About Us
Over the past 25 years, the Foundation has partnered with a diverse range of organisations and incubated initiatives to address educational needs. By identifying unmet needs and piloting innovative models, the Foundation leverages support from its extensive networks in the government, corporate, and social sectors to deliver impactful programs that create meaningful change.
The Fogarty Foundation
The Fogarty Foundation is a social venturer, advancing change through education. The Foundation creates opportunities by partnering with purpose-driven organisations and supporting individuals’ talents and aspirations. Founded in 2000 by Brett and Annie Fogarty, the Foundation is committed to excellence, leadership and innovation, enriching the Western Australian community through knowledge and empowerment.
Annie Fogarty AM, Chairperson
Our Why
Western Australia is a land of extraordinary opportunity and the Fogarty Foundation exists to make sure every student can access it. Guided by a social venturer spirit, we identify unmet needs and respond with innovative, mission-driven solutions that leverage Western Australia's unique strengths. We invest in leaders, connect young West Australians with world-class ideas and organisations, and build clusters of high-potential individuals who lift each other higher. Because we believe that when one rises, many rise with them. Through Scholarships, leadership development and educational initiatives, we are creating a rising tide of excellence, one that is sustainable, scalable and designed to ensure every young West Australian has the tools, the confidence and the opportunity to prosper.
We know that geographic differences can impact access to quality education, with students in remote or rural areas often missing out on the opportunities available in urban centres. Economic challenges may also limit students access to educational support and extracurricular activities, which can affect their academic success and future potential. Social and cultural factors can further shape aspirations, especially for those from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds who might face unique obstacles. Additionally, inconsistencies within the education system can influence the quality of learning experiences and resources, impacting students’ motivation and ambitions.
Driven by this and with a commitment to excellence, leadership, and innovation, the Foundation dedicates itself to developing Next Generation Leaders, promoting Excellence in Education, and preparing Future Ready Students; creating a ripple effect of positive impact across communities.
Under these umbrellas the Foundation invests to nurture the talents of young people to thrive, drive innovation and contribute to the state's future growth and prosperity.
Our Vision
A prosperous Western Australia where every child has access to a high‑quality education that enables them to realise their potential — creating equitable opportunities and lasting, system‑wide change across communities and sectors.
Guiding Principles
Social venturer for innovation
Identify unmet social or economic needs and respond with innovative, mission-driven solutions. The operating enabler for this principle is an Enterprising Mindset; having initiative, opportunity recognition, and bold, values-led action.
Excellence in our Endeavours
Embed world-class excellence into everything we do, ensuring continuous improvement, innovation, and resilience against stagnation. The operating enabler for this principle is Innovation; encouraging curiosity, experimentation, and continuous improvement and reflection.
Leadership creates a ripple effect
Invest in leadership-focused development, empowering individuals to drive meaningful change and expand their impact across communities. The operating enabler for this principle is Empowerment & Legacy Thinking; building long-term capability and intergenerational benefit.
Clusters of high-potential individuals
Create clusters of high-potential people, bringing together individuals who collaborate, innovate, and accelerate one another’s growth and impact. The operating enabler for this principle is Collaboration; ensuring connection, shared learning, and mutual acceleration.
Rising tide to ensure systemic uplift
Creating models designed for longevity and broad impact across communities and sectors. Engage with systems to identify and activate leverage points that enable scalable, replicable, and enduring change. The operating enabler for this principle is Strategic Convening; aligning people, systems, and ideas to catalyse collective action.
Our People
At the Fogarty Foundation, our team is dedicated, united by a passion for educational excellence and community impact. Each member contributes unique skills and a shared commitment to our mission. Together, we strive to make a meaningful difference in Western Australia.
-
Annie Fogarty
Chairperson
-
Caitlyn Fogarty
Executive Director
-
Laura Potts
Program and Communications Manager
-
Elizabeth Knight
Chief Executive Officer
-
Harry Kwon
Program Coordinator - Next Gen Leaders
-
Annie Fogarty
Chairperson
Annie, with her husband Brett, established The Fogarty Foundation in 2000 and has been the Executive Chairperson since inception.
Annie brings a depth of experience and passion to improving WA through education.
Annie has received recognition, including in 2013, being made a Member of the Order of Australia for ‘significant service to equity, access and advancement of education in Western Australia’. Annie was also awarded 2020 WA Australian of the Year.
-
Caitlyn Fogarty
Executive Director
Caitlyn has been a Trustee since 2008 and became Executive Officer of the Fogarty Foundation in 2018. She worked closely with the Fogarty EDvance Program following her teaching experience and commercial studies. As Executive Director, Caitlyn has a strong connection to the UWA Fogarty Scholarship program and Scholars, wanting to support their endeavours to be wide reaching. Caitlyn enjoys speaking and presenting at a range of events, proudly sharing the impact of the Fogarty Foundation.
-
Laura Potts
Program and Communications Manager
As the Program and Communications Manager at The Fogarty Foundation, Laura leverages her international experience across diverse industries and her MBA in Project Management and Women in Leadership, complemented by her Fine Art degree Hons from Norwich University of the Arts. She focuses on advancing and managing strategic partnerships, driving key initiatives, and supporting the UWA Fogarty Scholars Program. Laura oversees the Foundation’s communications strategy, coordinates major events, and manages brand presence, while ensuring alignment with the Foundations mission to drive positive social change. She values working in a collaborative environment that embraces creativity and diversity.
