All staff and volunteers are aged between 18-26
Interested in joining our team?
Our Executive Team
Charli English — CEO
Passionate about advancing youth education and environmental sustainability, Charli is committed to making a genuine difference in the lives of people experiencing disadvantage. Charli initiated her career within the Australian Government and graduated from UNSW with a Bachelor of International Relations in 2021. Through volunteering with organisations such as Amnesty International and the United Nations, her values alignment with the for-purpose sector grew. For the past four years, Charli has been actively involved in the Not-for-Profit sector, eager to contribute to systems change. Charli's exposure to developing transitional pedagogical programs that educate young people in Early Childhood Education and her years of experience leading advocacy campaigns across the charitable sector has enabled her to become the next CEO of Oaktree at 23 years old. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge with Oaktree whilst continuing to learn from our partners and volunteers to create meaningful change for young people across the Asia-Pacific Region.
Smriti Soni — General Manager
Smriti Soni is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, committed to bridging the gap between education and employability. As the General Manager of Risk & Finance at Oaktree, she plays a pivotal role in supporting youth-led initiatives that equip young people with the skills, confidence, and networks to thrive in the workforce. With a background in accounting, finance, and strategy, Smriti has worked across corporate finance, restructuring, and investment analysis, giving her firsthand insight into the barriers young people face when entering professional industries.
Nidula Geeganage — OYSF Program Coordinator
Nidula Geeganage is the International Program Coordinator at Oaktree. He is responsible for conceptualising, directing, designing, planning, and implementing the Oaktree Youth Solidarity Fund. Outside of Oaktree, Nidula is studying a Masters in International Development Practice, where he is currently writing a thesis on the significance of feminist perspectives in the development sector. With a background in narrative writing, Nidula is passionate about telling stories that affect transformational social change, and hopes to use his experience working at Oaktree as fuel for this passion.
Our Board Members
James Poulton
James, a financial auditor with a Bachelor's in Accounting and Arts from Monash University, holds Provisional Membership with CA ANZ, set for Full Membership in late 2023. Formerly CFO and Director of UN Youth Australia, he navigated financial challenges in 2020 amid the impacts of COVID-19. James, a dedicated member, served on Oaktree's Finance Subcommittee for a year before assuming the role of Director.
Gemma Cooper
Gemma, an adept Business and Strategic Advisor with over 15 years in Australia's Non-Profit and for-Purpose sector, brings extensive experience supporting organizations from inception to growth. Joining the Oaktree Board in late 2022, she concurrently serves as a Board member for Eat Up Australia, showcasing her commitment to contributing to impactful initiatives within the community.
Manasi Kogekar
Manasi Kogekar is a senior not for profit leader with expertise in fundraising, program management and international development working. She has over a decade's experience working in grassroots' organisations, international NGOs and social enterprises across the Asia- Pacific. Manasi was elected as Co-Chair of the Board of Oaktree in 2023. She is currently working as a Fundraising Manager within the higher education sector and is a member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia.
Vanh Mixap
Vanh is a social and emotional intelligence coach, facilitator, and entrepreneur committed to fostering inclusivity and self-leadership. Founder of Yes Everyone Matters (YesEM), a social venture promoting cross-generational collaboration and innovative education, Vanh works to ensure everyone feels heard and respected. YesEM offers development programs and creative inclusion initiatives, emphasizing equality and empowerment for all voices.
Nikki Bartlett
Nikki, a dedicated Oaktree volunteer from 2011-2015, boasts over a decade of expertise as a measurement, evaluation, and learning specialist in international development. Operating across the Asia Pacific, her diverse background spans youth empowerment, education, governance, natural resource management, and health advocacy. Committed to equity and inclusion, Nikki seeks to amplify the voices of marginalised communities, striving for meaningful change and social justice.
