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Dr Lisa O'Brien shaping education for disadvantaged children

29 November 2016

The Educator Magazine’s second annual Hot List has recognised the Chief Executive Officer of The Smith Family, Dr Lisa O’Brien, as one of the top 40 most influential figures in Australian education. Read here: www.educatoronline.com.au/rankings/hot-list-2016/

The list highlights the diversity of excellent work being undertaken across the country to enrich the educational experiences of all students.

During her five years as CEO, Lisa has driven the successful implementation of a strategic plan which has significantly increased the effectiveness and reach of The Smith Family’s programs. Each year these programs support over 100,000 disadvantaged Australian children and young people to improve their educational outcomes.

Central to Lisa’s leadership, have been the goals of enhancing the impact of The Smith Family’s programs, and using the organisation’s knowledge and experience to contribute to education policy.

The Smith Family’s flagship program Learning for Life provides long-term educational support for over 33,000 disadvantaged Australian children and young people.

Under Lisa’s leadership, the organisation has undertaken detailed data analysis of the students engaged in its Learning for Life program. This in-house research and evaluation informs its approach and practice across all aspects of its work.

It ensures that The Smith Family’s work remains relevant and effective, and continues to make a measurable difference to the children and young people it supports.

As a result, the organisation has reported year-on-year improvements across 2011 to 2014 in the rates of school attendance, Year 12 completion and post-school engagement in employment and study, of the students on the program. This year the organisation also received the Excellence in Social Impact Measurement award from the Social Impact Measurement Network of Australia.

Through her leadership The Smith Family is helping disadvantaged young Australians improve their educational outcomes and to have the chance to create better futures for themselves.