iPRO PROFILE
Kate Kennedy AM
Director, iPRO
Kate is one of Australia's foremost modern slavery experts.
She has worked in some of the most complex areas of human rights, including modern slavery, child protection and systemic change for the disadvantaged. Kate has worked internationally, within and alongside the United Nations, global governments and the private sector. Kate's social and public sector knowledge has also been a key driver for her works in major property development.
Kate's executive roles have included Strategic Director of World Vision, CEO of Hagar Australia (Southeast Asia), Program Director of The Pratt Foundation and Managing Director of Freedom Fund, New York. She is the founder of Australia’s largest professional volunteer network, goodcompany, and has been non-executive director of Jesuit Publications and MacKillop Family Services. Her strategic and collaborative leadership has helped change the business world for the betterment of those who are disadvantaged or exploited.
Working with Australian and Southeast Asian governments, Kate has successfully advocated for policy and legislative change relating to slavery, abuse including child sexual exploitation, and orphanage tourism. Her work for the Australian Prime Minister and Cabinet saw her research and paper on Current Volunteering in Australia, guide Federal policy and funds. In 2023, Kate was inducted as a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of her leadership in the field of human rights and work in anti-slavery.
Kate joined the board of iPRO in 2023, and her expertise in modern slavery and social impact will help to further the work we're doing with the iPRO Modern Slavery Assessment Tool to help businesses create supply chain transparency, and easily comply with reporting requirements set by the government.