Gembridge is proud to sponsor the Leadership & Emerging Issues track at the FIA Conference and feature Rachael as Co-Chair, bringing her expertise and passion for innovative fundraising leadership. Known for championing collaboration and creativity, Rachael is helping shape conversations that matter. A huge thank you to Rachael and all the volunteer committee who make this track and conference possible!
Read more about Rachael…
Gembridge is proud to sponsor the Leadership & Emerging Issues track at the FIA Conference and delighted Heather returned as Co-Chair, a passionate advocate for bold, values-driven leadership. Heather’s commitment to mentoring emerging fundraisers and shaping the future of philanthropy makes her an inspiring force in the sector and a valued part of the Gembridge network. A big thank you to Heather and all the volunteer committee who bring the conference to life!
Let’s hear from Heather…
Gembridge is proud to spotlight Paul as Chair of the Program Committee for 2026 FIA Conference, aptly named Impact Amplified. Paul recently stepped into his current role as Campaign Director at World Vision through Gembridge and brings exceptional energy and commitment to connecting generosity with purpose.
This year’s conference will feature 9 Specialist Tracks over 3 days, 7 pre-Conference Masterclasses, and 3 Keynote Sessions. A huge thank you to Paul and all the volunteer committee who make this possible!
Now let us hear from Paul…
Every few months, Gembridge has the privilege of visiting SisterWorks to run an interview preparation session with their hospitality program participants. These inspiring women, from migrant, refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds, are just about to graduate a 10-week training program, and our session is focused on building their confidence and helping them feel ready to step into work.
Across the hour, we role-play interviews — practising introductions, sharing personal stories, and exploring how to communicate why they would make a great hire. Many feel more comfortable chatting one-on-one, which gives them the space to open up and practise their English. Together, we identify transferable skills — from raising children and managing households to volunteering or past work experience — and show how these translate into qualities hospitality employers truly value.
Smiles, stories and strength! Gembridge Senior Consultant Lisa Krishtul, standing 4th from the right, with SisterWorks participants (September 2025).
What always stands out to us is the transformation that happens in just one session. Women who begin unsure and hesitant, often finish with a stronger sense of self-belief, standing taller and feeling more confident about their next steps. Being part of this journey is incredibly rewarding, and at Gembridge, we’re proud to support SisterWorks in preparing these women for meaningful employment here in Australia.
Why certify as a B Corp so early?
Gembridge became a Certified B Corporation in 2022—just a few years after launching. We wanted to embed purpose from the start, building strong frameworks and a lasting commitment to people, planet, and profit.
With only 19 certified recruitment agencies in Australia, we’re proud to stand out in a sector of 8,000. Early certification keeps us focused on impact, ethics, and continuous improvement—reflected in our rising B Impact Score.
Alisa is driven by a passion for health equity and meaningful impact. “I love being part of a team committed to improving health outcomes across our communities,” she says, reflecting her dedication to values-driven work and collaborative fundraising at Cancer Council NSW as a Trusts & Foundations Specialist.
In the spirit of appreciation, we ran a competition on our LinkedIn page where we invited our network to nominate fundraisers making a real difference in Australia, and whose work deserves to be recognised. We had initially planned to gift three Endota Gift Cards, but the response was so great that we awarded a fourth. Here’s to the winners – may you enjoy some well-earned relaxation after tax time!
We were so excited to see that Francine Poisson was awarded the FIA fellowship.
With over two decades of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Francine is the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at the Black Dog Institute, a leading Australian medical research institute dedicated to mental health across the lifespan.
Here is what Francine has to say after we put her through the Gem Spotlight questions…
