Mary Jensen (B.B.S Cert Econ Devlpt) is a regional development specialist with extensive networks in secondary and tertiary education, local and central government and business.

With a background in business, communications, education and regional development, Mary is the chief executive of the Smart Waikato Trust and manager of the Waikato Engineering Careers Association.

Mary’s core strength is her ability to communicate with a diverse range of people, inspiring them to work towards a common goal. She is a big picture thinker and thought leader with the personal purpose to "catalyse systemic change for the benefit of all". This is underpinned by an in-depth knowledge of the economic development and education landscapes, labour market and social challenges, and a desire to make the world a better place.

Mary is a pivotal member of the Waikato Regional Economic Development Strategy’s labour market working group. She has been elected to help develop the Waikato Story.

Brella Projects Ltd owns the FutureForce® brand and has developed its suite of projects. 

Sally Birch is a journalist and communications specialist who delights in harnessing the power of the story to share the good work of the Brella Group with stakeholders.

After more than 20 years newsroom experience, Sally uses her expertise to effectively communicate the positive messages of organisations contributing to the greater good, including Brella Group clients Smart Waikato Trust and Waikato Engineering Careers Association.

Sally is the editor and project manager of FutureForce® magazine and manages both large and small-scale projects and events such as the Smart Waikato Leadership Summit and Waikato Engineering Careers Association events.

Communicating with stakeholders and supporters is another key strength – Sally manages Brella Group’s widespread connections to educators, business leaders, funders, youth, central and local government and families.

Linda Nelson Caie has a background in business, psychology, human resources and broadcasting. Linda has developed the robust suite of FAN resources for Smart Waikato Trust.

Linda has researched global best practice models to underpin Brella Group's work to reduce youth unemployment and create solutions for employers struggling to find appropriately skilled talent.

She has also developed Secondary School Employer Partnerships, piloted by Smart Waikato in the region’s secondary schools in 2016.

Linda project manages FAN events and is a contributing writer for FutureForce® magazine. She is passionate about encouraging and supporting employers to offer youth more work experience, internships, cadetships and apprenticeships.

Linda has worked as a generalist Human Resources practitioner providing advice and support to managers in recruitment, employment law, performance management, training, coaching and managing employment relationships.

Levinia has excellent networking, public relations and event management skills and has spent more than a decade specialising in engineering and science recruitment as a placement co-ordinator for University of Waikato students. Levinia has worked as a PR and events co-ordinator and her research papers have been presented both in New Zealand and throughout the world.

Levinia co-ordinates The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme in the Waikato and King Country, EVolocity Waikato and assists with the co-ordination of Secondary School Employer Partnerships and the Waikato Engineering Careers Association.