Save the date: Rockefeller’s Heather Grady to share global insights at new PA State of Philanthropy Insight Series 

Philanthropy Australia is bringing our new strategy to life by convening a national State of Philanthropy Insight Series. Events across the country will bring people and ideas together to elevate dialogue about local giving in the global context, headlined by one of the world’s preeminent philanthropy strategists.

Heather Grady, Vice President and Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisers in San Francisco, will deliver her first addresses to Australian audiences at forums in Perth, Hobart, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney, alongside her colleague Sanya Mirpuri. 

“This Series is a rare opportunity for Australia to learn from Heather’s unique perspective, which is shaped by decades of work across continents and her daily interactions with some of the world’s most influential philanthropists,” said Maree Sidey, CEO Philanthropy Australia. 

“Heather will bring deep insights into the role our national ecosystem can play in global movements. Putting her knowledge into conversation with local leaders will make this an enriching learning experience,” Maree said.

New Philanthropy Australia Chair Darrell Wade will also be at every event in the Series, alongside Maree, sharing how our new strategy will shape our work and sector.  

Invitations with registration details will be shared via email with Philanthropy Australia members the week of 23rd of March. In the meantime, Save these dates. 

• Perth Thursday 30 April 

• Hobart Monday 4 May

• Melbourne Tuesday 5 May

• Adelaide Thursday 7 May 

• Queensland Monday 11 May 

• Sydney Wednesday 13 May

Heather and Sanya will also hold workshops for Philanthropy Australia members. Ideal for philanthropic trustees, funders, practitioners and intermediaries, the interactive workshop will show participants how to optimise funding and impact using the highly effective Operating Archetypes, which has helped practitioners globally hone their philanthropic missions and practices.

Speakers 

Heather Grady

Heather is the Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA). In her decade at RPA, Heather has overseen a portfolio of 40+ collaborative funds in areas including migration, democracy, gender equality and environment, and has advised individual philanthropists and foundations around the world. She co-founded and leads the Shifting Systems Initiative, was previously Vice President at the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Managing Director of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative founded by former President of Ireland Mary Robinson. 

Heather has held Adjunct Professorships at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and the China Global Philanthropy Institute. Earlier in her career she was East Asia Regional Director and Viet Nam Country Representative for Oxfam Great Britain, and prior to that held roles in Africa and the Middle East with Save the Children. Heather has authored books, publications and reports on issues ranging from philanthropy to impact assessment. She serves on the boards of the Business and Human Rights Centre, Doc Society, the Wildlife Justice Commission, Dropbox Foundation and WINGS. 

Sanya Mirpuri

Sanya Mirpuri is an Advisor within the international Advisory team at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, based in New York City. She specializes in advancing philanthropy through strategic thought partnership with individuals, corporations and family and private foundations. Sanya has held a variety of nonprofit roles in education and fundraising throughout New York City, most recently at the Studio Museum in Harlem. She serves on the board of the South Asian Womxn’s Creative Collective. Sanya holds a Master of Arts in Art History and Architecture from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. 

Darrell Wade

Darrell is Co-Founder, Executive Chair and former CEO of Intrepid Travel, one of the largest adventure tour operators in the world, which started in 1989 to offer a new style of low-impact travel that connected travellers with communities. He is one of travel’s most influential leaders and he plays an instrumental role in advancing the industry’s sustainability agenda through his activism and philanthropy. 

Darrell is Chair of the Intrepid Foundation, his family’s fund the Dawn Wade Foundation, and is active in the start-up community as Co-founder of seed investment program Skalata. His previous roles include Chair of Vice-Chair of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTCC); Chair of social enterprise Good Cycles and Chair of Travalyst, the global initiative of The Duke of Sussex. Darrell started as Chair of Philanthropy Australian in February 2026. 

Maree Sidey

Maree is CEO of Philanthropy Australia, joining in 2024 after nine years as CEO of Australian Communities Foundation (ACF). She serves on the boards of the Community Council of Australia and WINGS, the global network of philanthropy support and development organisations, and is a member of the Editorial Advisory Council for the international journal Alliance Magazine. Maree previously served on boards for Australian Progress, Philanthropy Australia and the Confident Girls Foundation. 

Prior to philanthropy Maree held executive roles in leading NGOs, including the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, headspace and Orygen youth health. She started her career as a social worker in family services at Berry Street. Her contributions to the For Purpose sector have been recognised by Fellowships & Scholarships from: the Centre for Social Impact (2017), the Harvard Club of Australia (2014), and Chief Executive Women (2012). She holds an MBA specialising in Social Impact from UNSW and has completed the Harvard Strategic Leadership Course for Non-Profit Leaders.