The SDF Global Team
Dorothy has a background in science (BSc), business (MBA) and multi-stakeholder management in sustainable development (PhD). She undertook a post-graduate extension course in Entrepreneurial Development and operated as a small business development consultant in areas of high unemployment, conducting feasibility studies for business expansion and re-direction in order to create employment opportunities.
Dorothy worked for more than 10 years with international financing institutions in design and management of community development, natural resources sector and economic development programs and has implemented a range of programs in areas of civil conflict and economic stress. Tasks have included field research projects, design and management of sustainable development programs and assessment of ongoing programs. Dorothy now is the team leader for SDF and continues to work internationally as an advisor for international organizations such as the United Nations, Asian Development Bank and the World Bank in many countries across Asia, Africa, central Europe and the Caribbean.
She facilitates a wide range of projects with government, non-government and private sector organisations, particularly in executive development, adult education, project and stakeholder management, economic innovation, community-based initiatives, environmental protection and poverty reduction. Other tasks have included action research, participatory community needs identification, design and management of assistance packages, facilitation of strategic plans, institutional development and brokering of partnerships. Dorothy has a proven national and international track record in project design, implementation, supervision and evaluation in strategic sustainable development, participatory community development, micro-credit and poverty alleviation.
Maria Jose is the SDF Operations Manager. She has worked in organisational management in Western Australia for over twenty five years. She has worked with industry, community, academic and professional groups on a wide range of different projects so has a broad understanding of the organisational processes required to support complex projects.
Her experience is predominantly in coordination, logistics, organisational development, capacity development, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, community consultation and facilitation. She has also covered retail, tourism, Indigenous Medicine, events, arts, music, feasibility, business and consultation and community groups. This has entailed action research, extensive communication and facilitation, media contact, database design and analysis. Maria is also responsible for collecting, collating and organising research information and undertaking areas of the analysis, reporting and consultation.
Maria has previously served on the Board of the Peel Community Development Group and is currently a Board member of WestAus Crisis and Welfare Services.
