Nearing 20 years in the education sector, Smeeta has worked across a variety of roles that focus on empowering young people through education, including school improvement, teacher training and child wellbeing. Her research on widening access in Go8 and Rusell Group Universities has been published internationally.

Through senior leadership roles in the community and government sector, Smeeta has led the rollout of trauma-informed practice and systems-based change across schools, family violence and community services sectors. She brings a deep understanding of place-based implementation within national and state contexts, and experience harnessing the voice of communities and young people to inform meaningful change.

As National Program Director for Power to Kids, Smeeta is committed to strengthening prevention and responses to child sexual abuse. She is an avid advocate for safeguarding and

empowering young people experiencing the highest levels of risk, complexity, and vulnerability.