Laura Cripps (she/they)

Scholar and Mentor Manager

Laura was a Pinnacle Foundation scholar in 2018, during her final year of a Bachelor of Laws (Honours). Laura remained with the Foundation as a volunteer before being appointed scholar & mentor manager in 2022.

Laura’s lived experience as a scholar helps to support scholars with their journey through higher education, ensuring their wellbeing and connection to community.

Laura identifies and fosters quality relationships with our distinguished mentors.

Laura is passionate about The Pinnacle Foundation’s mission and proudly supports scholars to use their education as a tool for personal and social change.

Management Team

Andrew Staite (he/him)

Board, Management Team

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer BA & LLB (The University of Melbourne) Andrew is managing director & chief executive officer of The Pinnacle Foundation….

Ben Henry (he/him)

Management Team

Volunteer Company Secretary JD (The University of Melbourne), BA (The University of Melbourne) Ben is a risk and compliance specialist with extensive experience working with…

David Walsh (he/him)

Management Team

Volunteer Psychologist – Scholarship Selection David is a registered psychologist and has worked as a research psychologist in the School of Community Medicine at the…

Gavin Cao (he/him)

Management Team

Volunteer Chief Financial Officer Gavin is a seasoned finance professional who has transitioned from executive finance roles to a thriving accounting and financial planning practice….

Han Worsley (they/them)

Management Team

Volunteer Alumni Program Lead Han is an enthusiastic educator, gender equality and LGBTQIA+ advocate, and public speaker. Growing up on the family farm north of…

Ola Radka (she/her)

Management Team

Partnerships & Events Manager Ola has almost 20 years of experience across a wide variety of professional roles helping people discover their full potential, all…

Paula Corvalan (she/her)

Management Team

Program Manager Paula Corvalan has over 15 years’ experience working in communication, marketing and social services. Paula has worked in print and digital media, advertising…

Sam Jacob (they/them)

Management Team

Volunteer Chair Scholarship Selection Committee Sam brings more than 30 years’ experience in higher education in the UK and Australia, including senior roles at Charles Darwin,…

Sophie Ellul (she/her)

Management Team

Financial Accountant Sophie is a qualified accountant (CPA) with substantial experience encompassing both industry and business services roles. Sophie has over 20 years of experience…

Tim Lai (he/him)

Management Team

Marketing Manager Tim has over 25 years of experience working in the retail technology and professional services space. Tim was appointed The Pinnacle Foundation’s Marketing…