Women’s Network Australia | Our Team

Cheryl Gray has spent the best part of three decades promoting women and helping them to succeed. Throughout her career as a journalist, in public affairs and running her own communication consultancy, Cheryl has developed a diverse network of contacts and is excited by the opportunity to share her knowledge and experience so that others can shine.

Cheryl has a Bachelor of Business (Communication), along with international qualifications in communication measurement and evaluation. She has previously held Board roles with not-for-profit disability services organisation, MyHorizon, along with Women’s Legal Service Queensland, the Queensland Paralympic Committee and the Moreton Bay Colleges Foundation.

Cheryl provides a voice for women in small business as a representative to the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Small Business Roundtable, and the Queensland Government’s Industry Skills Advisor Small Business Industry Reference Group. She is also the Australian representative for WEConnect International, a global organisation driving more money into the hands of women in business.

As a mother of two adult sons, Cheryl knows what it takes to balance work and family life. She is a passionate lifelong learner, speaker and advocate for gender equality.

Bec McCoan is an experienced leader with a strong background in digital strategy, business operations, and stakeholder engagement. As General Manager of Women’s Network Australia, she oversees day-to-day operations, supports strategic growth initiatives, and ensures the delivery of high-quality services and experiences for WNA’s national community of women in business.

With a skillset spanning digital platforms, social media management, website maintenance, eDM distribution, and visual content creation, Bec brings a highly adaptable and solutions-focused mindset to her work. Her ability to quickly learn and optimise systems has helped streamline internal processes and enhance member communications across the organisation.

Bec’s professional journey spans leadership roles in both local and state government, as well as team management within business administration. She is known for her proactive, “above-and-beyond” approach to customer service, and her exceptional interpersonal communication skills. These strengths make her a natural connector — someone who builds trusted relationships with members, partners, and stakeholders alike.

Passionate about creating meaningful experiences for women in business, Bec plays a key role in shaping WNA’s programs, partnerships, and member engagement strategy.

From ballet dancer to wedding planner, to luxury hotel sales director and manager of major event partnerships, Alyce has built a diverse career. Her proudest achievement is founding Saltus Gifting, a Brisbane-based corporate gifting service that curates highly customised gifts combining gratitude with self-care.

With a deep understanding of the strategy and intention behind impactful gifting, Alyce created Saltus to help businesses foster wellbeing in a way that is intentional, uplifting and enjoyable for all.

As an Ambassador for Women’s Network Australia, she brings her passion for wellbeing, community and purposeful connection to a platform that champions women in business across the country.

Alison Rogers
Partner and Property Consultant, LJ Hooker Pinnacle Properties Hobart

Alison Rogers is a Partner, Real Estate Property Consultant, LJ Hooker Pinnacle Properties

Alison Rogers is the powerhouse behind why the WNA Hobart events run like a well oiled machine. Alison is passionate about bringing people and property together and says “I want to inspire a sustainable approach to loving the space you live in”. Alison says that as a Leader for WNA, I have a privileged position. Whilst supporting local business owner members, I also get to host educational forums and see some true connections and collaborations taking place, we really do have loads of fun and take hold of opportunities! – really maximising the benefits of the WNA membership.

My journey into the world of gemstones began in 2002 while working with Doreen Wallman of Opal Treasures in Sydney’s Strand Arcade. Inspired by her passion and expertise, I completed my gemmological studies with the Gemmological Association of Australia (NSW) in 2005. This marked a significant shift from an earlier career in the performing arts, moving from acting to the science, structure, and beauty of gemstones, an evolution that quickly became a lifelong passion.

Over the following eight years, I developed extensive theoretical and practical experience working with leading gemstone wholesalers in Sydney and Brisbane. My work spanned coloured gemstones, diamonds, pearls, jewellery design, and manufacturing, refining my eye for sourcing, matching, and identifying and sourcing gemstones.

