The Board

Metro Assist’s Board of Directors brings together expertise in social justice, finance, and community service to guide impactful initiatives that support disadvantaged communities. Each member contributes valuable skills to advance Metro Assist’s mission in areas such as family support, tenancy advice, and employment services.

Director and Chair

Richard Wonders

Richard has extensive experience in the private sector in the service and consumer goods industries. He has held several roles as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer in diverse organisations with operations spanning multiple countries and with annual turnovers of $200m+. With Richard’s broad background he brings his finance, commercial and general management skills into the organisation. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and is a qualified CPA and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors ( GAICD).

Director

Susan Loane

Susan is a seasoned executive with extensive experience spanning accounting, financial services, learning and development, and education and training industries, with particular depth in technology-led businesses. She began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and has since held a variety of senior roles at some of Australia’s premier financial institutions, universities, vocational and professional education providers, and government agencies. Susan is a graduate of the AICD, a member of the FPA (AFP®) and a former member of CPA Australia. Susan holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, Master of Financial Planning and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She also serves on the board of a paediatric emergency training and education organisation that seeks to achieve the best outcomes for ill and injured children.

Director

Akash Aggarwal

Akash is a risk professional with almost 20 years of banking experience in financial services organisations. He has broad experience in risk and governance, particularly across personal and business lending. Akash holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Actuarial Studies and Finance) and is qualified as an Associate of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia and Senior Associate of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA). He has experience leading Diversity & Inclusion groups both in the workplace and in his local community.

Director

Catherine Dai

Catherine is a highly effective global principal with deep experience across financial service, management consulting, maritime and manufacturing industries. She has held senior leadership roles in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, driving change and building high-performing teams. Catherine holds a Master of Commerce degree from the University of Queensland and is a fellow of CPA Australia.

Director

Tori Edwards

Tori is Chief Operating Officer at Economic Justice Australia. She has extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, particularly as a lawyer, and overseeing the design and delivery of legal services to people experiencing disadvantage. She has also held leadership roles with responsibility for financial oversight, strategy, and people development and management. Tori holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws (Human Rights and Social Justice), and a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact. She has a deep passion for social justice and has worked in the social justice sector for over 15 years.

Director

Kristine De Guzman

Kristine is a dynamic senior executive within the community services sector and is driven by her commitment to social justice and human rights. She is currently the Head of Service Delivery at Blue Knot Foundation. Kristine has a diverse background within not-for-profit and has held leadership roles across risk and governance, strategy, social impact, and organisational development, with a particular expertise in quality service delivery to vulnerable communities. Kristine holds a Bachelor of Social Welfare and a Diploma in Community Services. She is experienced in leading initiatives across a wide range of areas such as disability, mental health, people seeking asylum, employment, housing, and homelessness. Kristine is passionate about building inclusive communities and elevating the voices of people with lived experience.

Director

Emma Hearne

Emma is a Principal Solicitor at the National Justice Project, a not-for-profit, human rights law firm that uses strategic litigation to drive systemic change and advocate for reform to eradicate discrimination. She has extensive experience including 13 years working with vulnerable individuals and minority groups, providing trauma-informed care through casework and client advocacy. Emma’s executive experience includes overseeing operations, financial and strategic goals, and people management. She has been on the Board of Directors for a not-for-profit organisation as a volunteer Director for 12 years and as secretary for the past 5 years. Emma was a Not-For-Profit Lawyer of the Year Finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards 2021 & 2022. She holds a Double Degree of Bachelor of Laws with Honours with a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology).