Queensland continually punches well above its weight with mentors in creative, PR, social, strategy, marketing, consulting, media, and even client side. You might see some familiar faces below, as well as a few extraordinary new recruits. And remember – your mentor doesn’t have to work in your desired role. Some of our most successful pairings have come from shared vibes and values.
So read all about them below and see who stands out. Ready to apply?
SALLY BAGSHAW
Head of Content Design at Canva
With a background in business communication, a flair for working with complex stakeholders, and the passion to create better experiences for users, Sally has been committed to improving digital products with content since 2001. She has worked extensively across a wide variety of industries including some of the big names in government, retail, superannuation, higher education, banking, and publishing. Now, as the Head of Content Design at Canva, she’s on a mission to bring clarity and joy to over 265M people who use Canva every month. Sally is based in Brisbane and if you listen carefully you can her her pug Henri snoring at her feet.
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LIZ BALLANTYNE
General Manager at Media Mortar
Liz Ballantyne is a seasoned marketer with over a decade of experience in marketing and communications across diverse industries. Liz started her career as a digital marketer, working for a tech company that was (at the time) one of only six companies in Australia to partner closely with Google. After leading the brand marketing for that organisation, Liz has since worked both in-house and agency, helping craft strategic solutions for renowned brands like Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Tourism Queensland, and Guide Dogs. Liz is now the General Manager for the content marketing agency Media Mortar, where she focuses on supporting her team of clever creative marketing professionals to craft scroll stopping content for brands. Her journey, punctuated by the challenges of balancing career growth with motherhood, has instilled in her a profound commitment to empowering women in their careers.
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ROBYN BUTLER
Co-Founder & Account Director at Lovework Studio
Robyn is a founder of Lovework Studio and has over 20 years of experience in branding. She has worked both in Australia and the UK on briefs of all sizes, for clients from startups and scale ups to large international organisations. Robyn has a keen interest in the way brands flex to fit the context, audiences and ever changing communication challenges. She particularly loves brands that embrace technology yet can flex across hi and lo tech environments.
Robyn is passionate about providing space teams can create the best work of their lives. She also supports and encourages clients to make impactful decisions throughout the projects to deliver the best results possible.
Robyn has presented guest lectures, been a panelist and run courses in Australia and Internationally.
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LISA CAMERON
Director and Founder at WeAreComrades
I'm Lisa, Managing Director of CTA, a content agency that combines my passions for storytelling and brand development. Previously, I led social media at Style Magazine and drove marketing efforts for a global interior company. I've also had the thrill of running my own luxury athletic wear company in HK.
When I'm not working, you can find me wrangling my three energetic boys – they're my biggest source of joy and inspiration!
As a mentor, I love sharing my experiences and insights to help others navigate entrepreneurship and leadership.
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ISABELLE DEBNAM
Co-Founder & Executive Director at PEDRA Studio
I’ve always been a storyteller. Getting lost in my imagination as a child. Letting my pencils craft their own world as they touch the paper. I’ve read more books than I can count and it still won’t ever be enough.
Over the last decade, I’ve honed my craft and creative passions by building brands and telling their stories.
As Co-Founder of PEDRA Studio, a Meanjin-based motion design studio, I lead marketing, strategy and operations. Shaping not just how our work looks, but how it lands. Working with Y Schools Queensland, Red Ochre Republic, Yourtown, RACQ, and many other impact-driven brands has taught me that the best stories are written together.
Outside the Studio I’m a mum, Pilates-lover, cat owner, bookworm, latte-drinker and co-host the Your Marketing Mates podcast.
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BRITTANIE ENGLISH
Managing Director at The Content Division
Brittanie English is the co-founder and Managing Director of Brisbane-based content marketing agency The Content Division.
Britt has 15+ years experience in digital and content marketing roles across agency, local and state government, and private enterprise. In 2017, she backed herself and co-founded The Content Division. As the Managing Director, she now leads the business strategy, HR, marketing and finance functions of the business, as well as working with clients and leading a team of epic marketing strategists and content creators.
Britt’s also the editor of ethical fashion publication www.brittslist.com.au and through The Content Division runs leading industry conferences: Content Summit Australia and Podium Sport Summit.
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CHRISTINE GANNON
Client Partner at Friends & Allies
Brisbane born and bred, Christine has worked in the industry for over 25 years across a range of agencies and clients including RACQ, TAFE Qld, Michael Hill Jeweller, UQ, TEQ and more.
She is a hands-on strategic leader who brings enthusiasm and a problem solving attitude to everything she does, now as a Client Partner at Friends & Allies
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SANDRA HIND
Co-Creative Director at Carbon Creative
Sandra started working in advertising over 20 years ago (almost pre-dating email). A conceptual copywriter by trade, she has worked for agencies big and small in Brisbane and London, and her own boutique advertising agency, The Hoopla Family. With numerous national and international awards, and experience in everything from TV to DM, she has worked on hundreds of clients across dozens of sectors. Sandra joined social change creative agency, Carbon Creative, around three years ago and is passionate about using the power of words and pictures to help create change.
