The Board
Tracy McLeod Howe
CEO + Founder of CDVA
CONSULTANT | EXECUTIVE MENTOR | SPEAKER
A VOICE for POSITIVE SOCIAL CHANGE
Significant CEO experience, senior executive and leader of complex projects with diverse stakeholders. Co-founder of Childhood Domestic Violence Australia 'CDVA' History in advocacy & a noted speaker with a commitment to human rights - particularly the rights of children - working for inclusive communities & addressing gender inequality. A background in gov & non-gov (inc. nearly 5 years in NGO frontline service delivery), significant change management, business growth, stakeholder management and collaboration experience. Skilled at brokering & co-designing solutions in partnership with diverse stakeholders, negotiating at all levels of government, business & communities (including proposing & negotiating to conclusion landmark $1.1b Social & Affordable Housing Fund with NSW Premier and Treasurer & IPAA - now legislated for as a growth fund).
Lula Dembele
Director + Co-Founder of CDVA
FOUNDER/CEO of A MAN'S PROBLEM | SURVIVOR ADVOCATE | BLOGGER
Lula worked in the Australian Public Service managing complex strategic policy in the national security sector for most of the last decade. Channelling her lived experience and following a passion for social justice, Lula founded the social enterprise, A Man’s Problem, to re-frame sexual, domestic and family violence (DFV) towards actor-accountability. A Man’s Problem goal is to measurably reduce the prevalence and acceptance of men's use of violence in intimate, domestic & family settings in Australia through enabling emotionally fulfilling lives.
Together with Tracy, Lula co-founded CDVA.org with the motivation to give children a voice and direct support in dealing with DFV. Knowing the lifelong impact DFV can have, Lula stands with other adult survivors to raise awareness and provide assistance in overcoming childhood trauma.
Penny Wood
Director of CDVA
Community Programs Coordinator at St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Penrith Community Hub & Vinnies Van
Penny has worked with kids who have lived with DV in a variety of settings including domestic violence refuges, outreach and contact supervision. She is passionate about the rights of children and believes that all kids can flourish in spite of their experience of DV. She knows their resilience can triumph.