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.
Luke Briscoe
Consultant
Luke is a proud Kuburri Warra and Julay Warra Yalanji man with connections to Far North Queensland. He brings more than 20 years’ experience across First Nations communications, strategy, digital innovation, arts, media and policy.
Luke has led national initiatives, managed multidisciplinary teams and multimillion-dollar programs, and built strategic frameworks for communities, organisations, government and industry. His work spans Indigenous employment, education and digital inclusion, grounded in cultural advocacy and self-determination.
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.
Tara Beattie
Principal 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.
Rhi Parsons
Principal Consultant
Rhi is a proud Wakka Wakka woman with connections to Gayndah and Cherbourg in Queensland. She brings more than 15 years’ experience working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across education, employment, youth development and community programs.
Grounded in self-determination and cultural strength, Rhi is passionate about building evaluation capability with mob, supporting communities to tell their own stories, demonstrate impact and use evidence to create meaningful change.
Adrienne Te Reo
Consultant
Adrienne is a Māori (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa) and Filipino woman whose practice is shaped by her own journey of reclaiming Culture and language.
With a background in qualitative and Family History research, she is committed to Indigenous Data Sovereignty and ethical research conducted by, with, and for Community. Adrienne is a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights, disability justice and neurodivergence, using her skills and lived experience to support First Nations Communities and Cultures to thrive.