Kellie Benda

I graduated from the University of WA with an Arts Law Bachelor's degree and then undertook further study at Harvard Business School. I have worked as a corporate solicitor, investment banker and financial advisor. I have served on the Board of Youth Focus and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

I have extensive experience with several directorships and have recently founded the Perth charity, Ready to Work.

My dedication to making a difference to others lives is a motivating force and I enjoy working in philanthropic roles to assist others.

As a mother of four children, I wanted to create a working environment where I could do canteen duty and still meet my work commitments, so my husband and I purchased Marvic Packaging Australia in Bayswater and have become small business owners. I believe this model betters suits a family friendly lifestyle.

I have worked in corporate environments at Price Waterhouse Coopers Securities and Carmichael Capital Markets, but it has always been a personal goal to get space where I could build something of my own.

We wanted to build something and be masters of our own destiny.

I served on the College Council for five to six years and have spoken at numerous MLC events.

I was the Arts and Debating captain in my time at MLC and also attained numerous school Colours. My mother and sisters attended MLC and my daughters will also attend the school.

In establishing the charity with Rachael Hain, we wanted to be able to increase the confidence in women from disadvantaged backgrounds before attending job interviews. This has been through assisting with clothing and makeup needs and also in showing women how to improve in their performance at an interview situation.

We have had positive feedback on our contribution from Job Network Agencies for our Ready to Work clients. We intend to contribute more in this area in the future.