The Team

Dr Jess Berentson-Shaw, Director of Narrative Research and Strategy

Lizzie Edwards, Director of Operations and Business Development

Lizzie is an experienced business development professional who is committed to building strategic relationships and connecting people for positive outcomes. Having completed a Bachelor of Communication Studies, Lizzie has worked across local government, corporate and the not-for-profit sectors to assist in having clear goals, managing expectations and demonstrating impact. She has experience in sustainable fundraising and values building strong relationships that lead to aligned outcomes for all involved.

As mother to a young daughter, it is important to Lizzie to play a role in making sure more people can access and use The Workshop’s insights and research, so that we can collectively move towards evidence-informed decisions. 

Email: lizzie@theworkshop.org.nz

Advisory Board & Trustees

The Workshop’s Advisory Board (who are also the trustees) provides advice, guidance and oversight to ensure that The Workshop is implementing its strategy and delivering on our values and mission.

Amanda Reid, Chair

Amanda Reid is the Chief Executive of BERL, bringing over 25 years of experience in research, evaluation, and policy analysis across the social and economic sectors. Her expertise spans research on the Māori economy, education, workforce development, community wellbeing, and social impact. Amanda has a strong background in governance, having served on various boards including Trade Aid, Dress for Success Wellington, and the Wellington Film Society, and is a member of the Zonta Club of Wellington. She is passionate about using data and evidence to inform decision-making and drive positive outcomes for communities. As Chair of The Workshop's Board, Amanda provides strategic guidance to ensure the organisation delivers on its mission and values.

Mandy Smith

Mandy Smith drives community led systems change in the rangatahi space in her role as a Community Catalyst for Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation. She believes that through collaboration and innovative approaches that value the voices of lived experience we can create change. Her work across the not-for-profit sector, in youth development and finance roles as well as board roles have unlocked a passion for philanthropy. Mandy’s Samoan heritage and time studying in a bi-cultural Māori / Pakeha environment inspire her to advocate for Māori and Pasifika success.

Timoti Brown

Timoti Brown brings over 20 years of public sector experience to his current role in the advisory division of a professional services firm. His expertise lies in systems thinking, systems transformation, and respecting the inclusion of mātauranga Māori in these spaces. He is passionate about addressing inequities and making a positive societal impact. This can be paraphrased using the whakataukī (proverb): "Ko te ao tara aitū ki te ara matua – from a world of calamity to a path of clarity," reflecting his commitment to guiding positive change.

Founders

The Workshop was founded by Dr Jess Berentson-Shaw and Marianne Elliott in 2017.

Marianne Elliot

Marianne Elliott is a legally-trained public narrative researcher and strategist who has used story-based research, advocacy and campaigning to influence policy in New Zealand and elsewhere over the past two decades. Marianne has significant experience implementing research-informed narrative strategies in communications, campaigns and advocacy on issues ranging from mental health and criminal justice to climate change and family poverty.

Associates