-
Elizabeth Knight
Chief Executive Officer
Elizabeth Knight is an entrepreneur, professional public speaker, no code developer, and a fierce advocate for young people. During her time at university, she founded Purposeful, a social enterprise and startup empowering young people to find their place in the world and career pathways that they are passionate about. She draws on a decade of experience in innovation in the education, startup and youth sectors. As a Fogarty Scholar herself, Elizabeth is incredibly excited to be leading the Foundation into its next chapter.
-
Harry Kwon
Program Coordinator - Next Gen Leaders
Harry drives the Next Generation Leaders pillar at The Fogarty Foundation, supporting the delivery of the Ripple program and other initiatives that empower young people and strengthen tertiary education across Western Australia. He brings extensive non-profit experience from his tenure as Managing Director of AIESEC Australia, where he worked nationally and internationally to design and deliver programs that built the leadership capacity of young people.
Passionate about creating systemic impact through education, Harry is committed to fostering leadership and enabling long-term change. At the Foundation, he is excited to deepen his contribution and help shape the next generation of changemakers in Western Australia.
Our Trustees
The Trustees guide the Foundation’s journey, ensuring legal and ethical governance. They focus on vision, educational leadership, and impact, making key decisions on strategy, program direction, and funding applications.
-
Geoff Metcalf
Trustee
-
Annie Fogarty
Chairperson
-
Caitlyn Fogarty
Executive Director
-
Elizabeth Knight
Chief Executive Officer
-
Professor Peter Klinken AC
Trustee
-
Phil Dolan
Trustee
-
Matthew Vinci
Trustee
-
Geoff Metcalf
Trustee
Geoff had a 35 year career with Department of Education mainly supporting low SES communities including the Kimberley, Western Desert, other rural and diverse metropolitan regions. His leadership of schools is recognised as being at the forefront of the development of the growing number of WA schools offering extended services to the school community
-
Annie Fogarty
Chairperson
Annie, with her husband Brett, established The Fogarty Foundation in 2000 and has been the Executive Chairperson since inception.
Annie brings a depth of experience and passion to improving WA through education.
Annie has received recognition, including in 2013, being made a Member of the Order of Australia for ‘significant service to equity, access and advancement of education in Western Australia’. Annie was also awarded 2020 WA Australian of the Year.
-
Caitlyn Fogarty
Executive Director
Caitlyn has been a Trustee since 2008 and became Executive Officer of the Fogarty Foundation in 2018. She worked closely with the Fogarty EDvance Program following her teaching experience and commercial studies. As Executive Director, Caitlyn has a strong connection to the UWA Fogarty Scholarship program and Scholars, wanting to support their endeavours to be wide reaching. Caitlyn enjoys speaking and presenting at a range of events, proudly sharing the impact of the Fogarty Foundation.
-
Elizabeth Knight
Chief Executive Officer
Elizabeth Knight is an entrepreneur, professional public speaker, no code developer, and a fierce advocate for young people. During her time at university, she founded Purposeful, a social enterprise and startup empowering young people to find their place in the world and career pathways that they are passionate about. She draws on a decade of experience in innovation in the education, startup and youth sectors. As a Fogarty Scholar herself, Elizabeth is incredibly excited to be leading the Foundation into its next chapter.
-
Professor Peter Klinken AC
Trustee
Professor Peter Klinken AC is one of Western Australia's most prominent scientists. Inducted into the Western Australian Science Hall of Fame in 2025, he served as Chief Scientist of Western Australia for 11 years (2014–2025). A biochemist by training, he holds a PhD from the University of Western Australia and conducted research in red blood cell formation, leukemia, and cancer genetics. He previously served as Executive Director of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Director of Research at Royal Perth Hospital. In 2017, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for contributions to medical research and science advocacy. He is a Fellow of both the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences and the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering, and in 2025 was named an Emeritus Professor at the University of Western Australia. He has also chaired Lotterywest and Healthway, and has particular interests in the energy transition, education, and indigenous culture.
-
Phil Dolan
Trustee
Phil Dolan is an active angel investor with a focus on female founded startups, and an interest in education. He was previously Professor and Executive Director of the Institute for the Future of Business at Melbourne University’s Faculty of Business and Economics. He has also been Dean of the Business School at the University of Western Australia, and before entering academia worked for over a decade in the Investment Management arm of Macquarie Bank.
His education includes degrees in Mathematics, IT, Business and a PhD in Finance from Stanford University. He is a Senior Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia, and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
-
Matthew Vinci
Trustee
Matthew Vinci is the President of the Fogarty Scholars Association (FSA), where he aims to build a connected Scholar community through strong friendship-based support networks within and across cohorts. Matt also serves as President of 180 Degrees Consulting WA, the world's largest student-run consultancy, leading teams delivering pro bono strategic consulting to charities and not-for-profits. He previously co-convened the 2024 Fogarty Futures Leadership Conference and received the 2024 Jeremy Cheang Award to support the 2025 Conference. Currently studying finance and economics with an Assured Pathway to the Juris Doctor, Matt recently completed an investment banking internship with Azure Capital, and looks forward to driving meaningful outcomes for communities across Western Australia.