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Our Board

Empowering our community
with resilience, compassion,
and optimism.

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FOUNDER

Helen Oxenham

The Place of Courage is the inspiration of Helen Oxenham OAM, Founder of Spirit of Woman.

Helen Oxenham is an Order of Australia medal recipient for her tireless work in advocating for women’s rights, for the past 40 years. A sufferer of domestic violence herself, Helen’s insatiable drive to help women has resulted in some incredible achievements.

Helen opened the first women’s shelter in Christies Beach in 1977, originally starting in the back of her husband’s watch shop. This shelter would go on to provide refuge and hope for thousands vulnerable women. In her later years, Helen championed the idea of creating a commemorative art space dedicated to those who have died or suffered from domestic and family violence.

In 2016, her vision was officially launched into action, and today, we see the first of her spaces come to life in the community - an incredible achievement.

At 90 years of age, Helen is still standing strong. She is as passionate and committed as ever and continues to proactively advocate for women’s and children’s rights. Helen’s contribution to the world is truly humbling.

  • Heather Oxenham

    Heather Oxenham

    CHAIR OF THE BOARD

    Heather Oxenham is an accomplished producer with a string of screen credits to her name. Working alongside award-winning directors including; Rolf de Heer; Bill Bennet; Clara Law and Scott Hicks, Oxenham has had success in both commercial and independent spheres.

    She has supervised over hundred hours of programming for SBS TV, including work on the flagship programs; Living with the Enemy; First Contact; Go Back to Where You Come From; Once Upon A time; Tall Man and Who Do You Think You Are. She has also worked on popular comedy programs Housos and Wilfred for the SBS. Her drama background includes line producing for All Saints for over 400 Episodes, playing an instrumental role in making vital changes to the program.

    Her international recognition includes short film SEXY THING, officially selected for competition at Cannes Film Festival and winning a creative excellence award at the Melbourne Film Festival.

    Heather Oxenham holds an BA, MBA and master’s degree.

  • Zita Adut Deng Ngor

    Zita Adut Deng Ngor

    LEGAL ADVISOR

    Zita Adut Deng Ngor is the CEO of Women’ Legal Service (SA), a specialist not-for profit providing legal and support services to women across the state of South Australia. She is a legal practitioner by profession and has worked for many years in the community service sector for over 20 years.

    Zita Ngor has an active interest in working with and advocating on behalf of disadvantaged groups within society. In 2001 she received a Centenary Medal for service to the community and in 2013 she was selected to one of three NGO delegates to the Australian Government Delegation to the Commission on the Status of Women 57. She was selected due to her expertise on violence against women, in particular with regards to women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. In 2017, she was a finalist for Australian of the Year (South Australia) and in 2019 was selected as one of the 40 under 40 young business entrepreneurs in South Australia.

  • Enaam Oudih

    Enaam Oudih

    MULTICULTORIAL ENGAGEMENT

    Enaam is the Practice Manager, Multicultural Engagement at Relationships Australia SA, provides intercultural consultancy services and training inside and outside the organisation. Enaam established multiple culturally appropriate services to address highly stigmatised issues including specific services for women affected by DV, HIV and gambling problems.

ADVISORS

  • Dr Erica Myers-Davis DBA, FRSA, MFIA

    Dr Erica Myers

    FUNDRAISING, Davis DBA, FRSA, MFIA

    A trailblazer unafraid to forge new paths in the pursuit of impactful change. With over two decades of unique and unconventional commercial and not-for-profit experience Dr Erica has walked the road less travelled – across Australia-Pacific, UK, Caribbean and Africa; within mental health, veterans, environment, art & culture, health, science, international development.

    One of Australia’s foremost fundraising experts in working with micro, small to medium not-for-profits. Dr Erica is celebrated for her innovative ability to develop leftfield solutions to the perennial problem “how do we raise money when we have no donors and no-one knows who we are?”

     Since 2015, at Xponential, her multifaceted role encompasses funder and donor research, strategic development, governance, and the meticulous preparation of complex funding proposals and submissions.  Beyond fundraising, Dr. Erica's expertise extends to assisting startup charities in securing their ACNC registrations and tax deductibility.

  • Nancy Penna

    Nancy Penna

    STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

    Nancy Penna has strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, which includes over 285 staff and 100 services across out-of-home care, homelessness, community development and emergency relief. With more than 30 years’ experience in South Australian community services, Nancy has a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. She has held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice.

    Nancy is a director on the Board of the South Australian Council of Social Services (SACOSS), Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and was recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce with report to government recently submitted.