The Clare Foundation has expanded with the announcement of two roles, adding further structure to the foundation as it grows and evolves.
As Finance, Operations and Admin Manager, Michelle Mitchell brings 18 years’ experience in finance to the Clare team, having worked across public, private and not for profit sectors in New Zealand and Australia, as well as an expert skill set in administration, information technology and human resources.
Michelle enjoys giving her time back to the community and is currently volunteering at Compassion Soup Kitchen as well as being a valued member of multiple local community committees. Outside of the office Michelle is an accomplished axe thrower and represented New Zealand in the 2024 and 2025 World Axe Throwing Championships.
Sarah Habib joins as Philanthropic Support Officer, having begun her journey working with the community at a young age – beginning with the Te Ahi o Ngā Rangatahi for-youth-by-youth research with the Pōneke Boys and Girls Institute and continuing through to involvement with the Multicultural Councils of NZ, 502 Rangatahi Ora, and other community kaupapa.
Of Balinese and Iraqi descent, Sarah brings a deep appreciation of cultural diversity into every space she works in. Staying grounded in grassroots initiatives while pursuing a degree in Public Policy has allowed Sarah to weave together lived experience, cultural perspective, and academic knowledge to deliver projects that create tangible outcomes for communities across Aotearoa.
Alice Montague, CEO at Clare Foundation, says the addition of Michelle and Sarah is aligned with the evolution of the foundation’s needs since its creation in 2020.
“Clare continues to flourish and so does our team, especially in these vital roles which underpin the way we work, giving our wider team the support and expertise needed to allow them to focus on working with our incredible partners.”
Michelle and Sarah are based in the Clare Foundation office in Wellington.