Meet The Kowa Team

Chad Trudgett
COO

Chad Trudgett, a Wiradjuri / Wailwan man, brings over 20 years of experience advocating for transformational change within the child protection, out-of-home care, and education sectors. His leadership expertise and deep understanding of government systems ensure Kowa's operations are efficient, Culturally sensitive, and aligned with First Nations values.

Jessica Yamaguchi
Principal Consultant

Jessica Yamaguchi is a passionate evaluator dedicated to applying research and evaluation practices that harness strengths-based and culturally appropriate approaches towards more meaningful improvements in the quality of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. As a Principal Consultant at Kowa, she brings her expertise to the intersection of social determinants, well-being, and health equity, with a particular emphasis on remote Aboriginal populations. She is a proud Gangalidda and Waanyi woman from the Gulf of Carpentaria and north-west Queensland.

Sharmay Brierley
Consultant

Liz Wren
Gilibanga Lead

Skye Trudgett
CEO

Dr. Skye Trudgett, a Gamilaroi woman, leads Kowa Collaboration with a passion for empowering First Nations communities through evaluation and research. Her PhD in evaluation and Indigenous Data Sovereignty, alongside her 15 years of experience leading research, evaluation and innovation projects, make her a recognised expert in the field of First Nations UMEL practice. Skye's vision ensures Kowa's work is grounded in Culturally safe practices and ethical data governance.

Sharmay Brierley is a proud Yuin woman with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by First Nations peoples and vulnerable cohorts. She is passionate about breaking down systemic barriers and supporting community-led solutions. Sharmay has experience in human services and has contributed to various evaluation projects, including those focused on youth education and homelessness services.

Liz Wren's 30 years of experience in the Australian Public Service and NGOs make her a skilled leader for Kowa Collaborations Gilibanga initiative. Her expertise in strategic planning, human-centred co-design, and Culturally grounded approaches ensures Gilibanga empowers First Nations peoples and Communities are well supported to lead evaluation and research initiatives.

Tara Beattie
Consultant

Melinda Pendragon
Gilibanga Support

Melinda Pendragon's diverse background in education, Community engagement, and Cultural facilitation enriches Kowa's Collaborations Gilibanga initiative. Her skills in communication, storytelling, and organising creative workshops contribute to Gilibanga's ability to foster inclusive and Culturally safe spaces for learning and collaboration.

Dell Blanch
Administration Manager

Dell Blanch, a proud Wiradjuri woman, brings strong organisational and administrative skills to Kowa Collaboration. Her experience in administration, legal justice, and retail banking ensures Kowa's operations are efficient, Culturally sensitive and support the delivery of high-quality services.

Tara Beattie's diverse background in early childhood education and project management makes her a valuable asset to Kowa's consulting team. Her experience in evaluations and co-creation projects across various sectors ensures a comprehensive approach to every project.

Fiona Zimmerman
Ngimiliko Kunta Charity Admin

Fiona Zimmerman, a proud Marranunggu woman, brings a deep personal commitment to First Nations advocacy to Kowa Collaboration. Her ancestral roots and family history fuel her passion for promoting equity and self-determination for First Nations Communities. Fiona's experience within the Australian Public Service provides valuable insights and strengthens Kowa Collaboration's capacity to advocate for systemic change.