OUR BOARD
Belinda Woolford, CEO
Belinda has an extensive background in sports corporate partnerships, marketing, not-for-profits and brings years of leadership and governance experience as the former CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney. We are beyond thrilled to have someone with so much passion, purpose and philanthropic drive sit at the helm of both our organisations: What Ability and What Ability Foundation.
When she’s not helping to build an inclusive Australia, Belinda sits on the Boards of several organisations, is a busy mother of three daughters, like to run with her favourite running partner (her French bulldog Archie) and is an avid follower of all things sport!
“I’m delighted and thrilled to join What Ability Foundation and continue to help break down barriers and bring happiness and fun to people living with a disability.”
–Belinda Woolford
Steve Dresler, Director
Steve is a former Parramatta Eels and NSW Cup player turned founder of What Ability Pty (Support Service). He is also the founder and visionary of What Ability Foundation. Prior to this, Steve combined his NRL career with his true vocation working with children on the Autism spectrum as a support educator at Giant Steps, a specialist education school in Sydney.
Steve brings passion, vision and bucketloads of youthful energy to the Board. Having faced early retirement through injury, What Ability Foundation is the evolution of Steve’s desire to create a positive change for children and adults with disabilities.
When he’s not shaking up the way people view the disability sector, this change-maker can be found at the gym, practicing Vedic meditation, and adding to his growing collection of designer sneakers – Steve loves his shoes!
“Since being medically retired from the NRL, I’ve found my new purpose in life: ‘To be a voice for the innocents of the world through inspiring them to do more, be more, see more and dream more’.”
–Steve Dresler
David Sexton, Board Member
David brings a wealth of knowledge from commercial, charity and for-purpose sectors with more than 25 years of executive leadership and governance experience.
He is the CEO of WeFlex (a tech start-up in the disability space), Chair of PayPal Giving Fund Australia and is also Non-Executive Director of Sports NSW. David is the former CEO of Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT and Managing Director of Purposeful Consulting.
When he is not volunteering or mentoring rising NFP talent, David can be found at his home in Sydney with his wife, three daughters and dog, or watching/playing sport. He is passionate about improving the lives of children with a disability and their families which is a perfect fit for the vision and mission of the Foundation.
“I love the simplicity of What Ability and the Foundation – to bring happiness to those living with disability.
“So many families raising children with a disability struggle to provide for activities and experiences that most have access to. That’s not right and is where the Foundation steps in, putting a smile on the face of a child and their family which is priceless.”
–David Sexton
Melodie Wight, Board Member
(BCom, MAcc, CPA, GAICD)
Melodie is a finance professional with experience in transformation and driving organisational change. She has a Bachelor of Commerce (Property & Finance) and Masters of Accounting. Melodie is a registered certified practising accountant and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
With a strong foundation in financial analysis, governance, risk management, and a knack for out-of-the-box thinking, Melodie is always looking for new ways to help organisations reach their potential.
She is also a busy mother of two children and a self-confessed rule-breaker, who likes to challenge authority, draw on whiteboards, and do her best at avoiding technology. Melodie disappears off the grid whenever she can for long walks and much-needed daydreaming.
“I am motivated by people who believe nothing is impossible and want to chase their full potential. I adore Steve and the What Ability team’s youth, energy and commitment to bringing smiles to people with disabilities.”
–Melodie Wight
Charlotte Goninan, Board Member
Charlotte Goninan has seven years live event experience managing operations, logistics, marketing and out-of-the-ordinary requests for the likes of One Direction, Real Madrid, Manchester United, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, The Rolling Stones, USA Basketball and Australia’s much-loved Brickman (LEGO) team.
Charlotte is always looking to challenge herself and is now leading her family foundation, and working alongside multiple charities. She has seen What Ability grow from two employees to where it is today and knows the impact of this business led by Steve’s passion and incredible drive for changing lives.
Charlotte hopes to provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and help What Ability Foundation to unlock experiences all across Australia. When’s she’s not working, this sport-obsessed, travel-loving social entrepreneur can be found on her family’s farm in Queensland.
“The fact that happiness and opportunity is the premise for the Foundation is a rare gem in my eyes. To be a small part of the world who gives back and makes people smile is all I could ask for.”
–Charlotte Goninan