Karen Lindley AM

"Never wait for rescue - became the responder. When the system doesn’t rise, stand tall. When hope flickers, light the fire."

Karen Lindley AM

Karen is a transformative leader, public speaker, and business mentor with over 40 years of experience across social justice and the gem industry. Awarded the Order of Australia (AM) for her services to social welfare and business, she is known for her strategic leadership, advocacy, and deep impact. As Chair of SAMSN, she has driven policy reform and organisational growth.

Karen lends her expertise to board appointments, keynote speaking, and mentoring roles that align with purpose, resilience, and meaningful change.

- Nationally recognised with an Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to social welfare and the Australian gem industry

- Chair of Survivors & Mates Support Network (SAMSN), leading Australia’s foremost not-for-profit supporting adult male survivors of child sexual abuse

- Over a decade of board-level leadership and strategic advocacy, influencing state and federal policy in trauma support and justice

- Proven fundraising expert with a strong national network, securing major grants and donations for frontline community services

- Two decades of voluntary work supporting victims of child sexual assault, collaborating with legal teams, police, and victim advocacy groups to secure justice and restitution

- Award-winning jeweller and valuer with more than 40 years of industry experience, specialising in Australian opals and pink diamonds

- Former business owner, mentor to women in microbusiness, and strategic advisor to the jewellery and small business sectors

- Sought-after speaker on topics including trauma-informed leadership, justice reform, ethical business, resilience, and purpose-driven work

- Available for paid speaking engagements, board roles in values-aligned organisations, and select business mentorship opportunities

Professional Summary

AWARDS

Key Skills

  • Strategic Board Leadership

  • Public Speaking & Advocacy

  • Mentoring & Coaching (Women in Business)

  • Fundraising & Philanthropy

  • Policy Influence & Government Relations

  • Legal and Victim Support Liaison

  • Stakeholder Engagement

  • Community Sector Strategy

  • Ethical Business Development

  • Trauma-Informed Governance

  • Jewellery Industry Expertise

  • Australian Opal & Pink Diamond Authority

  • Media & Public Relations

  • Grant Acquisition & Management

  • Team Leadership & Collaboration

  • Resilience & Purpose-Driven Leadership

Testimonials

  • Over the years as a member of Lillian’s Management Committee, Karen has overseen the good governance of the organisation, assisting in making good financial decisions and her expertise lies within generating income and the development of strategies for positive outcomes.

    Vivian Stavis, Manager, Lillian Howell Project Inc.

  • Karen has to be one of the most committed, loyal and enjoyable people I know. She is a true master at her craft, creating beautiful pieces that are just exquisite, and a networker who knows the true meaning of networking. I would recommend Karen for anything - her tenacity and dedication to the task at hand makes her one of the more inspiring people on this planet.

    Kim McGuinness

    Community & business strategist | Organisational Coach (AIECL)| Head of Membership & Marketing - Institute of Executive Coaching & Leadership (IECL) | Advisor - The Community Collective

  • Karen is a woman of enormous dedication and energy. A gemmologist, valuer and designer, she is an astute business woman and a passionate advocate for the jewellery industry. She has been a pioneering authority on Australian opals and has won international design awards Karen has taken active roles on many boards, where her input is invaluable She generously contributes her time to seek improvement, whether it be for her industry or for social justice.

    Jo Tory

    President - Jewellers Association Of Australia

MEDIA

Contact Details