In her free time, Sandy has previously started and run a coffee shop and a vintage clothing outlet. These days, she loves nothing more than curling up with a good book and silently correcting every misspelling she sees.
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RACHAEL HOCKADAY
Managing Director at Haeday
Rachael Hockaday has spent decades learning what’s important to customers. Today she heads up retail marketing specialists, Haeday, as Managing Director, where she guides business leaders to deliver results best for their brands. Her experience is proven working with some of the world’s leading advertising agencies and brands such as Subway, Terry White Chemists, Lorna Jane and Super Retail Group.
2025 marks the 15th anniversary of Haeday, which continues to thrive by delivering insights and unique strategy to retailers about the power of retail advertising, in-store marketing, local area marketing, POS, window display, effective merchandising; curating the brand and retail experience.
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PRISCILLA JEHA
General Manager at Alt/Shift
General Manager. Solo Mum to 9 year old twins. Author of Amazon #3 Bestseller. E-commerce brand owner. Lover of adventure and challenges – both professional and personal!
The majority of my 30 year professional life has been spent in the heady world of full service ad agencies. I've definitely seen 'things'! I'm now proudly the GM of Mumbrella's Large PR Agency of the Year.
I genuinely adore both disciplines – they're all part of the incredible creative landscape that brands can leverage to get into people's hearts and minds.
I can't wait to share all of my experience with a brilliant new mentee this coming year – supporting them to reach their absolute potential!
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JAISHRI JOHNSTONE
Corporate Communications Media Partner at BEDA
J Johnstone is a seasoned Public Relations specialist with over a decade of agency experience, leading high-impact campaigns across arts, tourism, government, and major events. A key player at Aruga since 2019, J has built strong industry relationships, securing top-tier media coverage and elevating brand visibility for clients such as Brisbane Festival, Horizon Festival, Dream Home Art Union, Tourism and Events Queensland, and Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
A creative thinker and go-getter, J excels in developing innovative PR strategies that capture attention and drive results. With a background in event management at The Star Casino and Showbiz Events and Travel, J has orchestrated VIP experiences for blockbuster productions, bringing a unique storytelling edge to campaigns.
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GEMMA LIPOVSKI
Head of Data and Projects at NTI
Gemma is a senior leader in data, analytics and artificial intelligence with over 17 years’ experience across technology and enterprise delivery. She is currently Head of Data and Projects at NTI, leading enterprise data, AI and project delivery and supporting organisational change. Gemma is passionate about responsible AI, developing future leaders and mentoring others, with a particular focus on advancing women in technology.
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ALANA MAHONY
Head of Marketing & Operations at Hall Payne Lawyers
With over a decade of experience across marketing and media, I have a versatile skill set focused on strategic communications, building lasting brand reputation and digital transformations to drive real business solutions.
My innovative and strategic mindset allows me to communicate with a variety of stakeholders and deliver solutions focused on commercial results.
I am a confident leader and an energetic contributor, who takes pride in my work as well as mentoring and collaborating with those around me to grow and achieve success.
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CAMILLA MARSHALL
Director of Marketing at Mater Foundation
I bring over 15 years of experience across diverse marketing roles, including senior leadership positions at Virgin Australia, Allianz Partners, Endeavour Foundation and now Mater Foundation. Beginning my career in the corporate world, I specialised in data‑driven marketing and customer insight, and now apply that experience to the for‑purpose sector, where my passion truly sits. I love helping marketers combine data, creativity and technology to connect with audiences in meaningful ways and deliver impact that genuinely matters.
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NATALIE MITCHELL
Executive Producer at Publicis
With a unique ability to successfully and efficiently manage both agency and production elements of producing, Nat has established herself as an asset to one of the biggest production companies and advertising agencies in Australia, and worked on leading US Television Dramas in Los Angeles. This set of skills, along with a long-standing passion for entertainment, has driven Nat to expand her repertoire of producing as far as it can go within the film and television industry.
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OLIVIA MUIR
Strategist at Olivia Muir & Venn Co
I'm a strategist, curious mind, and crafter of ideas — I've played in the brand space for 20 years across business, brand, CX, marketing, and design. I have a unique ability to see the big picture and master practical execution. Skills aside, I'm passionate about making a positive contribution to my space, clients, and community — and being part of something bigger than me.
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SAMANTHA SHAH
CMO at Raging Bull Consulting
My very first corporate gig at 17 was a placement in the marketing team. #winning. They were the only team having fun it seemed – laughing and talking while they worked. But the campaign I worked on was set to encourage kids to adopt a sustainable approach to hot water usage and it lasted all summer. The opportunity to influence people's thoughts and to persuade them to change their behaviour had me hooked for life. And the rest is history.
