Irene Wardle 

Academic Tutor | Aboriginal Research Assistant

I am a proud Darug woman employed at the University of Sydney as an Academic Tutor in the Aboriginal Studies program, and I am contributing to research at the Research Centre for Children and Families. I have held numerous community roles in health, policing, employment, and education. I believe in empowering our Aboriginal community and celebrating their success. Working within Western Sydney for the past two decades allows me the opportunity to promote the strengths and resilience of our Aboriginal community. I am a Founding Board member for Narang Bir-rong; an Aboriginal Out of Home Care Organisation supporting Aboriginal children in care. Also, a Founding Board member for Enrise Ltd an Australian Charity delivering supported programs for our Aboriginal children and young people. 

Michelle Ridsdale

People Strategist & Leadership Coach

With over 20 years extensive experience working with leaders and teams, across cultures, countries and industries, Michelle works with Senior Executives and Emerging Leaders to enable a growth mindset and achieve positive outcomes. She believes that creating the right environment enables people to reach their full potential.

Michelle is passionate about diversity generally, but particularly Indigenous education, mental health and wellness and enabling people with Autism to unlock opportunities and reach their full potential. She does this through raising awareness of diversity and mental health issues in workplaces and the community more broadly.  

Michelle is a certified coach (IECL) and a member of the International Coaching Federation and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In her spare time Michelle enjoys reading as well as spending time with her family, her dog (Zorro), paddle boarding and bush walking.

Bronwyn Covill

Founder | Entrepreneur

Bronwyn co-founder Need a Tutor, an adaptive learning platform matching and connecting Indigenous, remote and disadvantaged children with qualified teachers and tutors.

She has spanned a career in corporate Learning & Development over 25 years developing a passionate interest in social educational support after witnessing first-hand the difficulty of marginalised and disadvantaged students.

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Bronwyn received the Pride of Australia medal in 2019, Finalist 2021 Impact 25 Awards, Optus Future Maker 2020 and Blue Chillies Alumni 2020. She also sits as a current Board Member (volunteer) for Cambodian Kids Can charity.

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She is a strong advocate for educational equity and providing support for marginalised and at-risk groups.

Michele Layet

Founder | Writer

Michele co-founded Need a Tutor, she has extensive business acumen as a Franchisee, published writer and business owner. Michele has always had such a strong sense of achieving social outcomes and was recently selected to appear in the Adventure All-Stars hosted by Charity TV Global. She supports, raises funds and volunteers for Very Special Kids and Pet Medical Crisis. Michele is a huge animal lover (particularly cats) 

Ronald Van Geloven

Agile Coach | Scrum master

Ronald is an experienced Agile Coach with a broad background in Business and Operational Management. He has extensive experience in the Telecom and Media industries. Ronald is a straight shooter, who likes to get stuff done. Bronwyn met Ronald through Optus' Future Makers Program, aimed at supporting social enterprises. Ronald was born in The Netherlands and is based in Sydney's East. His favourite colour is blue.