Program speakers

Sara Parrott

Chief Executive Officer

Sara is Chief Executive Officer of Hand Heart Pocket, one of Queensland’s largest foundations and an independent public charity founded by the Freemasons of Queensland over 110 years ago with an extensive history of benevolence and philanthropy.

Hand Heart Pocket partners with social impact organisations to provide funding through philanthropy and investments, capability building, and access to volunteers and networks that will make a difference in the lives of Queenslanders in need. Their strategic focus is on young people at risk.

Sara has over twenty-five years’ experience in corporate social responsibility, stakeholder relations, and communication. Sara is passionate about social justice and a transition to a sustainable future and brings a unique understanding of the interdependence of social inclusion, economic participation, and environmental sustainability.

Previously, Sara has worked for the ASX listed Suncorp Group, resources giant Xstrata, global investment firm Babcock & Brown and accounting firm Ernst & Young, leading sustainability policy, social impact management, stakeholder engagement and community investment at regional, national and global levels. Sara has also held executive and management roles in the community sector in advocacy, communications, and marketing with Australia’s largest social enterprise and childcare provider Goodstart Early Learning, as well as international development agency Tearfund Australia and the human services agency Uniting Church Queensland.

Sara is Deputy Chair of the Queensland Children’s Hospital Foundation and a Board Member of Climate KIC Australia. She holds Bachelor of Business-Management and a Master of Business-Marketing from QUT, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.