TEACH . NURTURE . UNLIMIT
Leadership Team
Our Board is made up of passionate leaders who freely give their time, expertise, and energy to Step1. Serving without salary, each member is united by a shared belief: that education and compassion can break cycles of poverty and spark lasting transformation.
David Lee
Director
“Even the smallest acts can make a real difference.”
David has dedicated his career to helping others find their path, drawing on more than a decade’s experience in migration and education consultancy. Since founding Unireach in 2009 and becoming a registered migration agent in 2011, David finds fulfillment in helping others, guiding many with integrity and care over the years.
Deeply moved by witnessing the life-threatening plight of asylum seekers firsthand, David channeled this conviction into Step1. His commitment to this cause is rooted in the belief that education is the foundation for lasting change and brighter futures.
To David, success is seeing today’s marginalized children living with dignity, purpose, and hope in the future as confident, resilient adults who can support their families and communities. Above all, he hopes to inspire kindness that creates ripples of change for generations to come.
David sits on the board of Rehoboth Christian College, volunteers at his local church, and serves fulfilling his duties as a Justice of the Peace.
Sudha Niles
Director
“Any effort, no matter how small, contributes to restoring hope.”
Sudha has spent over two decades in leadership in the rail transport sector. A values-driven leader with extensive experience in governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance, he is recognised for honesty, integrity, and thought leadership.
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Sudha grew up in a third-world country and knows firsthand the harsh realities of poverty. What hit him hardest was not the lack of resources, but the loss of hope when someone stops believing good can happen to them. This is why Step1 resonates deeply with him. More than just meeting needs, it’s about restoring dignity and creating lasting transformation through education and training.
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His true joy comes from seeing the spark in someone’s eyes, when hope reignites the belief they can shape their own future. For Sudha, success is not only children and families overcoming hardship, but flourishing where once-trapped lives now thrive with opportunity and dignity.
Diana Yee
Director
“Every person has an innate desire to achieve their full potential.”
With 20 years experience as a speech therapist, Diana helps individuals with speech and language difficulties unlock their full potential. By working closely with families and schools, she supports people in their journeys to success by guiding them and nurturing their confidence to be inspiring communicators.
Passionate about STEP1’s similar cause, which unlimits and enables disadvantaged children through English education, Diana is committed to playing a key role in making a lasting difference.
For her, success is found in the milestones of every child, whether it’s spelling a new word, articulating clearly, or moving from one-word utterances to two. Above all, she loves seeing their joy as they embrace each challenge with courage and hope.
Joseph Ling
Director
“Nothing on Earth is ours to keep. My joy is to give while we still can.”
Joseph spent nearly 30 years building businesses that combine vision with impact, from a tech start-up in the internet boom to co-founding one of Western Australia’s largest horticultural enterprises. Throughout his professional journey, he has also given decades to community service through Making Life Better Charity as co-founder and director, and as a board member of Perth Christian Life Centre (now Kingdomcity).
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Joseph’s calling into Step1 is inspired by his father, who overcame poverty only to return to his village to be teacher and headmaster. Joseph’s firsthand witness of how education broke cycles of poverty aligns deeply with the beliefs of Step1, where hope and opportunity are given to the often overlooked.
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Anchored by his faith, Joseph believes success isn’t measured in numbers but in changed lives: children breaking free from limitations, discovering their God-given gifts, and shaping futures for themselves, their families, and communities. His greatest joy is knowing that our investment in others today can impact generations.
Jennifer Otu
Director
“Opportunity and transformation begin with proper education.”
Jennifer Otu is a primary school teacher in Western Australia who has dedicated her career to nurturing young minds. A mother of two, she and her husband Joseph are actively involved in their church, serving as leaders and coaches in their community.
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Jennifer has always carried a passion for helping the underprivileged, not merely through handouts but by working towards lasting change. She believes education is the key that opens doors to brighter futures and breaks the cycle of poverty. This conviction led her to join STEP1, where she can champion transformation through education.
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Jennifer’s vision is to see children gain the skills to secure meaningful jobs, provide for their families, and be agents of change in their communities. Her love for Jesus and the Bible fuels this vision, guiding her to live out her faith through service, compassion, and a commitment to lifting others.
Dr. Samuel Komakech
Director
“Any opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life is precious.”
Samuel Komakech (Sam), is a dedicated GP at Mandurah Medical Centre and also a supervisor with the Royal College of General Practitioners, where he imparts into the next generation of doctors. A committed Christian, Sam lives out his faith through kindness, honesty, acceptance, and service to everyone he meets.
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Inspired by STEP1’s mission to teach, nurture, and uplift the disadvantaged, Sam found alignment with his own values. His medical training in China gifted him the opportunity to work with foster homes. Using his skills to support orphans, he witnessed the joy of seeing them grow into independent adults. STEP1 offers a chance to make that difference again.
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At the heart of his commitment is a simple truth: every life changed is precious, and true success is measured by seeing individuals thrive because of heartfelt support.
