Domenica Decrea
Paddington,NSW
Summary
A neurodivergent leader with innate systems thinking, I specialise in disability advocacy, policy reform, and inclusive program design. With a proven track record in co-designing initiatives with underrepresented communities , I drive systemic change by ensuring lived experience shapes policy. I've led national advocacy efforts , secured funding, and built high-impact partnerships across government, disability organisations, and community networks . Recognised for leading innovative projects , including the THRIVARY app, I am committed to amplifying marginalised voices , driving reform, and fostering equity through collaboration.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Projects and Impact
Reimagine Australia
01.2021 - Current
- Strategic Leadership : Directed national initiatives and projects to advance Reimagine Australia's mission, aligning policy advocacy efforts with systemic reform, intersectional social and disability justice, and lived experience-led approaches.
- Innovation and Digital Transformation : Led the design and delivery of digital solutions addressing complex challenges in early childhood intervention. Improved accessibility and outcomes for over 7,000 practitioners and families of children with disabilities, developmental delays, or developmental differences through the development of the THRIVARY app.
- Policy and Advocacy : Collaborated on national policy advocacy campaigns, securing reforms in early childhood systems. Worked in collaboration with government leaders, disability advocates, and marginalised communities to co-design evidence-based solutions and amplify underrepresented voices.
- Program and People Management : Oversaw the end-to-end delivery of all national projects, recruiting and managing a multidisciplinary remote team, budgets exceeding $4 million, and resources to ensure strategic outcomes. Delivered projects on time and within scope, exceeding stakeholder expectations.
- Diversity and Inclusion Leadership : Embedded inclusive practices across organisational operations and projects, prioritising the voices of First Nations people, people with disabilities, and other intersecting marginalised groups. Designed and led inclusive community engagements and forums.
- Capacity Building and Empowerment : Delivered professional development initiatives for early childhood practitioners and carers, directly enhancing their ability to implement inclusive practices. Built leadership capacity within marginalised communities through tailored programs and workshops.
- Impact Measurement and Evidence Building : Established and maintained robust impact evaluation frameworks, demonstrating measurable improvements in carer engagement, practitioner capacity, and systemic impact across the sector.
Co-founder
Telelay
05.2019 - 05.2024
- Strategic Leadership : Co-founded Telelay, an early-stage start-up dedicated to providing telecommunication access to 170 million Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals across Asia. Established the company's vision and strategic direction, while securing recognition as a Top 20 Social Entrepreneur by the Australian ASEAN Council , awarded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2020 for advocacy and social entrepreneurship work across the region.
- Product Innovation and Co-Design : Led the design and development of prototypes, wireframes, and MVPs using design thinking and lean methodologies. Collaborated closely with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community to co-design the app at every stage of its development, ensuring the final product authentically addressed their needs and priorities. Successfully developed and validated the first prototype for further testing, supported by a $30,000 grant from Enterprise Singapore.
- Go-to-Market Execution : Designed and implemented comprehensive go-to-market strategies to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. Secured strategic partnerships with key industry players and led the creation of marketing materials and campaigns to amplify Telelay's impact.
- Fundraising and Partnerships : Raised critical funding through successful pitching to investors and applying for grants. Played a pivotal role in winning the Demo Day DBS Award under the SCAPE HubQuarters Fellowship Incubator Programme and graduating from the 2019 ImpacTech Accelerator Programme as the “Most Impactful Start-up.”
- Market and Competitive Analysis : Conducted in-depth market research to identify opportunities and inform strategic decision-making. Evaluated emerging trends and competition to shape product and market strategies effectively.
- Recognition and Impact : Guided Telelay to become a Top 10 finalist at the Social Innovation Hackathon, receiving prize funding to develop its prototype. While the organisation is no longer operational, its achievements and initiatives laid the groundwork for the Singapore Government's national commitment to the creation of a National Relay Service.
Senior Manager, Conference and Events
HRM Asia
04.2016 - 04.2019
- Divisional Leadership : Led HRM Asia's conference division, overseeing the development and implementation of the divisional strategy. Contributed as a member of the senior management team, aligning the division's goals with the broader business vision and strategy.
