Johanna (Jo) Ward has worked for more than 30 years in senior advocacy roles throughout Australia. Her extensive experience in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, governance, and financial management has seen her lead and develop various organisations. Jo is a passionate advocate for those who are marginalised and through her various roles has always sought to improve the health, wellbeing and life outcomes for service users, particularly those living in remote locations.
For the last 20 months Jo has held the CEO role with the Warlpiri Youth Development Aboriginal Corporation (WYDAC), a dynamic, Warlpiri led organisation, providing a variety of community services.
Through this work Jo created systems to streamline operations, modernizing HR procedures, improving service delivery, bringing finances into order and working closely with the Warlpiri Board of Directors to create new commercial opportunities, increasing value to community members, government, and funding bodies, and promoting the important work of the organisation.
As a descendant of the Kamilaroi people from Tingha in Northern New South Wales, Jo brings a high level of cultural acumen and a developed understanding of the issues affecting Indigenous people. This developed understanding has empowered her to work successfully alongside other women and families experiencing disadvantage to advocate for new and improved programs and support services.
Jo is excited to join the Well Women’s Centre and to work alongside existing staff to continue the wonderful services the organisation provides to all women in the Hedland area.
We look forward to welcoming Jo in mid-March 2022.