Team

With loads of experience across a range of industries, our passion for changing the lives of youth runs deep. Meet the awesome crew who make our for-purpose biz tick.

LEADERSHIP SQUAD

The legends that steer our movement in the right direction.

CO-FOUNDER & CEO

Gianna is Co-Founder & CEO at Happow. As a Youth Educator, Life Coach and Motivational Speaker, she has presented her own transformative story, insights and strategies to 10,000+ people. For the last 6+ years, Gianna has run personal development initiatives, wellbeing workshops and empowering coaching programs covering topics like mindset, resilience, anxiety, body image, confidence, leadership and more.

GIANNA LUCAS

Brendan is a Co-Founder at Happow. An award-winning digital marketer and creative entrepreneur at heart, he is passionate about using media and education to transform young lives. Brendan is also a keynote speaker, photographer, foodie and Melbourne FC die-hard.

BRENDAN LUCAS

SQUAD

The helping hands and paws that power our movement’s engine.

SCHOOL LIAISON COORDINATOR

Antonella is our School Liaison Coordinator at Happow. She is passionate about working with young people, supporting them to excel both professionally and personally, drawing from her experience as a youth leader for many years. She also has a diverse background in marketing and school administration.

ANTONELLA DALLA-VECCHIA

VIDEO PRODUCER

Patrick is the owner of Melbourne-based business Two Way Media & Film. With a passion for creating video with purpose, his work has taken him all across his home state of Victoria and through remote areas of the Australian outback.

PATRICK TURNBULL

YOUTH ADVOCATES LEAD

Michelle is a passionate young person who understands the importance of community. Outside of Happow, her experience in local government programs has enhanced her skill set within current roles in the mental health field, disability services and retail.

MICHELLE O'HANRAHAN

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE ADVISOR

Elisabeth van Roosendael is a 2 x TEDx speaker and circular economy entrepreneur. Understanding that a just transition towards a sustainable future requires resilience throughout our community, Elisabeth is supportive of Happow’s ability to equip young people with tools to successfully navigate our challenges ahead.

ELISABETH VAN ROOSENDAEL

CHIEF FLUFF OFFICER

Pippa is our Chief Fluff Officer at Happow. When she isn’t distracted playing fetch with young people, she does some of our barketing work by posing on our socials. Her favourite movie is Harry Paw-ter and the Philosopher’s Bone and her favourite band is The Beagles which she loves playing through the office sub-woof-ers.

PIPPA LUCAS

INSTRUCTORS & PRESENTERS SQUAD

Responsible for future-proofing the lives of young people, one Life Lesson and Power Talk at a time.

INSTRUCTOR

Sharon has been immersed in education and media for over three decades. Outside of Happow, she is an author and presenter and one of Australia’s most well-known teen and parenting experts.

SHARON WITT

INSTRUCTOR

Maddy is an entrepreneur with a passion for supporting people often overlooked in the Australian community, in particular, young carers. Madeleine has been brought up as a young carer which sparked her to start social enterprise, Little Dreamers. In 2017, she was named a Queen’s Young Leader and in 2019 recognised in the 100 Women of Influence by the Australian Financial Review (AFR).

MADELEINE BUCHNER

INSTRUCTOR

Erin is the eco-warrior behind The Rogue Ginger, one of Australia’s most popular zero-waste blogs. Erin has been writing about her plastic-free and zero waste journey since 2013. A sought-after speaker, Erin is also a Vic Market Sustainability Ambassador on a mission to engage with individuals, business and government to reduce our waste.

ERIN RHOADS

INSTRUCTOR

Sonja is a yoga and meditation expert with over seven years of experience. She is also the Founder of Honestly Yoga and has spent time living in meditation communities overseas and sat with spiritual leaders.

SONJA KB

INSTRUCTOR

Bryce is a financial guru and media personality. Outside of Happow, he is a Partner at Empower Wealth, Co-Host of Location Location Location Australia on Foxtel’s Lifestyle Channel, Escape From The City on the ABC and Co-Host of The Property Couch Podcast which has well over 10 million downloads.

BRYCE HOLDAWAY

INSTRUCTOR

Erin Boutros lives to see world-changing ideas being brought to life. Outside of Happow, she is the Co-Founder of Empty Esky, a business which encourages people to travel with purpose and support bushfire-affected towns.

ERIN BOUTROS

INSTRUCTOR

Dianna is a productivity coach and speaker. Outside of Happow, she runs her own business called True Coaching, and for over 10 years she has helped schools, parents and students across Australia maximise their results and minimise their stress.

DIANNA DAOU

PRESENTER

Adam is the founder of Mi Goals – an empowering stationery brand. Adam’s mission is to provide a diary to people that will help them find their purpose and realise their dreams.

ADAM JELIC

PRESENTER

Jess Van Zeil is a fun-loving, eye-patch wearing, best-selling author and motivational speaker. After navigating stage 4 cancer in her early twenties, the art and science of building resilience and bouncing back became her #1 passion.

JESS VAN ZEIL

PRESENTER

Matt is the CEO of charity, Mindfull Australia. He is also a multi award-winning mental health advocate, storyteller and motivational speaker who regularly speaks around the world.

MATT RUNNALLS

PRESENTER

Eric is an energetic youth educator, award-winning social entrepreneur and author of 3 inspirational books. He has also been nominated for a Pride Of Australia and Young Victorian Of The Year award. His greatest passion is to see young people thrive.

ERIC AGYEMAN

PRESENTER

Beck is an inspiring young Australian. Not only is she a former Executive Officer at Bridge Builders Youth Organisation, but is also a speaker, podcaster, business owner and Australian athlete – becoming only the 5th Australian female and 1 of 174 to have completed the World Marathon Challenge – an ultra marathon running race across 7 continents in 7 days.

BECK MITCHELL

PRESENTER

Aabis is a Happow Youth Advocate and high school student. He is passionate about leadership and entrepreneurship and helping young people grow and flourish.

AABIS SALMAN

PRESENTER

Kiara is a Happow Youth Advocate and high school student. She is a model, influencer/content creator who is passionate about helping young people with their health and wellness.

KIARA PAIGE

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