Our Committee
Meet our committee
At Gen Collective, our dedicated volunteer committee members play a key role in shaping our community. They bring together local professionals who are passionate about building connections, sharing experiences, and making a positive impact.
Their focus is on bringing people together and supporting each other's journey, both personally and professionally.
They are integral to creating and curating impactful networking events and initiatives that focus on creating real opportunities for growth, collaboration, and making meaningful connections.
Their focus is on bringing people together and supporting each other's journey, both personally and professionally.
President
Vice President
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Amy-Lea Pettigrew is passionate about turning ideas into impactful experiences. As a Design Professional, Events Specialist, and Fundraising Advocate, she has over a decade of experience leading creative projects as the Creative Director at Pettigrew Family Funerals. Her expertise includes interiors, graphic design, and event management, with a focus on strategic planning, project management, and fostering strong partnerships.
Beyond her family business, Amy-Lea is dedicated to supporting not-for-profit organisations and community initiatives. Besides Vice President of Gen Collective, she serves as a Foundation Member and Chair of Events for Hunter Medical Research Institute and an Ambassador for Lifeline Hunter and Central Coast. Her work reflects a thoughtful approach to combining creativity with purpose.
Treasurer
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Darcy is an experienced mortgage broker passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their property goals. With a strong background in finance and a client-focused approach, Darcy is dedicated to making the lending process seamless and stress-free. Darcy joined the Gen Collective committee in 2021 and is committed to fostering connections and supporting professional growth within the community. Outside of work, Darcy enjoys staying active through netball and appreciates the sense of community the sport provides.
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Brodey Corbett is the Director and Marketing Strategist at Core Media, where she helps businesses grow through clear, strategy-led marketing.
With a decade of experience across agency and in-house roles, Brodey has worked across everything from content creation and campaigns to brand positioning and marketing strategy. After years of supporting businesses from the inside and out, she launched Core Media to bring a more intentional, tailored approach to marketing, one that strips things back and focuses on what actually works.
A strong believer in the power of community, Brodey is passionate about giving back to the place she lives and works. Through her role with Gen Collective, she contributes to creating opportunities for connection, collaboration, and support for women in business.
Often described as a social butterfly, Brodey thrives on being around people. Outside of work, you’ll find her spending time with friends, family, and her partner, whether that’s trying a new bar or restaurant, or soaking up the sun at the beach.
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With over 12 years’ experience as a business and commercial lawyer, Sarah specialises in helping businesses navigate legal complexities and achieve sustainable growth.
Alongside her legal career, she has contributed more than a decade of volunteer board and committee service, gaining significant governance and strategy experience that she now brings to her professional and community roles.Passionate about supporting Newcastle’s SME businesses, Sarah is driven by empowering local enterprises to thrive and building strong, collaborative networks.
When she’s not working, she enjoys continuing her search for the best Bloody Mary in Newcastle, playing netball, reading, listening to podcasts, and exploring Newcastle’s playgrounds with her son, Billy.
Co-Secretary
Co-Secretary
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As a Consultant at Beilby Downing Teal, one of Australia’s largest providers of executive search, professional recruitment and contracting services, I help source talented individuals and connect them with thriving organisations across various industries. With a Bachelor of Business in Marketing and Leadership and Management, a Diploma of Leadership and Management, and a Certificate IV in WHS, I have the credentials and competencies to deliver personalised and effective recruitment solutions.
I have been in the recruitment industry for over five years, specialising in executive, permanent, and temporary placements. I am passionate about building long-term relationships with candidates and clients, understanding their goals and aspirations, and matching them with the best opportunities and fit. My mission is to become your career partner and help you find your dream role or top-tier candidate.
Committee Member
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Ellen has over a decade of experience in branding, corporate communications, design, marketing, and events and a strong passion for creativity. In 2022, she joined the not-for-profit organisation HVTC as the Group Marketing and Communications Manager. In this role, she leveraged her expertise to rebrand the organisation’s 40-year brand and develop the Zeal Futures brand whilst maintaining its legacy and guiding the strategic direction of its marketing and communications initiatives.
Ellen is a committee member of the Lake Macquarie Women in Business Network and previously worked at Lake Macquarie City Council. Ellen holds a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design and an MBA specialisation in Marketing, both from the University of Newcastle.
Committee Member
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Laura Reilly is a Partnerships and Community Engagement Specialist at NGM Group, with a genuine passion for connecting people and creating positive outcomes for local communities. She values strong, authentic relationships and enjoys working alongside community organisations, stakeholders and volunteers to bring ideas to life.
