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Linda Harwood
Co-FOUNDER & CHAIRPERSON - Linda’s first two visits to Nepal were almost her last with helicopter medical evacuations back to Kathmandu. They say life has plans and as a result of those helicopter rides Umbrella Australia was born! In 2012 she returned to Nepal and volunteered for 4 months working behind the scenes at The Umbrella Foundation, on returning to Australia in 2013 she established The Umbrella Foundation Australia as a registered Australian charity with co-founders Alana Mitchell & Carolin Mackaway.
Spending up to 5 months of every year in Nepal, Linda has been instrumental in establishing a large network of local Nepalese organisations and friends who are passionate in bringing about positive change to the health & education of women, children & their communities who are living in extreme poverty.
With a degree in international aid and development and community development, Linda believes that sustainable bottom-up community programs are fundamental to the work of Umbrella Australia and their partners. She is passionate about education and the need to break down the cycle of poverty through education in Nepal with a vision of one day expanding Umbrella Australia support to indigenous Australian women & children.
Geraldine Allen
BOARD MEMBER/ CO-ORDINATOR WOMEN OF THE KILNS - Geraldine brings a wealth of volunteer and life experience to Umbrella Australia. With a background in biomedical science and a passionate volunteer with Marine Rescue NSW, Geraldine is a valuable board member and organiser in many aspects of our women of the kilns program.
Geraldine has been instrumental in sharing her sewing skills with our Days for Girls Chaunni Enterprise team as well as organising sewing training for teachers and students at Shree Bhimsen Secondary school.
Geraldine has been visiting Nepal since she was 21 years old, she has experienced many trekking and climbing adventures in the Himalayas. We are very privileged to have Geraldine as part of our board and our programs.
Janine Moore
BOARD MEMBER - With vast experience working in the finance sector, Janine brings many skills in supporting the fundraising efforts of Umbrella that contribute to the education and women’s health programs.
Janine became a volunteer with Umbrella Australia in 2019 after crossing paths with a mutual supporter, she embarked on a TUFA arranged family trek through the Rasuwa District which had been heavily impacted by the 2015 earthquakes.
Speaking with guides, one of whom was a sponsored ‘Umbrella youth’ brought a previously unknown awareness of the foundations programs and the positive impact it made to Nepali lives.
Whilst COVID stifled Janine’s planned return to Nepal in 2020, she has a willingness to return and see the Shree Bhimsen school and gain more practical knowledge of the country.
Janine plays a vital role within the organisation utilizing her many talents in the coordinating and planning processes that are involved within our fundraising programs.