Meet The Team

The EM-power Foundation Team is a dedicated group of professionals united by a shared vision to create meaningful opportunities for First Nations communities across Australia. With a core mission to empower young First Nations people in STEM and beyond, our team combines expertise in food and agriculture businesses, education, leadership, and cultural inclusivity with a deep commitment to driving positive social change.

Drawing on diverse skills and experiences, the team works collaboratively to design and implement innovative programs that inspire, uplift, and equip First Nations youth for a bright and sustainable future. Guided by values of respect, integrity, and empowerment, the team ensures that every initiative is co-designed with communities, fostering ownership and lasting impact.

Chair & Non-Executive Director

Darryl Lyons

Darryl is a proud Maiawali man, an experienced Managing Director, with a demonstrated history in the teleco industry.

He is a 3rd generation farmer passionate about indigenous knowledge systems and the co-founder and chief rainmaker of the Rainstick enterprise, using electricity to mimic the natural effects of lightning to grow crops bigger, faster, and more sustainably.

Darryl is also:

Entrepreneur in Residence: Farmers2Founder
Indigenous Entrepreneur in Residence: James Cook University
Co-Founder: escaVox

Non-executive Director

Martina Hazelbane

Martina is a proud Larrakia/Warai traditional owner from NT, is a Director on the Governance Board of Carers NT, the first appointed indigenous Director. Martina is a public speaker, educator, and community engagement expert dedicated to achieving social justice and Indigenous empowerment.

Her extensive experience also encompasses significant tenure at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), where she advanced from a Legal Secretary and Practice Manager to Office Manager.

Martina is the General Manager Job Trail and the proud Founder of the Indigenous Road Safety Academy (IRSA).

Non-Executive Director

Aunty Deb Evans

Aunty Deb has been involved in the Indigenous Nation Building space since 2011, working as the research officer for Charles Sturt Universities Wiradjuri Language & Cultural Heritage Project Committee.

Partnering with Charles Sturt University and key representatives in community, Aunty Deb and the group built the award-winning Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage.

Aunty Deb is currently completing her PhD and is a member of the Budyaan Wiraduri Futures Trust.

Company Secretary & Non-Executive Director

Tony Morwood

Tony is an experienced company director and strategic advisor, who is passionate in supporting indigenous career pathways, social impact initiatives and sustainability.

Tony is a non-executive director Closed Loop Environmental Solutions, Life Again Foundation and Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited. He is a strategic advisor to the Sydney Swans Foundation and an associate partner with the ThinkAbout Your Decision Governance Education Program.

Tony is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and has completed the Harvard Business School ‘Governing for Not-for Profit Excellence’ (2017) and ‘Business2Business Marketing’ Programs (2008).

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General Manager

Holly Hoad

Holly is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Dubbo, NSW. Holly is dedicated to empowering First Nations youth, particularly young women, to achieve their career goals through study or access to industry.

Holly has led the Women in STEM & Entrepreneurship Pathways Project since 2021, co-designing and developing programs and pathways to inspire Indigenous Women to follow a career in Native Ag & Food.

Holly is passionate about connecting young First Nations people to their community and cultural knowledge by highlighting unique and fulfilling career pathways and employment opportunities.

Non-Executive Director

Shane Mitchell

Shane is a proud Narungga/Kaurna Man. He is currently the Koorie Education Manager for Department of Education & Training in Northeast Victoria.

30 years as a senior executive at Woolworths developed Shane’s transferable skills of leadership, finance and mentoring, contributing to positive outcomes for emerging leaders of the Koorie community.

Shane is passionate about education and the development of career pathways for First Nations People.

Founder & Non-executive Director

Dr Christine Pitt

Dr Christine Pitt is a globally recognised thought leader, investor, and entrepreneur in the agriculture food tech ecosystem.

Christine is co-founder and CEO of Food Futures Company, Co-founder and Managing Director of Farmers2Founders, and Agrifood Futures (Singapore).

Christine is passionate about supporting First Nations entrepreneurs and increasing First Nations participation in the native food industry.