In 2010, I founded my own bespoke jewellery business, which evolved into Ruby Red Jewellery in 2015, a brand grounded in craftsmanship, sustainability, and deeply personal service. Community has always been central to my work. I believe local businesses thrive on trust, connection, and giving back, and I value the relationships formed through collaborating with artists, creatives, and community partners throughout the year.

In an increasingly fast-paced digital world, I am passionate about creating spaces that foster genuine connection, meaningful conversation, and lifelong learning, values that sit at the heart of my professional life. In 2025, I graduated with an MBA through a scholarship from Women’s Network Australia and Ducere Global Business School, alongside completing my jewellery valuation diploma through the NCJV. Both have strengthened the diversification and future direction of Ruby Red Jewellery. It is a privilege to be an Ambassador for Women’s Network Australia, and I look forward to a hands-on approach to serving the membership in the best way I can.

Penny is an experienced and highly regarded independent strategic management advisor  to CEOs and Boards who have an eye to sustainable market relevance or repositioning their organisation. She works at the strategic apex supporting the Board, CEO and key stakeholders.

As a former C-Suite financial markets executive, and as an independent consultant, Penny has delivered strategic advice and successfully aided transitions across 23 industries/sectors.

Penny is a mentor and master connector, with a heart-centred focus that is both warm and engaging.

Kat Lynn
Founder, Foodie Shots

Kat is a photographer, foodie, and champion of small business, who believes at that heart of everything we do is the story behind it.

Looking for the ‘why’ was part of the driving force that saw Kat launch Foodie Shots in 2018, leaving behind the safety of corporate customer experience design for the sometimes scary, but always interesting life of a professional photographer.  Kat’s human-focused approach to business has seen Foodie Shots go from strength to strength as client’s are treated to unmatched support and dedicated professionalism.

Kat’s advocacy extends beyond just her clients, though. As a member of two local chambers, and advisor of the Toowoomba Food and Agri Advisory Group (FAN), Kat champions local industry and producers, and develops partnerships and collaborations throughout the region.

Chris Knight
Director – Inspirational Connections

Chris Knight is a passionate humanitarian, writer and poet who loves promoting the achievements of women and supporting them to succeed in business and in life.  Her background includes corporate governance, compliance and the disability sector.  Chris provides training, mentoring and support services to women in government, business and the not-for-profit sector. 

For over 30 years she has advocated for gender equality and raising the status of women.  She is a Global Ambassador for Soroptimist International and an amazing Dream Catcher.  

Joanne is a Thought Leader in Business Strategy. She has navigated through over two decades of entrepreneurship and her mission is to guide business owners in creating their ideal futures. She leads them towards solid foundations, setting them up for successful exits that meet their future goals.

Her draws on her own journey of self-discovery which started with the gut-wrenching decision to liquidate what was a $30M business enterprise. This led Joanne on an emotional rollercoaster that showcased how disconnected from her purpose she had become, which meant she had been making poor decisions, creating a perfect storm.

Joanne has spent the last 40 years smashing through barriers in her career, some due to her gender, her own imposter syndrome kicking in, or because others perceived that she wasn’t good enough. 

She knows how challenging stepping boldly into your own power can be and has spent the last six years helping thousands of leaders to navigate the maze of success showing them that they can lead boldly and be valued for the impact they create.

Marion Mays
Founder – money strong

Marion Mays is a Certified Money Coach with more than 25 years of experience in financial services and a specialist focus on financial confidence, capability and security for women.

As the Founder of money strong, Marion works at the intersection of behavioural psychology and financial education – offering practical, values-aligned mentorship that empowers women to shift their financial outcomes and rewrite their money stories.

She is proud to serve as the Finance & Financial Capability Ambassador for Women’s Network Australia, where she leads the rollout of WNA’s landmark Bridge Your Money Gap program. This initiative reflects WNA’s bold commitment to improving Financial Capability and Security – one of its three strategic pillars alongside Lifelong Learning and Health & Wellness.

A long-time advocate for women’s rights and dignity, Marion has served in ambassadorial roles for White Ribbon Australia and the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, and now proudly champions economic empowerment through her work with WNA.