Meet the Board

  • Amelia White

    CHAIR

    I joined The Hive in 2021 as the Director of Events, to lead the Hive’s event strategy.  This was an excellent opportunity for me to mould the role into a position that could truly benefit The Hive and ensure our events are memorable and leave a lasting impression on our community.

    As the Chair, I oversee the strategic direction of the board and focus on fostering a connected community.

    Outside of Hive, I take every opportunity to explore our beautiful state. I’m always on the hunt for a quaint café, charming cellar door, and unordinary experiences.

  • Erica Jolly

    VICE-CHAIR

    In my role as Vice Chair, I focus on supporting our strategic initiatives and helping to drive our mission forward. I work closely with the board to ensure that we create valuable experiences for our members and a supportive community.

    I joined The Hive in 2020 when I was new to Tasmania, seeking to connect with like-minded women. After feeling welcomed and inspired at my first event, I volunteered and eventually joined the board.

    Outside of The Hive, I enjoy gardening, running, and reading, though I tend to hibernate through the Tassie weather.

  • Dionie Lippis

    TREASURER

    In my role as Treasurer, I am responsible for managing the organisation’s budget, ensuring financial transparency, and overseeing financial reporting and compliance.

    I am an accountant and sourdough enthusiast. I can gladly talk to you at length about profit or bread hydration percentages. I have a passion for women’s empowerment and I love collaborating with women and seeing them thrive.

  • Luisa Strano

    SECRETARY

    I had originally attended a number of Hive events and after participating in a few of those I decided I wanted to join Hive as a board member. I became the Secretary in September 2022. In my role, I oversee the organisation’s administrative, legal and governance functions, as well as our board compliance. This suits me well as I have a background working in Human Resources.

    I moved down to Tassie from Sydney in April 2018 for a lifestyle change and love living in Hobart.

  • Rishini Dias

    DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING AND GRANTS

    My role is centered around drafting grant applications, securing financial support and expanding fundraising opportunities to further our mission and enhance our impact

    I joined The Hive because I wanted to support a community initiative that aligns with my passions for community building.

  • Nikia Cole

    DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT

    I joined The Hive in 2022 as the Director of Fundraising and Grants, with the purpose to gain board experience and learn new skills. I found so much more, including a community of supportive women and a fun board to work with.

    In my spare time you can find me enjoying the plants at my favourite local brewery or catching up with friends for a Tassie gin or wine.

  • Suwani Dona

    DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

    I stumbled upon Hive Collective during a Google search for a networking community, craving those meaningful connections.

    From the moment I stepped into my first event, I felt right at home—warm and welcomed. Through Hive, I've had the pleasure of meeting Anna and Aimee, forging friendships that continue to grow. The discussions here are always fascinating, and I've had the chance to connect with some truly remarkable individuals.

Meet our Strategic Advisors

The Hive Collective founders: Linda & Annie

The Hive Collective was founded by us, Linda Karlsson and Annie Gatenby. Our journey began from a shared vision and a deep desire to create a supportive community for women in Tasmania. Working in the same office, we had a chat in our tiny kitchen one day and we both realised we were looking for a supportive community group in Hobart, Tasmania but hadn’t been able to find one. 

Together, we decided to create The Hive.

We had our first event in November 2018 and so many women showed up on the day we didn’t even have enough chairs for everyone! From then on, The Hive grew. Today, we are an incorporated not-for-profit with a board of directors. During the year, we will host events for Hivers. In our events, we invite speakers to talk on various topics sharing their expertise or run workshop to help develop new skills. Our mission at The Hive Collective is to create an inclusive environment where women can be inspired to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in their workplaces, communities, and lives. Importantly, we hope Hive can serve as a platform for new friendships. 

In 2024, Linda and Annie, along with The Hive’s Board of Directors, established The Hive Collective Advisory Board. Linda and Annie transitioned from their roles as Chair and Vice-Chair to join the Advisory Board. They now serve on the Advisory Board, offering guidance and support to The Hive’s Board of Directors as needed. They also directly mentor the new Chair and Vice-Chair.

If you’re interested in contributing to The Hive and our community, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Linda Karlsson

    CO-FOUNDER & STRATEGIC ADVISOR

    Hello! My name is Linda, and I'm the co-founder of The Hive Collective.

    We started The Hive because we wanted to build a platform for women in Tasmania to connect, make new friendships, and learn new skills.

    I had recently moved to Tasmania and was struggling to find a similar community group.

    Today, The Hive Collective is a thriving community of women from all walks of life and industries.

    I run my own business named Folket Consultancy. Folket is Swedish and means “the folks”. We’re a team of folks who help organisations solve challenges through collaboration, placing their expertise at the centre.

    I am originally from Sweden but now call Australia and Tasmania my home. 

  • Annie Gatenby

    CO-FOUNDER & STRATEGIC ADVISOR

    Hi! My name is Annie and I’m the co-founder of The Hive Collective. 

    We started the Hive Collective together as we realised we both shared the same need for a community group in Tasmania and couldn’t find one.

    I have a background working in tech and often found myself being the only woman in the room.

    I am passionate about growing and empowering the community to create a positive impact for every Hiver.

    Outside of Hive, you are likely to find me busy renovating my old house, gardening or taking my dog Daisy for a play.