Young & Emerging Practitioners

IAP2 Australasia is committed to supporting community and stakeholder engagement professionals by providing networking and professional development opportunities with other industry professionals.

What we do

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Our working group meets 6-weekly to discuss issues of relevance to the young and emerging engagement practitioners, plan upcoming events, and develop ways to assist other young engagement professionals feel connected and supported.

Members

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Shoshanna Berry Porter

I am a communications and engagement consultant at Articulous. I have had the privilege of working on a range of engagement projects, both big and small, across all levels of government, and in the private sector.

One of the most rewarding experiences in my career so far was when I had the opportunity to engage with communities impacted by flooding. Listening to the stories of those affected reminded me how resilient we are as a nation. It was also an incredible learning experience, highlighting just how valuable community insights are.

I am passionate about delivering strategic stakeholder and community engagement programs that provide value for everybody involved. I believe engagement is only meaningful when it is designed with equity, diversity, and inclusion at its core.

Many of the skills I use in my engagement career can be traced back to my time as a music teacher. As an educator, I had the privilege of working with students from all walks of life to build their confidence and improve their skills. I believe this experience gave me the ability to deeply connect with others in the work I do now.

Beyond my professional life, I am a foster mum to cats and kittens in need. Over the last 5 years I have fostered almost 40 cats, giving them a roof over their heads, and much needed snuggles until they find their forever homes. When I’m not with my feline friends, you’ll find me exploring brunch spots around Melbourne.

Alexandra King

I’m Alexandra and I’m a Engagement and Change Advisory Consultant with Aurecon in Brisbane. As a former mechanical engineer, my experience ranges for resources, motorcycle design and overhead wiring engineering. Drawing upon my unique engineering background, I work closely with clients to engagement the community and key stakeholders.

I am passionate about collaboration and am exploring the use of data driven solutions to enhance my project work. My notable experiences include a short-term student exchange at the Berlin School of Economics and Law, where I studied international business and the German language, and a six-month internship with BMW Motorrad in Berlin.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time being active with family, friends and my dachshund.

Estelle Tsaur

I am a curious mind with a passion for communications, innovation and transdisciplinary collaboration. With a background in public relations and creative innovation I have a determination to see the possibilities, perspectives and practices of different sectors, communities, and industries. I am passionate about innovation, creativity and purpose driven work as I enjoy researching, breaking down and looking at complex problems and sectors from a multitude of perspectives.

This has led me to begin a career at Aurecon as a community and stakeholder engagement consultant shortly after graduation. I believe that people and communication are essential to stimulating innovation and creativity in any industry. I want to be able to continue to learn about anything and everything.

Marlee Wendt

Hi there, I’m Marlee and I’m a communications and engagement professional from Brisbane currently working at RPS. Over the past six years I’ve been a trusted partner and storyteller for some of Queensland’s largest projects including the Logan Enhancement Project and Gateway Upgrade North, SEQ City Deal, and even launching the autonomous air-taxi industry in Australia. Recently I joined RPS, where I’m hoping to expand my sector experience into energy, master planning and water. I’m passionate about creating positive community outcomes, developing strong and meaningful relationships, managing complex issues, and playing my part in making the communities we live in, better. When I’m not working, you can catch me outside enjoying everything south-east Queensland has to offer – from hitting a Gold Coast beach, riding motorbikes in the Scenic Rim or bush walking in the Glasshouse Mountains.

Aurora Scott

I’m Aurora, Community Impact Officer at the City of Melbourne. My career journey within the city has been varied, starting from an officer role at Melbourne City Marina, Engagement Project Officer and Neighbourhood Partner to my current position. I specialise in community engagement and project management, focusing on initiatives that enhance Melbourne’s liveability and sustainability. I love our city and working so closely with our passionate and diverse community is such an honour.

Recently, I had the privilege of managing the People’s Panel on Affordable Housing, a deliberative democracy process in partnership with Homes Melbourne. Working with a diverse representation of the city on a universal topic such as housing was an incredible learning opportunity. To see the community come together and agree on clear goals for the city really cemented my belief that the community has the knowledge and tools to build the best solutions as long as we engage in a meaningful way.

In my down time I love long nature walks in the Macedon Ranges with my dog. I am a budding green thumb so taking inspiration from the local environment to my back yard brings me a lot of joy. Otherwise, I love day trips further afield and so much the better if they include antique shops, secondhand books, ocean swims and fresh seafood!

Denver Alcantara

Denver is an experienced Program and Project Manager, Urban Designer, and Urban Planner. Denver has commercial and intergovernmental management experience working on national public policy and strategies for behaviour change non-infrastructure solutions and major integrated transport infrastructure projects in Australia and New Zealand, currently working for Transport for NSW. Denver also works as a casual academic at the University of Sydney, UTS and UNSW, teaching studio design courses to improve skills in the design process, and tutoring persuasive site analysis in urban planning to be more inclusive of Indigenous cultural heritage, sustainability, and engagement methods in urban design that tackle state and local issues.

Phoebe Schumacher

Phoebe is an accomplished communications and engagement specialist with over six years of experience. Holding a Bachelor of City Planning (Hons) from the University of NSW, her background in urban planning provides her with a deep understanding of complex projects and their community dynamics. Phoebe has a warm, friendly approach and a passion for engagement. She is committed to building meaningful connections with the community and stakeholders and ensuring a positive community-centric approach for all projects.

Vincent Evans-Welsh

My name is Vincent Evans-Welsh, and I am a Senior Specialist in Communications & Engagement within the Partnerships and Engagement team at Auckland Transport.

I have a background in communications within the rail infrastructure environment, having worked at KiwiRail and Auckland One Rail before joining Auckland Transport. My career has been dedicated to improving brand reputation at the local level and engaging with communities to enhance travel experiences around Tāmaki Makaurau. 

I bring a diverse skill set to my role, including a strong focus on digital media, social media expertise, and a passion for engaging with people in person. To stay current with industry trends, I am improving my digital storytelling skills, learning to fly drones for aerial videos, and adapting AI to support public needs. Additionally, I am actively enhancing my community engagement skills through IAP2 courses (small plug). 

Yaniv Brayer

I am a Communications and Community Engagement professional at Melbourne Water. As a former Marketing professional, I have had the privilege of working across many industries including government, the arts, media and major events.

Passionate about driving the cause for authentic community engagement, I am committed to advocating for the voice of the customer within my projects and organisation, and always encourage genuine, two-way communication with customers.

I have a particular interest and passion for equity, diversity and inclusion. Since joining Melbourne Water, I have been an active member of the Refract group (an employee-led group advocating for LGBTIQA+ equality and rights within organisational policy and culture). Further, I am passionate about delivering tailored engagement strategies, activities, and events that advocate for inclusion amongst our diverse and place-based communities.

Beyond work, I love exploring Melbourne’s great cafes, restaurants and watering holes. Or planning for my next travel adventure.

How to contact us

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Upcoming events

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Take a look at our upcoming webinars, via the IAP2A Webinar Calendar.

Find a local network event, via the IAP2A Local Network Events Calendar.