Laura’s background in marketing, media and communications has shaped the way she approaches her role today, strengthening her ability to tell meaningful stories, understand different audiences and build genuine connections. She also enjoys the energy and purpose of event management, from early planning and stakeholder coordination through to creating a welcoming experience on the day.
Whether delivering a community activation, large-scale events or local initiatives, Laura takes pride in bringing people together through thoughtful, well-organised experiences that leave a positive impression.
Outside of work, you’ll probably find Laura spending time at her favourite local cafes with her partner or friends, or curled up reading a great book.
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Caitlin Powell helps growing businesses build the leadership and culture they need to grow without everything resting on the owner. She works with business owners and their leadership teams to shape how leadership works in their business — creating the clarity, authority and capability for leaders to step up, share responsibility and lead effectively.
Having seen leadership from the inside, from the consulting side and from the leadership seat, Caitlin understands that developing leaders isn’t about handing them generic tools. It’s about creating the conditions for people to take ownership, work together and lead in a way that fits the business.
When she’s not wrangling her two young children, Caitlin is likely to be on the basketball court. She grew up playing representative basketball in Tamworth and still plays socially alongside her brother and sister — a highlight of her week.
Having previously served on the Gen Collective committee for two years, Caitlin is delighted to return and reconnect with a community of women who learn and grow together.
Committee Member
Committee Member
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Hi, my name is Alex Brand. I am an Associate working at Hicksons Lawyers here in Newcastle. I specialise in workplace relations, employment and safety matters.
I joined the Gen Collective Committee in October 2023. I am originally from New Zealand and I was keen to explore opportunities to further my network in Newcastle and get involved in planning some exciting networking events in the region. Little did I know I would be joining a powerhouse committee of dynamic women doing some pretty incredible things!
I am passionate about working with employers and individuals to solve the many challenges they face in the workplace. I have a particular interest in disputed Fair Work matters (unfair dismissals and the like), workplace health and safety (both physical and psychosocial safety) and modern slavery laws.
In my spare time you can find me down at my local rowing club, running (or attempting to) somewhere near the beach or camping in one of the many beautiful spots in NSW.
I couldn’t recommend attending the Gen Collective events enough – the events offer a range of opportunities for professional development and to build your network in a welcoming environment.
I look forward to seeing you at the next event!
Committee Member
Committee Member
Committee Member
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Jordyn Ode is a Buyers Advocate at Keepr Property Co, a licensed real estate agent, and an off-market specialist with over 11 years of experience in the industry. She is passionate about connecting with people, inspiring them to achieve their goals, and guiding them through one of life's biggest decisions: buying a property.
At Keepr Property Co, Jordyn leverages her local expertise, strategic thinking, and communication skills to tailor-made strategies for her clients, who are mainly owner-occupiers looking for a place to call home. She also has valuable experience in property management & real estate sales, which enhances her real estate knowledge and service quality. Jordyn is driven by integrity, honesty, and energy for life, and she collaborates with a team of professionals who share her ethos and vision. She is always learning, improving, and exceeding expectations in her field.
Committee Member
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Tasha Wolodko-Kouril is an experienced solicitor based in Newcastle with over 9 years in the legal profession. Tasha practices in commercial litigation, with a focus on building and construction disputes and debt recovery. In 2023, she became the first woman in Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast to become an Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation.
Passionate about helping clients avoid costly litigation, Tasha focuses on providing practical, timely legal advice to businesses and individuals, with an emphasis on achieving amicable resolutions.
Outside of work, Tasha enjoys spending time with her young family and unwinding with a glass of red wine – not always in that order. She is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to the Gen Collective committee, supporting women in business and contributing to the local community.
Committee Member
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Myf is a purpose-led Lifestyle & Architecture Photographer based in Newcastle. She captures moments as they transpire to communicate a soft, natural mood through candid imagery. She works discreetly to explore those in-between moments to create rich, intentional imagery. She loves partnering with local go-getters who have a deep desire to make a difference in their world, the world around them, and beyond.
As a process-driven creative, she showcases the good work of architects, designers, and purpose-led businesses through photography and design thinking. Her focus is on simple construction, responsible sourcing, and authentic storytelling. Her talent lies in understanding my client’s unique vision and guiding them through a process of thoughtful design.
Champions of networking in Newcastle
Interested in becoming part of our
volunteer committee?
Whether you want to learn more about how our committee operates or wish to join us as a volunteer, we’d love to hear from you.
Reach out to connect or express your interest in contributing to our mission of making networking a powerful tool for development in Newcastle and beyond. Our committee members are central to the success of our networking events and programs.
Our committee members are central to the success of our networking events and programs.
As a Gen Collective committee member you would help curate experiences designed to enhance both the personal and professional journeys of our attendees and guests, ensuring every interaction supports our members' goals.