Meet the Board of Directors
Yogahood Australia's Board of Directors is made up of a diverse group of highly qualified professionals in law, finance, psychology, strategic planning, IT, marketing and non-profit management.
They are voluntary contributors responsible for governing Yogahood Australia and upholding our vision and mission.
Joseph Antony
I am a seasoned executive with extensive experience in leadership, strategy, and product development, particularly focused on healthcare innovation for underserved communities. My background also includes governance through various Board and Advisory roles.
Beyond my professional journey, I am a passionate yoga practitioner and teacher, having completed my training in Ashtanga and Yin yoga.
Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness have profoundly influenced my life. These practices are central to my daily existence and shape my personal well-being. I am deeply grateful for the positive impact yoga has had on my life.
At Yogahood, I am inspired by the unique opportunity to share the transformative benefits of yoga with populations that often lack access to these practices. I believe that those who stand to gain the most from yoga’s approach are the very communities we aim to serve.
Clare Bannon
I am a governance, risk, and compliance professional with 15 years of experience in establishing strategic and operational optimisation across various sectors, including large multinationals, start-ups, not-for-profits, consulting firms, and financial regulators.
I have a proven track record in designing and implementing robust risk and compliance frameworks that receive endorsement from Boards, government agencies, and regulators. As a key advisor in corporate vision and transformation, I am passionate about helping organisations navigate complex regulatory environments while ensuring their operations remain resilient and compliant.
My journey with yoga began nearly 20 years ago in India, and I am now a qualified yoga teacher. Yoga has profoundly influenced my life, particularly in supporting my mental health. I am eager to share its healing benefits with the wider community through the initiatives at Yogahood.
Melissa Mendoza
Strategic leader and social entrepreneur with expertise in Finance, Strategy, and Operations, dedicated to driving organizational success and creating meaningful social impact. With an MBA and a global perspective, she adopts a forward-thinking, results-driven approach to leadership, focusing on streamlining operations, leading cross-functional teams, and developing innovative programs that deliver measurable outcomes.
A passionate advocate for mental health, particularly in perinatal wellbeing, Melissa has transitioned into purpose-driven work, applying her strategic expertise to enhance mental health services and accessibility.
As the Founder of The Shift Holistic Wellbeing—a social enterprise supporting culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families—Melissa has developed and facilitated peer-led wellbeing programs, showcasing her leadership in community engagement and service innovation.
Her motivation to join Yogahood is rooted in a deep belief in the transformative power of yoga as a mental health tool. Having personally experienced its benefits, she is committed to expanding access to yoga for vulnerable communities.
Jay Mukherjee
Rosalind Hyde
Mawuse Ziegbe
Originally from Sydney and now based in New York City, I serve as the Vice President of US Sales at D’Addario, bringing extensive experience in commercial operations, sales strategy, and partnership development to Yogahood.
I discovered yoga during the pandemic, a time when I initially felt intimidated by the practice. This experience fuels my passion for increasing access to yoga, ensuring that everyone can benefit from its healing properties.
I see significant potential for international outreach and partnerships, particularly within the Australian apparel industry, to secure funding and donations that support our initiatives. By leveraging my expertise in building strategic partnerships, I aim to enhance resources for underserved communities and help make yoga accessible to all. I am excited to contribute to Yogahood’s mission and expand its reach.
Suzanne Dwyer
I am a communication professional with 30 years of experience, dedicated to making communication a strategic asset for businesses. With a focus on reputation management in the financial services sector, I have worked both in-house and as a consultant. I am based in my home city of Sydney, having also lived and worked in Melbourne and London.
Having personally experienced the numerous benefits of yoga for both the mind and body, I have witnessed its positive impact on those around me. I would be honoured to contribute to facilitating these benefits for others through Yogahood.
