MBA Mentoring Program

After completing my BCom (Information Technology and Business Finance)  and BCom Hons (Business Finance – 2011) I went on to pursue a career in the Financial Services sector in my home country South Africa. I have had the privilege, from early on in my career to work with and lead diverse teams across customer facing and IT roles. In the lead up to moving to Adelaide in the height of the pandemic, I led multiple development teams delivering core banking tech with a primary focus on "Customer Technology". I joined SA Police in 2021 where I led the technical team responsible for the core operational Police system and more recently head up the Application Services Branch where I am responsible for 6 multi-disciplinary teams who operate across several technology functions and are critical in supporting the complex technical landscape of SAPOL. 

Kara operates as a business psychology consultant and takes a strategic approach to human-centred business practices. She has an acute understanding of what motivates people and how to leverage this understanding to achieve business objectives. Kara's interest in the practical application of organisational psychology began in her career in the Australian Federal Government & is reinforced by her continued readings of industry research. Kara's knowledge of psychology in business is readily applied across multiple scenarios and for all stakeholders (staff, customers, suppliers).Kara holds a Degree in Psychology and a Graduate Diploma of Management. Kara has worked and consulted with businesses ranging from small service-based industries through to the Australian Federal Government. Kara has previously lectured at Stanley College, and Mentors at Flinders University and the South Australia.

Marithe is an experienced accounting professional with background at Deloitte (Big 4) and Nexia Edwards Marshall (Top 8). Recognised as Accounting Student of the Year and a 30 under 30 finalist in the audit category.

In addition to the above, Marithe has served on boards and panels, showcasing her leadership and strategic thinking capabilities. In early 2024,Marithe transitioned into commerce and joined Sweat's leadership team as a Finance Manager, directly reporting to the CEO and Board and driving financial performance and strategic initiatives.

Sophia Degner is Director, Research and Facility Services at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and leads several research support teams including Core Facilities, Research infrastructure and Building Facilities, closely interacting with a range of stakeholders, including suppliers and Government and University departments to ensure a high-quality level of service to all SAHMRI researchers and collaborating partners. Ms Degner has over 30 years’ previous experience, conducting research and in management roles, including laboratory, operations, project, and events, primarily in the agricultural sector in the development of barley varieties for the malting, brewing, food and feed industries.  

Liza has been working at Bangladesh Bank (BB), the Central Bank of Bangladesh since 1999. Her current role is Director (FSSSPD), and her core responsibilities include project management providing long term financing in USD to the capital intensive manufacturing firms in Bangladesh through  inclusive socially responsible banking ethos and Environmental and Social (E&S) compliances. Prior, Liza was employed in the SME and Special Programs Department. Her major tasks included formulating SME policies regarding SME finance and capacity building for sustainable Cottage, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (CMSME) developments with a particular focus on women entrepreneurs. In her long career in the central bank she worked in various departments including Department of Financial Institutions and Markets, Financial Stability Department, Foreign Exchange Policy Department and Forex Reserve and Treasury Management Department. Being a Certified Digital Finance Practitioner (CDFP), Liza is actively involved in the Digital Finance Forum Bangladesh (DFFB), association of digital finance, FinTech and inclusion professionals. She is also playing the leading role in the literature organisation "Odhikosh" of Bangladesh Bank since 2018.

Felipe holds a Master's in Business Marketing, coupled with Double Bachelor's degrees in Communications and Advertisement, and a Postgraduate specialisation in strategic communication. Proficient across various marketing spheres, Felipe's expertise spans social media strategies, PR, strategic relations, and crisis management. With a robust automotive background encompassing sales, product training, and management, Felipe brings a holistic understanding of product-oriented enterprises. Currently thriving as a contract manager at a Cleaning and Maintenance company, Felipe excels in efficiently overseeing a diverse client portfolio, employing a strategic approach to ensure operational excellence and client satisfaction.

Sarah Hampel is a Leadership Coach and Mentor, and founder of Authentic Results Coaching.  With over 25 years' experience in human resources and leadership roles with internationally recognised companies such as Cadbury Schweppes, Kraft, Pepsi, Lion, and BP, she has led and worked with leaders and managers across diverse business functions, industries and international geographies. Utilising her degree in psychology and sociology, backed by the latest in neuroscience and human behaviour-based methodologies, she coaches and mentors new & emerging leaders to accelerate their development, enhance their performance, increase their influence, boost their confidence, and intensify their impact so they can be seen, heard and trusted as authentic leaders.

Since graduating from the Bachelor of Information Technology in 2003, Jenny Pilkington has worked in various IT roles in Adelaide in professional services, construction, agriculture, insurance and is now the Director of Operational Services (IT) for South Australia Police. Jenny's career has primarily focused on the operational support of corporate IT systems, leading transformational change to improve customer service, risk management, quality, and continuous improvement. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys camping and 4WDing, as well as baking and catching up with friends.

Alfredo Cabada is a business leader, property strategist and elected Councillor for the City of Adelaide, recognised for combining commercial acumen with community impact.

He is a Director at Complete Property Strategies, one of South Australia's leading buyer's advocacy firms, where he advises clients on strategic residential and commercial property acquisitions. Alfredo is known for his disciplined negotiation approach, access to off-market opportunities and ability to identify high-growth assets aligned with long-term wealth creation.

Through his role in local government, Alfredo contributes to policy, governance and economic development initiatives that support business growth, investment and city vibrancy. He also serves as Director of Community Services for the Rotary Club of Adelaide, overseeing initiatives that deliver meaningful support to vulnerable members of the community.

In addition, he is the Founder of Young Professionals Adelaide, an organisation dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders through connection, leadership development and opportunity creation.

A graduate of Flinders University with a Bachelor of Business Management, Alfredo brings a strategic mindset, strong commercial judgement and a deep belief in the power of relationships to drive meaningful outcomes. As a mentor, he is passionate about helping emerging leaders think strategically, act decisively and build careers grounded in integrity and long-term value.

Rianna Lopez is a Career Learning Consultant in Flinders University’s Graduate Career Readiness team. In this role, she works with academics, students, and employers to create career learning content and experiences, so that students and graduates are ready to embark, or further, their professional career. Rianna is a Flinders alumna, having studied Education and beginning her career as a school teacher, before moving into adult education where she taught at TAFE SA, mainly in Women’s Education, and some casual teaching at Flinders in Education and Foundation Studies, prior to moving into her current role. She is Secretary and active member of the Flinders branch of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), which has brought opportunity to be involved in a number of university committees, including the University Enterprise Bargaining team, the University Consultative Committee and more recently the University Indigenous Workforce Strategy Committee. Her professional interests include education, social justice, career development and workplace relations.

Divya Srivastava is a highly experienced Human Resources (HR) and employability specialist with over two decades of expertise spanning multiple industries and diverse teams. Divya has a proven track record in mentoring and career development, HR management, conflict resolution, and fostering productive, inclusive workplaces.

Driven by a passion for advancing the career trajectories of university students, both interstate and international, Divya has excelled in higher education through managing employability programs, building industry partnerships, delivering tailored coaching, and engaging both current students and alumni. Currently at KPMG, Divya continues to champion early careers through graduate recruitment and student work-integrated learning, helping shape the next generation of talent.