Leading Change for Children and Families: Dr Lisa J. Griffiths Wins National Women in Leadership Award

Dr Lisa Griffiths wins Australian Financial Review Women in Leadership Award

OzChild is proud to announce that Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa J. Griffiths has been named the winner of the Education, Government and Not-for-Profit category at the 2026 Australian Financial Review Women in Leadership Awards.

Selected from an exceptional field of finalists from across Australia, the award recognises women whose leadership is creating meaningful and lasting change within their organisations, industries and communities.

For more than a decade, Lisa has led OzChild with a clear vision: that children, young people and families deserve support that is grounded in evidence, focused on outcomes and designed to create lasting change.

Under her leadership, OzChild has grown from a Victorian child and family organisation into a national leader in evidence-informed practice, delivering innovative programs that strengthen families, support carers, and improve outcomes for children and young people experiencing vulnerability.

Throughout her career, Lisa has been a strong advocate for doing what works. She has championed prevention and early intervention, family-based care, and culturally led approaches, helping shift conversations across the sector from managing crisis to creating the conditions that help children and families thrive.

OzChild President Stephen Fontana said the award recognised a leader whose influence has extended far beyond organisational boundaries.

“Lisa has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children, young people and families. She has challenged long-held assumptions, championed evidence-informed reform, and consistently advocated for approaches that deliver better outcomes for children.

“This award recognises not only Lisa’s leadership, but the impact of her unwavering commitment to doing what works for Australian children and families.”

Mr Fontana said the recognition was also an important celebration of women in leadership.

“Lisa is an outstanding example of the contribution women make at the highest levels of leadership. Throughout her career she has demonstrated that courage, compassion, intellectual rigour and authenticity are not competing qualities, but powerful leadership strengths.”

“She has helped create pathways for other women leaders by leading with integrity, mentoring generously, and showing that leadership can be both decisive and deeply human. We hope this recognition inspires the next generation of women who are seeking to lead change in their communities and professions.”

Hearing the news on Wednesday morning, Lisa said she was honoured to be recognised alongside such an accomplished group of women leaders.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this award and grateful to the Australian Financial Review for recognising the important work taking place across the not-for-profit sector.”

“No meaningful change is achieved by one person alone. This recognition belongs to the extraordinary people who work across OzChild, our carers, volunteers, partners and supporters, and the children and families whose courage and resilience inspire us every day.”

“I also hope it serves as a reminder that leadership comes in many forms. Some of the most influential people I have worked with have led through ideas, relationships, advocacy and action long before they held formal authority.”

As OzChild celebrates its 175th year, this recognition reflects not only Lisa’s contribution as a leader, but the collective efforts of thousands of staff, carers, volunteers, supporters and partners who have helped create brighter futures for children, young people and families over generations.

The award is a celebration of courageous leadership, the power of evidence-informed practice, and a shared belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.