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AMBER SNOW
CEO & Founder at Rehaula
As founder of Rehaula, I lead a consultancy at the forefront of brand transformation and communication, helping brands and organisations step into their next chapter. Over the past near two decades, I’ve led 50+ brand transformations, built award-winning teams, and became General Manager of a leading agency by 30. My love of communication began much earlier as a radio host, where I first saw how voice can shape connection, influence, and community. Through Assisterhood, I’m passionate about sharing that experience with the next generation of marketers and creatives.
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SOFIE SPELTA
Digital Marketing Consultant
With 10+ years in the marketing game, Sofie has done it all – agency life, client-side, and now running her own business. She knows the ins and outs of digital marketing, paid media and, most importantly, how to build a community. She’s all about relationships (the real kind, not just LinkedIn connections) and loves helping people grow their careers in a way that feels authentic and aligns with their lifestyle. You might also know her as the co-founder of SoSo’s Run Club, Brisbane’s most popular running community, proving that good vibes and strong branding go hand in hand.
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AMRI THERON
Strategic Project Lead at Attvest Finance
Amri Theron is a seasoned professional specialising in SaaS Startups, Professional Services, and Business Transformation, she is a global digital and change leader who drives revenue growth through strategic partnerships. She connects data, people, products, and brands to maximise efficiencies and deliver customer value. Amri's people-first approach is reflected in her Non-profit advisory board service and interest in human adaptation to AI.
Recognised for exceptional leadership and stakeholder management, Amri excels in fostering collaboration and driving innovation. Her approach is underpinned by client delivery outcomes, learning, empathy, and insight. Passionate about applying technology for the greater good, Amri is committed to giving back and mentoring the next generation of leader
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ASHTON TUCKERMAN
General Manager at TwentyTwo Digital
Ashton is a dynamic marketing leader who builds brands through stories that stick and strategies that scale. With over 14 years’ experience across global brands (Flight Centre), high-growth disruptors (Youfoodz), and award-winning agencies (Havas), she now leads TwentyTwo Digital as their General Manager. Backed by a UQ MBA and Harvard leadership training, Ashton is passionate about unlocking the potential of the businesses and teams she works with.
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DILARA ULKUTAS
Account Director at OMD
Account Director with 8+ years’ experience driving media strategy, planning and buying across diverse client portfolios including Government, Education, FMCG and Beauty. Currently a Marketing Sessional Academic at QUT, blending industry practice with teaching and mentorship. Over half of my media career has been spent servicing the L’Oréal Group, leading client relationships and shaping media strategy and content partnerships to bring brand ambition to life.
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MARNIE VAUGHN
Freelance Producer
I've work across production and client services roles in agencies large and small. My career kicked off in Sydney before moving to Brisbane and now the Gold Coast. Experience across a diverse client base focusing on behaviour change in the service industries and gov.
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KIRSTY VISMAN
Managing Director at Superdream
I've work across production and client services roles in agencies large and small. My career kicked off in Sydney before moving to Brisbane and now the Gold Coast. Experience across a diverse client base focusing on behaviour change in the service industries and gov.
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ALICENT WONG
Founder & Confidence Coach at The Women of Colour Founder's Network
Ali Wong is a highly experienced digital marketing specialist with a career encompassing 20+ years in integrated marketing communications.
Ali migrated from Singapore in 2004 and has since worked with brands such as CBA, Tourism Queensland, Microsoft, Apple and Johnson & Johnson’s.
Ali and her husband then co-founded a boutique digital marketing agency in Sydney working with clients like ING Direct, Tropfest and Pizza Hut. After 6 successful years in business, they sold their share of the agency to consult with companies and spend more time with their children.
Ali is now a part time Account Director with Excite Media whilst building her businesses as a confidence coach and the founder of The Women of Colour Founders Network.
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DEBORAH WOODFORD
Head of Marketing at Great Southern Bank
Deborah is a senior strategic marketer with deep expertise in customer-centric, insight-led, and data-driven marketing. With a strong track record of driving innovation, creativity, and commercial success, she is dedicated to developing and executing best-in-class marketing strategies that deliver meaningful business impact.
Her experience spans both agency and client-side, in London, Sydney and Brisbane; working across industries with brands including Toyota, Volkswagen, Optus, NRMA, QSuper, and Great Southern Bank.
As a mentor, Deborah is committed to fostering the next generation of women in media, advertising and marketing, sharing industry knowledge, leadership experience, and strategic expertise to support career growth and professional development.
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Ready to become a QLD mentee?
A mentor is pivotal to achieving your goals, no matter which stage of your career you’re in. The best time to apply was yesterday – the next is right now.