Employment service Fitted for Work has appointed Donna de Zwart as its CEO to replace outgoing inaugural CEO Jane Hunt.
The organisation is a not-for-profit assisting disadvantaged women in accessing and succeeding in the Australian job market.
De Zwart has served on a number of boards in executive roles, with most of her appointments focusing on working with diverse groups.
“I’m really excited about joining the Fitted for Work team. I hold a great admiration for the work of the organisation. Considering they receive no recurrent government funding, what they have achieved in nine years is simply extraordinary,” de Zwart said.
“We see women not participating in the labour force for a number of legitimate reasons. Many women take time off to fulfil family commitments or to further their education. Some have never needed to work and suddenly their circumstances dictate that they must get a job.”
“Workplaces are often not set up to accommodate people who need part-time or flexible hours. Or they are not interested in employing someone who certainly has the skills but not the specific experience they are looking for. And so, too often, these women miss out on the social inclusion and empowerment that comes with being in employment. ”
Board chairwoman Mary Brooks said de Zwart’s experience working with diverse communities will make her an excellent asset.
“We were keen to find someone with strong leadership skills and business experience in the social enterprise space. So we are delighted to have Donna on board. Donna’s wealth of knowledge and experience of diversity and inclusion issues place her perfectly to grow our advocacy programs, as well as extend our pre- and post-employment services.”
The company aims to grow by 14% in 2015, a task de Zwart will now take on.