About

Melissa Smith built fundraising and philanthropy programs from concept to delivery at Australia’s major cultural institutions and in the university sector, raising millions from philanthropists globally. She achieved multiple awards including Australian fundraiser of the year and global fundraiser of the year. This 20-year journey in fundraising expertise has crystallised Melissa’s thinking that unless leadership, Board and executive teams share a common understanding and are engaged in strategic fundraising, the potential of an organisation’s philanthropic capabilities cannot be fully realised.

Melissa established Noble Ambition in 2016 and has focused exclusively on working at Board and executive level to build the capability and confidence of Australia’s for-purpose sector leadership, to drive multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns and achieve lasting social impact.

Noble Ambition has worked with hundreds of board directors, CEOS and fundraising directors nationally across health, education, advocacy, culture, indigenous, climate, disability, and social services.

Ruth McKenzie, originally from the UK, has been in Australia for over 10 years where she has built niche expertise in strategy, communications and marketing with ultra high-net-worth individuals (UNHWI) and Family Offices.  Ruth is also Special Advisor to the Fife Foundation which is a New Zealand based family foundation, and takes a keen interest in developing philanthropical strategies for the next generation.

Ruth wants to use her connections for good and has a strong focus on ethical/impactful investing, as well as developing platforms in strategic philanthropy.

Sophi Bruce has extensive learning design, teaching and facilitation experience across all sectors specialising in leadership development, skills & capability uplift, strategic thinking and systems change. From the design and delivery of bespoke learning programs to ongoing project delivery, Sophi’s focus on positive tangible outcomes is supported by professional aptitude and a passion for facilitating personal, organisational and social progress.

In addition to her role with Noble Ambition, Sophi is an industry fellow with UTS, and a faculty member and advisor to a range of NFP, government and corporate organisations. She holds a MSc Communications from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Kirsty De Garis is a passionate producer and storyteller across multiple platforms and events. Key capabilities include program and event development and delivery, interviewing, writing and editing, filmmaking, speaker coaching and development and team member development. Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and balance multiple conflicting stakeholders for a positive outcome.