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Sally McGeoch
Senior Advisor, Westpac Foundation - #socialenterprise #socialimpact #philanthropy #networkweaver
Professional Background
Sally McGeoch is a dynamic and highly experienced social impact professional whose career spans over a decade dedicated to elevating social enterprises. Her unique blend of expertise in strategic philanthropy, pro bono initiatives, social procurement, and social impact measurement has made her a leading figure in the field of social enterprise support and development. Currently, Sally serves as a Senior Advisor at the Westpac Foundation, where she has spent the last five years working creatively and strategically to design and manage impactful social enterprise grant programs and capacity-building initiatives. Her commitment to strengthening social enterprises has positively influenced numerous startups, helping them scale and create lasting social change.
Before her impactful role at Westpac Foundation, Sally spent seven years at Australia’s former School for Social Entrepreneurs, where she was instrumental in guiding start-up social enterprises. Her hands-on experience in nurturing innovative business models and facilitating sustainable community developments has equipped her with a robust understanding of the distinctive challenges and opportunities present within the social enterprise sector. Additionally, she was a founding member of The Bread & Butter Project, an employment-based social enterprise that exemplifies the principles of sustainability, inclusion, and empowerment through employment.
Sally's journey in social impact is not just analytical; it’s deeply rooted in practical experience and strategic engagement with the community. Her passion for social enterprise stems from a belief in its transformative potential – not merely as a vehicle for economic growth, but as a platform for social equity and community resilience. This philosophy has driven her work in developing collaborative partnerships, ensuring that social enterprises receive the support and resources they need to thrive.
Education and Achievements
Sally's dedication to social impact is underpinned by a strong educational foundation. She is currently pursuing a PhD by practice-based research at Swinburne University of Technology, focusing on collaborative approaches to scaling employment-focused social enterprises. This advanced study enables her to combine academic theories with practical applications, fostering innovative strategies that can be implemented in real-world settings.
She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), as well as another Master’s in Community Management from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). These academic credentials reflect her commitment to understanding the intersection of environmental sustainability, community engagement, and effective management practices.
Sally also earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business - Communications from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), which has equipped her with essential skills in communication and marketing, enhancing her ability to engage and influence stakeholders across various sectors.
Her comprehensive educational journey, combined with her professional experience, places her among the foremost experts in the realm of strategic philanthropy and social impact measurement.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Sally has driven significant initiatives that have empowered social enterprises and their communities. Her role as Senior Advisor at the Westpac Foundation has seen her lead the design and implementation of programs that not only provide vital funding but also foster the capacity-building necessary for growth and sustainability in the social enterprise sector. Under her guidance, the foundation has successfully launched programs that have had far-reaching social impacts and fostered collaboration among various stakeholders in the community.
As a Partnerships Manager at the School for Social Entrepreneurs Australia, Sally played a key role in establishing vital networks between emerging social enterprises and potential supporters, enhancing the overall ecosystem for social entrepreneurship in Australia. Her experience as a freelance sustainability and communications consultant has also broadened her understanding of the diverse landscapes in which social enterprises operate, allowing her to provide tailored advice and strategies to maximize their impact.
Sally's innovative approach towards employment-focused social enterprises, particularly through The Bread & Butter Project, has demonstrated the efficacy of social enterprise models in bridging gaps in employment and community development. This achievement reflects her belief in practical solutions to complex social issues and her unwavering support for initiatives that create sustainable jobs and livelihoods.
Sally McGeoch is not only a leader in her field; she is also a passionate advocate for social change. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships, strategic investments, and innovative capacity-building in the pursuit of a more equitable and inclusive society. Her extensive background positions her as a role model for aspiring social entrepreneurs, and her work continues to impact countless lives across Australia and beyond.