Joanne Russell (Shears)
Founder and Director
Joanne Russell (Shears) is a passionate advocate for social justice and international human rights.
One expression of Joanne’s passion for advancing human rights has been her work to create a future for stateless females since 2014.
In 2016 Joanne founded the Wilai Foundation Ltd. a registered Australian charity that seeks to raise awareness of statelessness and actively works to assist young stateless females in Thailand and Myanmar and is currently a Director.
Joanne has a Masters in Health Science from Sydney University; a Masters in Human Services from Griffith; a Graduate Certificate in Liturgical Studies from the Melbourne University; as well as a Certificate in Pastoral Liturgy, a Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy and further study in the area of Grief and Loss. She is also an Authorised Marriage Celebrant for the Commonwealth of Australia and a Funeral Celebrant.
Joanne has worked for thirty years as a consultant, assisting businesses, and not-for-profit organisations, to facilitate professional and successful communication strategies. Joanne is also a skilled researcher and professional writer.
Joanne lives in Geelong and is the mother of six beautiful children.