Our Team
Board Members
Sulal Mathai (CPHR)
Chair & Founding Member
Sulal Mathai is a visionary leader, career strategist, and human resources expert dedicated to bridging the gap between global talent and Australian opportunity. As the Chair and Founder of Ignite Potential, Sulal has turned a personal passion for social equity into a powerful movement that empowers hundreds of migrants to find their professional footing in Australia. A Champion for Migrant Success In 2018, he founded Ignite Potential to serve as a one-stop-shop for skilled migrants. Under his guidance, the organization has pioneered various training programs for migrants. Expertise & Innovation Sulal’s leadership is backed by over 15 years of high-level experience in Human Resources, IT, and Healthcare. He is a Certified Practitioner of HR (CPHR) and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD). His innovative approach to leadership is evidenced by: •National Recognition: Finalist for the AHRI Dave Ulrich HR Practitioner of the Year award in 2019. •Entrepreneurial Spirit: Founder of 5 Businesses in Australia with offices in 6 countries, Sulal has laid a strong foundation in Immigration, Internation education and Information Technology sectors. •Media Advocacy: Host of "Career Australia" on M4TV, where he shares expert advice on navigating the Australian job market.
The Vision Sulal believes that a vibrant, successful Australia is built on cultural competence and inclusive leadership. Whether he is speaking at national conferences like FECCA or working one-on-one with a newly arrived engineer, his goal remains the same: ensuring that no skill goes to waste and every individual has the support needed to ignite their true potential.
Kevin Wrigley
Vice Chair
Kevin is a seasoned executive and board director with extensive experience in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. His extensive background has equipped him with a deep understanding of diverse work environments in the US, Europe and Australia. As an experienced Non-Executive Director and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), he has served on national and state boards, peak bodies, government advisory boards and school councils. In 2024, he was the recipient of the Social Impact Fellowship Scholarship for Not-for-Profit Leaders. In an executive capacity, Kevin has secured $100+ million in funding for not-for-profit organizations to further their impactful work. His commitment to social justice and equality for people experiencing disadvantage is a core value that drives his work. These principles motivates him to address the social determinants of health and help others in his professional capacity.
Jennifer Dowling
Secretary
Before her retirement Jenny taught English and Drama in Darwin for 30 years and also performed in plays and a band that toured to rural communities. In these capacities she interacted with people from many different cultures. Since retiring she has continued to travel, several times volunteering at Literary Festivals in Bali and Sri Lanka. She volunteered at STEPS for four years, assisting with the teaching of migrants. She volunteers annually at Darwin Festival as well as Darwin Fringe Festival and Browns Mart Theatre. She regards her position on Ignite’s Board of Directors (since its inception) as an honor and an opportunity to help make a positive difference to deserving individuals and to Australia as a whole.
Veronica Matipira
Board Member
Veronica is an accomplished social worker with over a decade of experience in child protection and a highly respected community leader here in Darwin. Originally from Zimbabwe, she is a proud Karanga woman and a passionate advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, particularly migrant women and girls. In recognition of her outstanding community contribution, she was honoured as the 2022 City of Palmerston Citizen of the Year. Through her work as an MC, speaker, and event facilitator, Veronica is known for her engaging presence and ability to connect across cultures. She brings warmth, professionalism, and purpose to every stage she steps onto.
Manu Kurian
Treasurer
Manu Kurian is a Registered Social Worker and has a number of years of experience under his belt. He has earned various Certificate IV qualifications in areas such as Disability, Child Youth and Family Interventions, Mental Health, etc. Manu is a community person and actively volunteers at various culturally and linguistically diverse programs that is conducted across Northern Territory & QLD.
Committee Members
Cristina "Tina" Poblador-Magbojos
Committee Member
Tina is a former international postgraduate student from the Philippines who came to Australia in 2016. In 2018, she won Victoria University's ‘International Student Leadership Award’ for her involvement with City of Melbourne’s Social Investment and International Education Portfolio. Tina was also part of the first Australian delegation to Beijing, China for the VU-VBCI Winter Intercultural Exchange Program. Her advocacies include: Mental Health Foundation Australia, Australian Red Cross Connected Women, Australian-Japanese Association of the NT and IGNITE Potential. She also sits as the executive committee secretary of the Multicultural Council of the NT. Tina has over 10 years of experience in various industries - working with local government, taxation, NFP's & community services, global recruitment, real estate, broadcast media, banking and finance. She currently works for a global mining giant BHP, specialising in training governance. Her professional memberships include AHRI and CPA Australia. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, trying new cuisines, chasing sunsets, and attending community events.
Saee Mohite
Committee Member
Saee is a mother and a therapist, originally from Mumbai, currently living in Darwin-the city that shaped her passion for growth, resilience and human connection. With an educational background in Psychology and Counselling, she has dedicated her journey to understanding the depth and complexity of the human experience. She enjoys swimming and travelling to different places as it teaches her one powerful truth: there is always more to learn. Growth is lifelong, healing is layered, and every story carries wisdom. She holds space with empathy and the belief that learning — about ourselves and each other — never truly ends. Working as a Domestic Violence Counsellor has focused on providing trauma-informed support to individuals and families affected by domestic and family violence, helping clients improve safety, emotional wellbeing, and access to appropriate community resources. In addition to her current work, she has also worked closely in the disability sector in remote Northern Territory where she has worked with individuals with diverse needs to promote independence, wellbeing and addressing their needs.
Contact Us
Darwin, NT
79–81 Cavenagh Street,
Darwin City, NT 0800
Brisbane, QLD
3/141 Melbourne St,
South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Perth, WA
AMP Tower,
Perth, WA 6000
Email: info@ignitepotential.org.au
Tel: 0414-010-730/ 0452-603-446