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NCJWA Vic is the spirited, successful organisation it is today – thanks to our dedicated and diversely-talented Board, CEO and staff members.
Anna was previously on the Board of NCJWA Vic from 2016-2022. In addition to her role as a Board Member she served on the Governance, Development and Events Committees as well as creating our first dedicated Advocacy Committee. Anna led the development and launch of the #MakeSpaceForHer Campaign and formed the Young Circle of Women and former Next Gen group. Anna rejoins our Board in 2023 with an ongoing interest and passion for our advocacy work and an excitement about the growth across all our programs.
Previously the Treasurer, Lesley now acts as the current Vice President of NCJWA Vic, as well as a member of the Finance, Governance, and Development Committees. Lesley is also currently the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance and Risk Committee of Women’s Health Victoria, and a Finance and Risk Committee member of the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health.
She is a highly experienced finance and risk professional, specialising in the not-for-profit sector. She is a Chartered Accountant (South Africa and CAANZ) and recognised Risk Specialist, with a Master of Business Administration and undergraduate degrees in Commerce and Accounting. She also holds an Advanced Diploma in International Tax (ADIT), a Diploma in Governance, is a Fellow of the Institute of Community Directors Australia (FICDA), and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Lesley has completed additional training in Gender-Responsive Mental Health Care and the Human Rights from the Top: Mental Health Leadership program.
Lesley is passionate about women’s health and the empowering of girls and women in our society.
Zivit is an experienced board member and executive, specialising in governance, people, culture, leadership and ethical decision-making. She is the author of “The Ethical Kaleidoscope: Values, Ethics, and Corporate Governance” (with Doug Long), 2017, Routledge Publishing, UK. Zivit is passionate about empowering female entrepreneurs and leaders and actively contributes by facilitating various female leadership programs and initiatives.
Following a career in PR, marketing, communications and events, Tanya's interest and passion for our community led her to pursue a career in the For-Purpose Sector. As the former Foundation Director at Bialik College, Tanya brings a strategic focus to fundraising and community engagement. Recognising the pivotal role NCJWA Vic plays in supporting Jewish Women throughout the lifecycle inspired Tanya to join the Development Board in 2024.
Marlo has worked as a Jewish communal professional for most of her life, currently serving as head of the philanthropy team at The Alfred Foundation. Her career in philanthropy includes tenure with the Mount Scopus College Foundation, JNF and UJEB. Marlo has a Masters Degree in History and is the author of several publications. She is looking forward to supporting NCJWA Vic to model excellence in leadership and the advancement of gender equity.
A lawyer by profession, Sally is an experienced dispute resolution and industry self-regulation expert. She spent 20 years at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, most recently as General Manager and CEO of committees that monitor financial services industry codes of practice. Sally now applies this legal and regulatory background and her graduate studies in the business of inbound tourism to the remote ownership and operation of an accommodation business in South Australia. She also combines this diverse experience and robust knowledge of governance principles to her role on the Board of NCJWA Vic, a charity that empowers women and champions gender equity. Sally is currently the Chair of the Board’s Building Committee.
is a Qualified Chartered Accountant and a Registered BAS Agent. Throughout her career in finance, Keren has embarked on a dynamic journey marked by diverse experiences across various facets of financial management. Her tenure in different roles has provided her with invaluable insights into finance departments, enabling her to develop a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape. Keren is dedicated to advancing the mission of NCJWA VIC and making valuable contributions to the organisation's goals and initiatives.
Paris is a final year Arts/Laws student at Monash University, currently undertaking her Honours Thesis. Since starting her Jewish communal leadership journey as AUJS VP in 2023, she has been involved with various organisations, including the Centre for Jewish Artists, where she sits on the Strategic Advisory Group. Paris is passionate about the challenges and opportunities unique to Jewish women, and is thrilled to be able to contribute to NCJWA Vic's work in that space.
We are pleased to be part of The Observership Program and welcome Tahlee Smorgon to the board this year.
Tanya is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE), doula, and Fellow of the Academy of Certified Childbirth Educators (FACCE). She founded Birthwell Birthright, offering birth and early parenting education. Passionate about evidence-based, woman-centered healthcare, Tanya is also a prolific writer on birth and early parenting topics.
Tammy is a Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist. She has worked for over 20 years in private practice with special interests in women's mental health, adjustment to parenthood and relationships, especially as they evolve with young children. She feels honoured that her clients have trusted her with their stories and she hopes to continue her journey with Caring Mums to support mothers' emotional wellbeing during their transition into parenthood.
Nellie has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a Graduate Diploma in IT. Before joining NCJWA Vic in 2004, she owned a small business and worked as a Facilitator in the Aged and Community Care sector. She brings her vast expertise and organisational skills, together with her passion and Yiddishkite to theConnect program and GAC. Nellie provides the CALD community, Holocaust survivors and World War II veterans with social support and an important connection to the local Jewish community.
Michele was born in South Africa and immigrated to Australia in 2007. After living in Western Australia she relocated to Melbourne to give her son a stronger Jewish identity. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of South Africa and a certificate of bookkeeping from Pitman Institute in London. In Michele’s spare time she enjoys reading, drawing and learning new skills.
Miriam Pacanowski is a strategic thinker and natural connector who thrives at the intersection of vision and impact. With a background in marketing, communications, and purpose-driven growth, she brings clarity, creativity, and heart to every initiative she leads.
Miriam loves to dream big. She’s driven by bold ideas and long-range strategy, with a sharp focus on creating meaningful, measurable change. Her work spans strategic planning, storytelling, program development, and community engagement always with an eye toward empowering people and amplifying purpose.
Whether she’s crafting a fundraising strategy, building partnerships, or reimagining community programs, Miriam brings energy, insight, and a deep commitment to making a difference
Liron Seeman holds a Bachelor of Laws (Monash University) and has several years’ experience as a lawyer across property, commercial, estates, and litigation. She has held leadership roles in the Jewish community, including President of the Monash Jewish Students’ Society and Community Engagement Officer for Mitzvah Day. She also brings years of grassroots experience facilitating women’s circles and Jewish learning spaces that support women through life transitions.
PO Box 2220
Caulfield Junction VIC 3161
0468 769 531
office@ncjwavic.org.au
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners
NCJWA Vic would like to acknowledge the Boon Wurrung and the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations and all traditional owners of the land that is Australia. We recognise the traditional owners' continuing connection to the land, waterways and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and we acknowledge their stories, traditions and living cultures. As Jewish women, we specifically honour and acknowledge First Nations’ women who, like our matriarchs, are strong, brave, determined and resilient.
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