Our team of highly skilled individuals approach everything they do with a holistic outlook – considering the impacts on both people and planet. Team GECA is deliciously diverse, with a vast range of experience in various fields – including the health and environment sector, sustainable design and engineering, biodiversity conservation and practical construction experience. We understand what it takes to create and procure sustainable products, materials and services for the Australian market and beyond.
CEO
Having worked in fundraising, marketing, and sales throughout her career, she has a wealth of business experience that she now uses at GECA to drive positive change. Michelle values her abilities to negotiate and collaborate and sees genuine working relationships as crucial to building robust and lasting sustainability strategies.
Her career was established in the UK before relocating to Australia in 2011. She has been fundamental in creating, building, developing and nurturing partnerships with clients, suppliers, and staff. She has exceptional management skills; a mentor leading and developing strong teams from the front with a hands-on approach.
With a keen eye for detail, she is well versed in business process improvements and developing strategies to drive best practice and increased value to all partners.
Head of Business and Strategy
Jess started her career working for the Australian Red Cross, managing local food security programs. She has worked for other not-for-profit organisations and state government agencies, obtaining skills in program management, community engagement, research, training, policy development and analysis, consumer advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and business development and strategy.
She recently completed her SA8000 Standard Auditor Training with Social Accountability International in her quest to improve supply chain transparency via mechanisms that support human and labour rights and environmental justice.
Jess’ role at GECA focuses on working with industry, government, universities, consumers, and other organisations to identify collaborative opportunities for sustainability action.
Strategic Communications Manager
She has over a decade of experience working in environmental conservation and holds an Honours degree in Environmental Politics and a Fellowship with the Centre for Sustainability Leadership. Kendall is passionate about using creativity for good and isn’t averse to delivering sustainability storytelling via a haiku or cat meme.
Marketing Manager
Karina is a marketing and communications professional who has extensive experience developing insight-driven marketing and engagement strategies, creating digital marketing campaigns and project management.
She has previously worked in the higher education sector in Australia and for large corporations in the telecommunication sector in Brazil. Karina possesses vast experience in marketing strategy development and implementation. Her focus areas include digital marketing, content creation, project management, campaign management, events, and sales and marketing partnerships.
Karina holds a Master of Business degree with a major in Marketing at the University of Sydney and has recently taken further studies in Environment.
Operations Officer
Having had a passion for the environment from a young age, Raven decided to bring her skills from sales and consumer experience to the field of sustainability. Raven’s role focuses on supporting the GECA team, as well as spreading our key messages via digital platforms and educating those who are on a journey of continuous improvement for people and planet.
Client Engagement Manager
In recent years Jacqui has combined her love of design with a passion for the environment, focusing on sustainability and social responsibility within the built environment.
In 2019 Jacqui was selected to train with former US Vice President Al Gore, attending the Climate Reality Leadership Corps in Brisbane, which provided her with a deep understanding of the latest climate change science and the importance of minimising the impact of the built environment on the planet and its resources.
As a WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) through the International WELL Building Institute and a Green Star Associate through the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), Jacqui has extensive knowledge of green building schemes and third-party product certifications and understands the importance of sustainable and ethical procurement.
As a previous GECA licensee, she has an intimate understanding of the processes and commitment required to obtain certification. Therefore Jacqui is well placed to support GECA’s new and existing licensees in achieving their sustainability goals.
Client Engagement Officer
Shelby’s role focuses on supporting GECA to develop new and maintain existing partnerships, ensuring the success of GECA’s strategic goals. She uses her passion for the environment, sustainability, and community development to foster these working relationships on common ground.
When not working at GECA, Shelby is teaching yoga or outside surfing and hiking!
Standards and Technical Manager
She received her Master’s in Sustainability from the University of Geneva in 2019. Her thesis examined the green building and construction sector, benchmarking certification schemes and tools to achieve sustainable construction practices and outcomes.
Equipped with international experience, Jasmin brings her skills, qualifications, and passion for sustainability to drive GECA’s standards strategy to help Australian industries reach robust environmental, health, social and economic performance.
Standards & Technical Officer
She completed her PhD in 2021 from RMIT University in Melbourne. Shadia’s thesis explored the environmental impact assessment of textile supply chains. She has extensive experience in lifecycle assessment. She is very keen to apply her passion for ecolabelling to improve the sustainability performance of products and services.
Standards & Technical Officer
She completed her PhD in chemical engineering in 2023 from the University of New South Wales and a bachelor’s degree (Honours) in biomedical engineering from Sydney University in 2018. Yuan’s thesis developed biodegradable bioplastic that can monitor food spoilage in real time to reduce food waste and foodborne illness. She has an extensive chemistry background and a passion for improving sustainability across health, social and environmental performance.
When not at GECA, Yuan is keen to go hiking and cycling.