Minerva Network is delighted to announce the appointment of leading Chair, board director, governance consultant and professional mentor Sarah Zeljko (GAICD) as our new Queensland Chapter Co-Lead.
Sarah joins Professor Sarah Kelly OAM in leading the Queensland Chapter as Minerva continues to grow its support for high-performing women athletes across the state, particularly in the lead-up to the Brisbane2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In this role Sarah will also become a member of the national Minerva Council, working alongside the Minerva Board and other State Chapter leaders to change the game for Australia’s women athletes.
Sarah takes the baton from Ann Sherry AO, who steps down after 2.5 years of exceptional leadership. Under Ann’s stewardship, Minerva’s support for Queensland sportswomen more than trebled, now reaching over 320 high performing women athletes across 50 sports, supported by a growing network of more than 120 business and professional women mentors. Ann also previously led the Minerva NSW Chapter for several years before returning to her home state of Queensland.
In welcoming Sarah, Minerva Network Co-Founder and Chair Christine McLoughlin AM also paid tribute to Ann’s significant legacy.
“Ann is one of the most respected business leaders in the country, and her deep passion and commitment to empowering women in sport has helped shape Minerva’s national success. Her work has been central to achieving our recent milestone of supporting 1000 sportswomen across more than 80 sports nationwide.”
Sarah Zeljko brings deep expertise across the corporate and public sectors. She is Chair of Energy Queensland and a Non-Executive Director of Stockyard Beef, Unitywater and Intellidesign. In 2024, she was also appointed to the not-for-profit board roles of Queensland Rugby Union and the International River Foundation. An experienced Minerva Mentor herself, Sarah is passionate about lifting women in sport and business.
“Our sportswomen are amongst the best in the world,” Sarah said. “It’s a privilege to step into this role alongside Sarah Kelly and build on Ann’s great work during this once-in-a-lifetime green and gold decade for Queensland.”
Ann Sherry will continue to be an active Minerva Mentor and advocate.
“It’s been an honour to support so many incredible sportswomen and see their journeys unfold. I look forward to continuing to champion Minerva’s mission as a proud mentor.”
We thank Ann for her outstanding contribution and warmly welcome Sarah Zeljko to the Minerva Network leadership.
