Our Team
3,000 generations of culture and history
20 years combined experience in the public and private sectors
Katja Gvozdenovic
Policy, strategy, monitoring & evaluation
LL.B. Bachelor of Laws
Katja is a Ngadju woman raised on Noongar Boodjar. Witnessing the systemic burdens and racism that affect mob motivated her to study law at the University of Western Australia. Since her graduation, she has worked across the public and private sectors including for Wesfarmers and the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Her career is focused on the project planning, policy and monitoring and evaluation of projects and processes that produce meaningful benefits for Aboriginal people.
She loves having difficult conversations, improving the lives of Aboriginal people through her work, and picking up new hobbies every few months.
Samantha Shepherd
Stakeholder engagement, caring for country, stewardship
B.S. Environmental Engineering
Sam is a Jaru woman from Wyndham, with family in Halls Creek and Balgo. Sam studied environmental engineering at the University of Western Australia, her thesis focusing on drinking water quality in remote Aboriginal communities.
Her experiences have given her the ability to take a balanced approach to problem-solving. She is passionate about navigating the complexities in regional and remote communities to ensure equity and the delivery of quality programs to assist Aboriginal people to reach their goals.
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She loves spending her time with her kids, being in the bush and playing footy (she is a Muludja Lions premiership player).
Kez Romero
Strategic planning, reporting and governance
Kez is a Yamatji Badimia woman from the Mid West of Western Australia. She is passionate about cultural safety and creating systems change that centres Aboriginal voices.
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Her lived experience has shown her that learning does not always come through formal qualifications. Her strength lies in her commitment to continuous learning and her determination to understand the systems, language, and processes that shape people’s lives. By unpacking these complexities, she not only becomes better informed but also helps others navigate with confidence and advocate for themselves.
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Kez has extensive professional experience supporting organisations on their reconciliation journeys, helping them move beyond writing a RAP to walking it with integrity and purpose. Outside of work, she is dedicated to her beautifully big, blended family.
Crystal Quartermaine
Stakeholder engagement, graphic design, logistics
Crystal Quartermaine is a Noongar woman with apical ties to the Katanning region and surrounding southwest areas, stretching back up to Dwellingup and Perth. Born in Perth, her work is driven by her deep connection to her people, her mob, and wider community.
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Crystal is passionate about Country and the environment, which is rooted in her experiences of returning to Country for healing and connection. Crystal is committed to building strong, effective communication and understanding between Aboriginal communities and the Western world, ensuring voices are heard and partnerships are authentic.
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Crystal is also an experienced artist and loves to use her skills to bring life and storytelling to standard reports and documents.
While we aren't actively hiring, we are always open to hearing from those who believe in our mission and could contribute their talents to our team.
Expressions of interest can be sent to katja@kaalabarna.com.au
