Our Team
Meet Rowena O’Neill,
Consultant, Economic and Social Policy
Rowena is a strategic adviser with over a decade of experience in for-profit and for-purpose contexts.
Most recently, Rowena was Systems Change and Leadership Manager at The Front Project, an independent national enterprise working to improve quality and create positive change in Australia's early childhood education system. There she established a systems leadership initiative, The Apiary, a learning journey to develop system thinking and build senior executive leadership capacity across the sector. In addition, Rowena spent almost 10 years working in equity capital markets at Macquarie Capital and in investment management at Macquarie Funds Group.
Rowena has a passion for social change, with experience in for-purpose leadership including use of strategic communications and creative planning to drive successful development outcomes for national social enterprise Fitted for Work. Rowena is a Founding member and former Curator of the Sydney Hub of the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum and one of 450 city based Hubs around the world.
Rowena holds a Masters of Finance from INSEAD as well as a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) from the University of Sydney.
Connect with Rowena
rowena.oneill@equityeconomics.com.au
A chat with Rowena
What is your favourite quote?
“Take responsibility for the energy you bring.” – Dr Jill Bolte Taylor.
It reminds me of each individual’s own capacity for change and leadership, while also recognising the privilege (and associated responsibility) that many of us have in influencing outcomes.
What is the best part about working at Equity?
Creating change for and with those experiencing disadvantage by working in true collaboration with clients, the broad (and growing!) team, those with lived experience, funding partners and broader policy community.
What can clients expect from you?
When we work together, I’ll bring a deep sense of curiosity about how the world can be different, combined with the expertise, rigour and passion to get the job done.
Meet the rest of the team