Mary Ward International continues the legacy of Mary Ward through education, justice, and locally led change. Working alongside Loreto Sisters and local communities, we support women and children in accessing the opportunities they need to shape their own futures.
Over 400 years ago, Mary Ward imagined a different future.
Born in England in 1585, Mary Ward lived at a time when women’s lives were tightly restricted, and their roles in the Church and society were limited. Yet she believed women were called to serve with freedom, courage, and purpose.
Mary Ward was inspired by her deep relationship with Jesus, who taught us, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Giving her life to Christ, she came to defend the rights of all to compassion, solidarity and dignity, especially women.
She founded a community of women who would serve God in the world through education, justice, and care for those most in need. Her vision was bold for its time. She believed women should be educated. She believed women could lead. She believed in a more just world, where dignity, freedom, and opportunity were not reserved for some, but shared by all.
“Women in time to come will do much”- Mary Ward.
From Mary Ward’s vision grew a global tradition of faith, education, and service. Over time, this tradition was carried forward through the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Congregation of Jesus, two branches of the same Mary Ward family.
The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary became widely known as the Loreto Sisters, a name now deeply associated with education and service around the world. Through Loreto schools, ministries, and community partnerships, Mary Ward’s belief in the capacity of women and the power of education has continued across generations.
Today, the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Congregation of Jesus are united as one congregation, the Congregation of Jesus. This unity strengthens the Mary Ward mission worldwide, bringing together Sisters, schools, ministries, partners, and communities shaped by the same charism.
For Mary Ward International, this story is not only history. It is the foundation of our work today. We continue Mary Ward’s call to faith in action by walking alongside women, children, and communities through education, justice, and locally led change.
As the Australian and international development organisation of the Loreto Sisters, we work alongside the global Mary Ward family, local partners, and communities experiencing poverty and injustice.
Together, we support initiatives that create access to education, strengthen livelihoods, promote rights, and open pathways for women and children to lead.
Our work is grounded in listening, trust, and shared purpose. We do not lead from a distance. We walk alongside communities as they build the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed for lasting change.
Because strong women equal strong communities.
We envision a just world where women share leadership, children thrive, and communities live in harmony with each other and the Earth.
In the spirit of Jesus and Mary Ward, we support the Loreto Sisters and the broader Mary Ward network as we work with women and communities to transform unjust structures and reduce poverty and oppression, primarily through formal and non-formal education.
We value the dignity of each person, relationships of trust and just structures.
We value growth beyond self-interest that opens up creative possibilities.
We value the integrity and openness in action and relationships.
We value the never-ending search for truth.
We value living and working with hope, joy and optimism.
Mary Ward International is committed to working with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
As a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), we adhere to the ACFID Code of Conduct and manage our work with care, responsibility, and respect for the communities, partners, and supporters who make this mission possible.
Our reports, policies, and financial information are available to help our community understand how funds are managed and how decisions are made.
Mary Ward International is guided by a committed Board and team who bring experience across international development, education, governance, community engagement, finance, fundraising, and communications.
Together, they support the relationships, systems, and stewardship that make this work possible.
Dr Susan Stevens brings more than 25 years of leadership, governance, and education experience within the Loreto network.
Her long association with Loreto includes two decades as Principal of Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak, as well as extensive service on Loreto education boards in committee, director, and chair roles. Susan has also previously served on the Mary Ward International Board and as Chair of the Mary Ward International Grants Allocation Committee.
Beyond the Loreto network, Susan brings broad governance experience through directorships and committee roles across a diverse range of organisations.
Her expertise in leadership, strategic planning, organisational development, and innovation brings valuable insight to Mary Ward International as it continues to grow and evolve.
Mary Cook is the Director of Advancement and Community at Kincoppal-Rose Bay School, where she leads fundraising across major gifts, bequests, annual giving, and capital development.
Mary has worked in advancement, fundraising, and community relations for more than 20 years. Her career includes senior development roles at Loreto Normanhurst, the University of Sydney, and Kincoppal-Rose Bay.
She has also contributed her expertise through committee and foundation roles, including with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Catholic Health Care, and the Jean Sutherland Richard Bonython Foundation.
Mary brings deep experience in relationship building, philanthropy, and community engagement to the Mary Ward International Board.
Chris Dureau lives on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung people in Ballarat.
He is an adult educator, community development practitioner, and cross-cultural social psychologist with extensive experience in international development across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
Chris brings a strong commitment to inclusion, gender equality, and social justice. His work is grounded in the belief that every person holds insight, strength, and gifts that can contribute to the common good.
He has served on the boards of international development organisations, including Jesuit Mission, and regularly lectures and communicates on strengths-based approaches to community development.
Soulla Nicodimou brings extensive finance, governance, and management experience to the Mary Ward International Board.
Her connection with Mary Ward International began during her time as Interim Director, Finance & Business, and Company Secretary. Through this role, she developed a deep appreciation for the values of freedom, justice, sincerity, verity, and felicity, and the work these values continue to inspire.
Soulla’s background in finance and bookkeeping has taken her across Australia and internationally, including work connected to Africa, Asia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
She brings practical financial insight, strong governance experience, and a clear commitment to responsible stewardship.
Alzira Reis is a leader in community development and child rights in Timor-Leste.
For more than 10 years, Alzira has worked to advance the rights of women and children through roles across local non-government organisations, bilateral programs, and government initiatives. She is currently the Country Director of ChildFund Timor-Leste.
Alzira also serves on the boards of several non-government and government institutions in Timor-Leste, contributing her expertise, local knowledge, and strategic insight.
She brings valuable experience in locally led development, child protection, gender equity, and community strengthening to the Mary Ward International Board.
Felicity Knobel is the Assistant Principal: Faith and Identity at Loreto College Ballarat.
Her background is in secondary education, with a focus on theology, English, and history. Through her teaching and leadership, Felicity has helped students engage deeply with the Loreto tradition, the values of Mary Ward, and the call to act with justice, sincerity, freedom, verity, and felicity.
Felicity brings a strong understanding of Loreto education and formation, as well as a deep commitment to faith, learning, and service.
Her experience strengthens the connection between Mary Ward International and the wider Loreto school community.
Genevieve Walker brings deep experience in gender equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Her career has focused on advancing gender justice through strategic partnerships, project leadership, research, and collaboration across Australia, Asia, and the Pacific.
Genevieve has worked with diverse teams, government and non-government agencies, research institutions, academics, and community stakeholders to support meaningful, inclusive outcomes.
She brings strong expertise in intersectional gender justice, partnership development, and strategic thinking to the Mary Ward International Board.
Kien Nguyen brings a strong connection to Mary Ward’s legacy and the Loreto mission through his service on the Loreto Vietnam Advisory Board, the Mary Ward International Finance & Audit Committee, and his experience as a Loreto parent.
Kien is committed to strong governance, effective operations, and responsible stewardship, recognising their importance in building donor trust and supporting Mary Ward International’s mission.
As Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee, Kien supports the organisation’s continued growth and long-term sustainability in line with Mary Ward International’s vision and long-term sustainability.
He brings valuable insight in governance, finance, and accountability to the Mary Ward International Board.
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