Meet The Kowa Team
Chad Trudgett
COO
Chad Trudgett, a Wiradjuri / Wailwan man, brings over 20 years of experience advocating for transformational change within the child protection, out-of-home care, and education sectors. His leadership expertise and deep understanding of government systems ensure Kowa's operations are efficient, Culturally sensitive, and aligned with First Nations values.
Jessica Yamaguchi
Principal Consultant
Jessica Yamaguchi is a passionate evaluator dedicated to applying research and evaluation practices that harness strengths-based and culturally appropriate approaches towards more meaningful improvements in the quality of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. As a Principal Consultant at Kowa, she brings her expertise to the intersection of social determinants, well-being, and health equity, with a particular emphasis on remote Aboriginal populations. She is a proud Gangalidda and Waanyi woman from the Gulf of Carpentaria and north-west Queensland.
Sharmay Brierley
Consultant
Skye Trudgett
CEO
Dr. Skye Trudgett, a Gamilaroi woman, leads Kowa Collaboration with a passion for empowering First Nations communities through evaluation and research. Her PhD in evaluation and Indigenous Data Sovereignty, alongside her 15 years of experience leading research, evaluation and innovation projects, make her a recognised expert in the field of First Nations UMEL practice. Skye's vision ensures Kowa's work is grounded in culturally safe practices and ethical data governance.
Sharmay Brierley is a proud Yuin woman with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by First Nations peoples and vulnerable cohorts. She is passionate about breaking down systemic barriers and supporting community-led solutions. Sharmay has experience in human services and has contributed to various evaluation projects, including those focused on youth education and homelessness services.
Tara Beattie
Consultant
Elisha Ralph
Administration
Elisha is a proud Gamilaroi woman from Moree, NSW. Her work in customer-facing roles has helped her build strong communication skills and a natural ability to connect with people. She’s passionate about helping others and brings warmth, reliability, and professionalism to every space she works in.
Tara Beattie's diverse background in early childhood education and project management makes her a valuable asset to Kowa's consulting team. Her experience in evaluations and co-creation projects across various sectors ensures a comprehensive approach to every project.