Our Team

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Meet the team

Veronica Raffaele
Chief Operating Officer

With over 20 years of experience in driving transformation and operational excellence across the Asia Pacific, Veronica has dedicated her career to building high-performing, mission-driven organisations. She excels at aligning strategic growth with social impact and empowering young women through education. Passionate about equity, Veronica fosters an inclusive culture, focusing on scholar support, community engagement, and long-term sustainability. Her leadership is defined by collaboration and innovation, creating opportunities that transform lives and help young women succeed.

Adrienne Ainsworth
Chief Donor and Partnership Officer

Adrienne is an experienced teacher who is passionate about educational equity. She spent her teaching career working in public schools with high concentrations of students experiencing socio-economic barriers and students from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. At Harding Miller, she focuses on engaging donors, partners and alumnae. Recently, she has enjoyed expanding the alumnae program, helping young women navigate the transition from high school to university with the support and resources they need to succeed.

Hugh Cowan
Community and Corporate Engagement Lead

With a lifelong passion for health and education, Hugh has dedicated his career to supporting and empowering others. His formal role with the Foundation is focussed on strengthening community and corporate engagement with a mission to grow financial support and build meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships. As a volunteer coach and mentor to ten girls, he helps Harding Miller scholars navigate the challenges of high school and provides guidance and encouragement along the way.

Ying Sun
Financial Controller

Ying, an MBA and CPA, brings over 30 years of experience in finance and management accounting across organisations of all sizes, including an ASX-listed company. She specialises in financial strategy, compliance and process optimisation, driving efficiency and growth in dynamic business environments. At the Harding Miller Education Foundation, Ying plays a key role in financial management, ensuring funds are strategically allocated to advance educational equity and empower student success.

Lauren Shouldice
Scholarship Program Manager, Future Success Program

Lauren is a skilled education and events professional with experience in program management, stakeholder engagement, and digital campaigns. Currently a Scholarships Program Manager at the Harding Miller Education Foundation, she has a background in teaching and a passion for education and community impact. Lauren holds a Graduate Certificate in Marketing and Digital Communications from Monash University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Sydney.

Ashton Williams Communications Officer

With a passion for education and over 18 years of experience in the early childhood sector—including more than 15 years in management—Ashton brings a wealth of knowledge to the Harding Miller Foundation in her role as a part-time Communications Officer. She holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching from the University of New England.

Denise Smith
Program Manager, Coaching and Scholar Wellbeing

With over 50 years in education, including 18 years as Deputy Principal at Airds and Prairiewood High Schools, Denise is a passionate advocate for student success and equity. As an Equity and Engagement Officer, she supported students through career pathways, community grants, and mentoring. Denise has also played a key role in the Harding Miller Education Foundation since its inception, empowering young Australians to overcome socio-economic barriers and achieve their goals.

Khawlah Albaf
Program Officer – Scholar selection, Engagement and Resources

Khawlah is currently in her second year of a Bachelor of Science (Health) and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Project Management) at the University of Sydney. Her passion for advocacy began in high school, where she actively contributed to youth-led initiatives, including the Regional Youth Taskforce, the Department of Education’s DOVES Student Voices Council, Rural Youth Ambassadors, and the Hilltops Youth Council. With a strong commitment to equity in healthcare, Khawlah aspires to use her studies to improve health access for minorities living in regional, rural and remote communities across Australia.

Monica Anggani
Scholarship Program Officer – Academic Support

Monica is a recent graduate with a Masters degree in peace and conflict studies, paired with event management, and has always aspired to work in the not-for-profit sector. She is passionate about making a meaningful impact in the community, particularly around the rights of women and young people.

Lindi Greenfield
Volunteer (coach) Coordinator

With a background in music education, Lindi brings over 25 years of experience running a music school and facilitating youth-focused music programs across regional NSW. At Harding Miller Education Foundation, she coaches and mentors scholars, guiding them through their educational journeys with compassion and dedication. In addition to working directly with students, Lindi also supports and empowers our incredible team of volunteer coaches, helping to ensure every scholar receives the guidance they need to thrive.

Daniel Zhao
Business Analyst

Daniel has completed a degree in Computer Science and Commerce (Business Analytics) at UNSW. Currently working as a Financial Assistant at HMEF for 18 months and a year as a Research Officer at NCOSS, Daniel has gained valuable expertise in both analysis and IT systems. Passionate about automation and AI, he is eager to pursue opportunities in these dynamic fields.

Bathsheba Sein
Administrative Officer

Bathsheba is currently in her second year of university at Macquarie University, studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in Entrepreneurship. She works part time as an Administrative Officer at HMEF and on the other days, is either at university or teaching piano. She aspires to work in the business field and complete a Master of Teaching and become a teacher.

Tara Mahshar
Future Success Administration

Sietara, known to most as Tara, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws and Arts, majoring in Politics. She works as an Administrative Assistant at Harding Miller Education Foundation, where she was previously a proud scholar from 2018 to 2021. Tara is deeply passionate about social justice and equity, and she aspires to use her skills and knowledge to create positive change for disadvantaged communities.

Our Team

Meet the team

Veronica Raffaele
Chief Operating Officer

Adrienne Ainsworth
Chief Donor and Partnership Officer