UQ alumnus takes on top NGO job

UQ alumna Lizzie Brown has been named as incoming CEO of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Australia.

The not-for-profit organisation works with disadvantaged communities to improve their quality of life through education and the implementation of sustainable engineering projects.

Ms Brown worked as operations director at EWB and will take on her new role from May as founder Daniel Almagor steps down as CEO.

She was based at the EWB University of Queensland office and will move to their Melbourne headquarters to take up her appointment.

Ms Brown founded the first EWB Queensland chapter in 2004, eventually leaving full time engineering consultancy work to become the part time education officer for EWB in 2006.

Since that time she has launched the incredibly successful EWB Challenge design program for first year engineering students across Australia and has been instrumental in the management of all EWB operations.

Ms Brown said she was very excited about her new role with Engineers Without Borders and she felt very privileged to have the opportunity.

“As EWB’s new CEO, I will do everything I can to support and lead our amazing community of staff, members and partner organisations to facilitate meaningful and lasting change both overseas and in Australia," she said.

“I’m certain this transition will help strengthen the EWB-UQ partnership even more.”

EWB has more than 5,000 members, 20 chapters, and in the last year alone, well over 100 volunteers working directly in sustainable community development projects both in Australia and overseas.

Media: Lizzie Brown on 0421 934 655 or Abby Campbell at the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology on 07 3346 7696 or abby@uq.edu.au.