Our People

Revathi Krishna - Ambassador

Revathi is a relatively recently arrived migrant from South India. She is a researcher primarily in mental wellbeing - mental health, disaster resilience and gender-based violence.  A common strand that connects all her research is the representation of peoples who are often overlooked, those who traditionally do not have a seat at the table. More recently, she is doing her bit to eliminate gender-based violence across the Indo-Pacific region. She is a firm advocate for using participatory and co-design approaches to research and life. She loves listening deeply to people's stories.

Revathi has a special interest in people's stories and ways to amplify their voices, stories & experiences and make them feel heard.

Craig Francis - Treasurer

Craig has over 20 years experience in the corporate sector, with expertise in business development, sales and  finance. With over 15 years in key positions at SAP, Craig brings to the board considerable experience in corporate accounting, finance, budget management, and management. 

Craig has a special interest in comedy.

Paul Hellyer - Company Secretary

Paul has over 20 years experience in international sales and marketing, most recently within the media and entertainment sector. Paul is a strategic thinker with commercial skills such as contract negotiation and business planning.

Paul has a special interest in films and books which stimulate the mind.

Mariam Issa – Founding Partner

Mariam is a charismatic storyteller, author, speaker and community activist. Mariam is the founder of our sister organisation RAW (Resilient Aspiring Women), a cultural community garden.As a Somalian refugee, Mariam brings a deep and lived experience. Mariam understands from personal experience what it takes to settle in a new country when you don't speak the language, where nobody understands your culture, and you're far from your community. Mariam is passionate in bringing people together with ideas, support and community.

Mariam has a special interest in people, spirituality, and community.

Janine lawrie - CEO & Founder

Janine is the creative ideas furnace of Space2b and is passionate when bringing ideas to life. With three businesses under her belt, as well as being an accomplished designer, Janine has much to share  in terms of setting up, developing and connecting into communities. Janine has been involved in social justice and change all her life.

Janine has a special interest in migration, and the challenges of building a new life in a new country, having lived in 6 different countries in childhood.

Janne Morton - Chairperson Vice President

Janne has over 10 years experience as a lecturer in linguistics at Melbourne University, where she also teaches ESL. Her research interests lie at the intersection between language and culture, including intercultural communication, discourse and identity, and the experiences of multicultural students in higher education.

Janne has a special interest in literature

Catherine Harris

Catherine is an Executive with extensive experience in general business management, planning, and operations. Catherine is currently General Manager Business, Sacred Heart Mission and brings skills in operational and process driven efficiencies, governance and building business capability for social enterprise and not-for-profits.

Karen Hopkins

Born in England, Karen is now a Melbourne artist painting principally acrylic and mixed media on canvas. She has been exhibiting as a professional artist since 1991 and has works in numerous corporate and private collections both nationally and internationally. Since living in Australia Karen has been inspired by beauty of  the landscape; from the energy, colour, vastness and sense of space in the Australia.

Clare Larman

Clare is a writer and performer focused on bringing to life our social histories and exploring the fabric of relationship. Clare delivers into the heart of stories, enabling people to reflect on their own heritage, and to connect and celebrate their uniqueness. Clare is also a jeweler and entrepreneur and a mentors Space2b newly arrived participants.

Julie Mundy

Julie has over 20 years in partnership consultancy and brokering, with expertise in cross sector, cross program and cross border development initiatives.  As former CEO of Marie Stopes International Australia, and with a background in training, Julie is the master of human and organisational behaviour and performance.

Rohini Vij

Rohini Vij is a storyteller, author, speaker and creative educator who uses story-led performances and videos to engage diverse communities, support early literacy, and bring multicultural narratives to life.

John Barnes

John has extensive experience in the university, vocational education and secondary education sectors, including senior leadership and program delivery. His specialist areas are: marketing, corporate communications, strategic planning and vocational education delivery models.

Cath Smith

Cath has over 20 years experience working in community service, non-government advocacy, and international development and environment organizations. This includes 10 years working as the CEO of peak body VCOSS (Victorian Council of Social Services). Cath assists companies and government agencies in the management of change for socially responsible outcomes.

Elizabeth Hurst

Liz Hurst has over 30 years experience providing advice on corporate risk management.  She previously worked for the Department of Treasury and Finance, providing advice to the Treasurer on funding for and development of major infrastructure projects.  This included public housing and large social enterprises.  Her board roles include Deputy Chair of Shelford Girls School and Advisor to Space2B.  She recently completed the Company Directors course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (January 2026).

Valerie Deneen

Valerie brings over 20 years of international experience across social enterprise, not-for-profit and corporate sectors. She specialises in strategy, financial management and revenue growth. She has developed and scaled revenue-generating programs, built corporate partnerships, and designed sustainable business models that strengthen organisational performance and social impact across social enterprises and corporate organisations.