- Team Management and Development : Recruited, managed, and mentored a team of event producers and managers, fostering a high-performing culture. Delivered a 400% increase in a major revenue stream through strategic initiatives and effective team leadership.
- Event Production and Execution : Directed the production and management of over 30 learning events and training programmes annually. Launched the Smart Workforce Summit , which was shortlisted as a finalist for the 2017 Singapore Tourism Awards.
- Financial Accountability : Managed the division's budgets and oversaw financial operations with full profit and loss (P&L) accountability, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability.
- Market Expansion and Content Strategy : Spearheaded the growth and expansion of the division across APAC, successfully introducing HRM Asia's products into new markets. Designed and implemented a content strategy tailored to market trends and learning needs, informed by comprehensive market research and needs analysis.
- Government Relations and Partnerships : Managed key government relationships and partnerships across all divisions, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and enhancing collaboration opportunities.
- Innovation and System Implementation : Took on cross-functional projects, including the sourcing, adoption, and implementation of a new marketing automation and CRM solution, improving operational efficiency and customer engagement.
- Global Leadership Development : Recognised as the first nominee from Singapore to participate in a global leadership development programme, reflecting exceptional leadership and performance.
- Vendor and Supplier Management : Sourced, secured, and managed vendors and suppliers to ensure seamless event execution and high-quality outcomes.
Head of Events and Professional Development
Early Childhood Intervention Australia VIC/TAS
04.2015 - 04.2016
- Professional Development Leadership : Directed the professional development division for ECIA VC, the peak body representing children with developmental delays or disabilities. Developed and implemented the organisation's training and event strategy, resulting in a 75% revenue increase for the events and training division during the 2015–2016 period compared to prior years.
- NDIS Sector Readiness : Led the execution of the NDIS Sector Readiness Program, hosting national and state symposiums to prepare providers and parents for the NDIS. Collaborated with NDIS trial sites to share key learnings and insights with practitioners and families.
- Best Practice Development : Project managed the creation of the Early Childhood Intervention Best Practice Guidelines , a foundational framework underpinning the NDIS Early Years Approach.
- Event and Training Programme Management : Designed, managed, and executed over 20 events and training programmes, including identifying competency and skill gaps across the sector in collaboration with key stakeholders and members. Secured and managed all trainers, training partners, and speakers, ensuring alignment with sector needs.
- Marketing and Communications Strategy : Developed and executed a targeted marketing and communications strategy, driving a 35% increase in member engagement and acquisition.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting : Worked closely with funding departments, the CEO, and the Board of Directors to report monthly on funding activity and outcomes. Built strong relationships with stakeholders to secure resources and ensure alignment with organisational goals.
- Budget and Financial Management : Managed budgets with full accountability for financial outcomes. Developed and successfully submitted the funding proposal for the 2016–2017 events and training programme.
- Grant Development and Implementation : Secured and implemented an awarded government grant, enabling ECIA VC to develop its own training and event programmes and capabilities for the first time since its inception.
Education
Early Childhood Disability Support
Reimagine Australia
01-2021
Early Childhood Disability Support
Early Childhood Intervention Australia
01-2015
Aboriginal Child Services And Support
VACCA - VIC Aboriginal Child And Community Agency
01-2015
Skills
- Strategic Leadership and Program Management
- Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building
- Inclusive Practice and Co-Design
- Disability Advocacy and Policy Development
Timeline
Head of Projects and Impact
Reimagine Australia
01.2021 - Current
Co-founder
Telelay
05.2019 - 05.2024
Senior Manager, Conference and Events
HRM Asia
04.2016 - 04.2019
Head of Events and Professional Development
Early Childhood Intervention Australia VIC/TAS
04.2015 - 04.2016
Early Childhood Disability Support
Reimagine Australia
Early Childhood Disability Support
Early Childhood Intervention Australia
Aboriginal Child Services And Support
VACCA - VIC Aboriginal Child And Community Agency
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