About Fogarty Foundation
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. Driven by a commitment to excellence, leadership, and innovation, the Foundation focuses on developing Next Generation Leaders, promoting Excellent Teaching for All Students, and preparing Future Ready Students—creating a ripple effect of positive impact across communities.
Our Why
The Fogarty Foundation is committed to raising educational aspirations and creating a more prosperous Western Australia by providing opportunities for high-potential students to thrive.
By investing in scholarships, programs, and initiatives, the Foundation helps nurture the talents of young people who will drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to the state's future growth. However, 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.
Through its initiatives, the Fogarty Foundation aims to bridge these gaps, fostering a culture of aspiration and achievement that supports a stronger, more dynamic Western Australia.
Our Aim
The Fogarty Foundation was established in Western Australia with the aim of transforming lives through education. It was set up to ensure all young West Australians have the opportunities to reach their full potential and in turn creating a strong and prosperous home State. By focusing on Scholarships, leadership development, and educational initiatives, the Foundation seeks to create lasting impact, foster future leaders and raise aspirations within the region.
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.
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Annie Fogarty
Chairperson
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Caitlyn Fogarty
Executive Director
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Laura Potts
Program and Communications Manager
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Elizabeth Knight
CEO
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Elizabeth Knight
CEO
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.
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.
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Emeritus Professor Bill Louden AM
Trustee
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Geoff Metcalf
Trustee
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Bonnie Lin
Trustee
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Annie Fogarty
Chairperson
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Caitlyn Fogarty
Executive Director
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Mariya Faisal
Trustee
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Emeritus Professor Bill Louden AM
Trustee
Bill has played a significant role in educational reform in Australia as a researcher, university leader and regulator. He has led statutory authorities responsible for curriculum, assessment and professional standards and government inquiries into the teaching of literacy and numeracy.
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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
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Bonnie Lin
Trustee
Bonnie was appointed as a Trustee in 2020. Bonnie is an advisor, investor and speaker from Silicon Valley with 20 years in international business, who works with corporates, family offices, and governments in Asia and Australia to develop strategies for innovation and impact investment. Bonnie has advised and mentored over 70 entrepreneurs and business leaders to grow they organisations and transform their people. Bonnie brings breadth of experience in commercial innovation and strategic partnerships, as well as a passion for change leadership and social innovation.
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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.
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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.
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Mariya Faisal
Trustee
In 2025, Mariya has assumed the role of President of the FSA and a Trustee on the Fogarty Foundation Board, and hopes to cultivate a collaborative and engaging community of Fogarty Scholars. Driven by a passion for the empowerment and education of young people, Mariya actively volunteers with organisations like Teach Learn Grow and Ignite Mentoring. She further pursued this passion as a Co-Convenor for the 2023 Fogarty Futures Leadership Conference, and the Vice President for the 2024 Fogarty Scholars Association (FSA). At the end of her first year at university, Mariya embarked on a study abroad tour in Fiji where she conducted an assessment of public health dynamics in rural and remote settings whilst actively promoting public health initiatives within local communities. She aspires to extend this passion and make similar meaningful impact in rural/remote Australian communities and beyond.