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 is Board Chair of not-for-profit disability services organisation, MyHorizon, and is a former Treasurer and Management Committee member of Women’s Legal Service Queensland. She has previously held Board roles with 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 sons, Cheryl knows what it takes to balance work and family life. She is a passionate lifelong learner, speaker and advocate for gender equality.

Janelle Bostock
Former CEO, Women’s Network Australia
Director, The Bostock Group

Janelle has been an active member of Women’s Network Australia since 2000, and led the Network from mid 2017 to December 2021. She remains and active and strong supporter of WNA, having found it invaluable in her own business and professional career.

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.  

Leanne Elich
CEO – Leanne Elich Consulting

Leanne Elich is the CEO of Leanne Elich Consulting (L.E.C), Business Psychologist and Sales Acceleration Specialist. The creator of the Business Mastermind Program and author of Solving the Sales Equation.

Leanne is fortunate to be one of Australasia’s most successful Technology Business Executives and leading experts in high-performance sales teams with over 25 years’ global experience. A graduate of the University of Sydney, Harvard Business School and Harvard Medical School, her expertise is bridging the gap between science and business using Neuroscience and Behavioural Science frameworks.

L.E.C. builds and delivers sales and leadership training programs to teach you the skills, strategies and tactics to occupy a unique position in the marketplace, influence your customers and win more sales.

Leanne and L.E.C. regularly contribute to both local and national media outlets including ABC radio and the Sydney Morning Herald. She is also an Honorary Clinical Fellow at the Queensland University of Technology, international Keynote speaker and Women in Leadership advisor.

Marion Mays
Founder – Thalia Stanley Group

Marion is a certified Money Coach and a property mentor, who advocates that property ownership for all women is critical.

After more than 25 years in the financial services sector and two decades as a property educator, she launched Thalia Stanley Group (named in honour of her parents) in 2014, creating a unique service that enables women to access financial literacy, while championing them into economic empowerment.

Marion has long been an champion of women, having formerly served in an official capacity as ambassadors for both White Ribbon Australia, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and now, proudly, Women’s Network Australia.

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.

Melissa Donaldson,
Director – Allsure Insurance

Melissa is a highly experienced insurance broker with 35 years of industry experience. Heading up Allsure Insurance, a second generation family-owned and operated business, Melissa focuses on delivering exceptional service to clients.

Allsure operate out of their head office in Geelong, Victoria and run mobile operations in Hobart, Tasmania.  With access to Australia’s largest insurance companies, wherever you are in the country, you get great family-business style customer service with national coverage.

Melissa says: “Over many years we’ve developed a great network of like minded businesses. If you are in need of help or advice on most things, ask us as we might know the right people to talk to.”

Sigrid de Kaste
Director, Stickybeak Marketing

Sigrid de Kaste is a three times International #1 Bestselling Author, Business and Marketing Consultant and Coach, and she is the Founder and Director of Stickybeak Marketing®.  Originally trained as a Photographer, Sigrid has worked in advertising, public relations, retail and marketing.  She has owned a number of retail stores in which she quickly doubled profits and tripled turnover.

Sigrid formally studied Marketing and has direct experience of starting up, building, and selling businesses; together with the different types of marketing that is required during each of these phases.

Her speciality is teaching writing, publishing and marketing a book for your business that will raise your profile and position your expertise to attract new clients.

Susanne Le Boutillier
Managing Director, Aedanna Pty Ltd

During my 30-year Senior Executive career in health and community services, I successfully led large scale change and delivered on many complex and challenging programs.

I now use my knowledge and skills to make a positive difference for others by providing consulting support to organisations navigating challenging situations and coaching executives who want the support of an individual who has walked the same challenging path and uses proven approaches.

Marianne Rom
Director – Social Ediquette

Marianne Rom is a Marketing Strategic & Social Media Educator specialising in Online Reputation, Digital Communication, Branding and Visual Imagery.

Since launching her Facebook Bootcamp Basics and Core Conditioning workshops in 2010, Marianne has worked with a diverse client base in private and public sector and small business. A leading Canva trainer, Marianne is one of the first 175 beta testers worldwide and continues to provide feedback to ensure the community’s needs are met with each new update.