment in New Zealand meant so much to Angela and she is now delighted to continue to shine a light on the very important work being done by Project Employ.

AMBASSADOR

Shane Cortese is delighted to join Project Employ as an ambassador. Now one of the country's leading property auctioneers, he also finds time to represent as ambassador or patron a number of charitable organisations.

Shane is currently the patron of Children’s Autism NZ and as a father to a son on the spectrum, he looks forward to being part of the progression from school to workforce for our children.

AMBASSADOR

Claire is a qualified nutritionist and best-selling author who is passionate about making it easier to create a healthier life. She has been working in the health and wellness industry for over 17 years and regularly features on Breakfast TV, Fair Go, Seven Sharp and Newstalk ZB sharing her thoughts on wellbeing.

Claire is the owner and director of the private nutrition practice and corporate wellness company Mission Nutrition and has a team of Dietitians and Nutritionists who work alongside her throughout NZ.

Claire’s approach is practical, realistic and down to earth. She juggles her work and two businesses alongside two little boys who are 4 and 7, so she really knows how to walk the talk when it comes to living well when you have lots going on!

ADVISOR

Annamarie is an executive senior leader with over 20 years experience in multiple disciplines across the business sector. Skilled in creating, driving, and implementing innovative commercial solutions that result in positive business and social outcomes. Annamarie engages a diverse workforce to deliver cultural and commercial change, while driving successful business transformation.

She launched the award-winning Creative Spirit programme, which ensures young adults with intellectual disabilities contribute to society in a meaningful way, and The Coffee CO-OP, Stuff’s office café, which is staffed by Deaf baristas. Accolades include; the Attitude ACC Employer Award, a Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award Finalist for the Deloittes Top 200, winner of Fairfax Media’s inaugural Women of Influence Community Leader Award in recognition of supporting the employment of people with disabilities.