Meet the Women Behind Housing With a Purpose
Three dynamic women who formed strong friendships for over 20 years spearheading many different projects, career highlights, community initiatives and personal endeavours. All three are successful in their own fields and are passionate about social housing and the gaps which people who are in disadvantaged situations, fall through. During years of conversations about this topic, there was a collective light bulb moment and Housing with a Purpose was born. After many years of research and finding the right innovative partners, the present projects were generated causing a momentum to drive the vision.
Ballina Gee
Director Having sound experience in socio-economic development, business and social enterprise management, transformative change and infrastructure project management, Ballina has spearheaded various initiatives for government, not-for-profit, commercial organisations as well as her own enterprises. She now specialises in the property and investment strategies market through building strong ethical partners and delivering values based services to our clients. Through Housing With A Purpose, she will continue to be our representative to the NSW Council of Social Services, NSW Treasury and the Property Investors Alliance. Ballina finds joy in changing people's lives through property prosperity and as a survivor of domestic and family violence, she brings lived experience and insight into our strategies and projects. On a personal note, she is a talented Opera singer known as the Pacific Diva and uses her influence off the stage to mentor people from disadvantaged backgrounds and those living in disadvantaged situations. Winning the 2016 NSW Pacific Awards for Performance, she is not only a community leader but also has an influential public profile. LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/ballina-gee/ |
Dr Judy Banko
Management and Governance Director Dr Judy Banko holds a PhD in Theology along with other post graduate qualifications in community services and housing particularly. Judy has worked as a Manager in both Housing NSW & QLD. She is extremely interested in the connections between place making, urban renewal and secure housing and how these support citizens to thrive and contribute positively to society. Judy is now committing herself to social enterprises that support the provision of innovative housing options for the most disadvantaged in our society. Judy expects to be changing the world one house outcome at a time till she drops off her perch. Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/judy-banko-3b8ba841/ |
Giovanna Volpe
Service Innovation Director
Giovanna Volpe holds Masters in Chaos Theory and Environment and Community and post graduate qualifications in Facilitation and Mediation. Giovanna works as a program manager in a major IT solutions company and she specialises in cyber security. Giovanna is committed to providing housing options that are ethical in that they dont squander the earths resources.
Giovanna is a partner in the upcomming cafe project and will bring her years of Chef experience to the menu. She believes that Housing With A Purpose will be difference between the most disadvantaged thriving or failing.
Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/giovanna-volpe-46656022/
Service Innovation Director
Giovanna Volpe holds Masters in Chaos Theory and Environment and Community and post graduate qualifications in Facilitation and Mediation. Giovanna works as a program manager in a major IT solutions company and she specialises in cyber security. Giovanna is committed to providing housing options that are ethical in that they dont squander the earths resources.
Giovanna is a partner in the upcomming cafe project and will bring her years of Chef experience to the menu. She believes that Housing With A Purpose will be difference between the most disadvantaged thriving or failing.
Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/giovanna-volpe-46656022/