Who We Are
A small group of Rebels, Rule-breakers and trouble makers.
We are a diverse team of curious, collaborative and entrepreneurial individuals guided by shared beliefs, passion which inform the impact we hope to amplify.
We have extensive experience in education, curriculum design, project management, and community engagement, and we use these skills to break the rules.
Our Why
The Growing Epidemic of Educational Disadvantage in Australia ↘
Young People Want Something Radically Different ↘
Our Commitment to Creating a Better Future ↘
We Can't Do It Alone ↘
Our Community & Collaborators
The Team
The Learning Exchange’s core team, Fred Heidt and Rose Lacoon Williamson, provide guidance and support to realise each New School’s ambitious educational vision, establishing simplicity within the complexities of educational innovation.
Each balances diligent attendance to the school establishment process with a deep understanding of the challenges faced - by young people and those working to create better outcomes.
They actively lead initiatives at Youth Inc. Enterprise Academy and have been instrumental in establishing essential partnerships with government, philanthropic organisations, and other stakeholders. They are experienced school founders, combining their experience from startup challenges, day-to-day operational tasks, and a constantly expanding network of connections.
Fred and Rose come with decades of hard-won expertise and contacts transversing sectors - from business administration, finance, management and strategy skills to complementary community development, social needs assessment and customer experience expertise.
The People
Fred Heidt
(he/him)
Executive Principal, Youth Inc.
Rose Lacoon-Williamson
(she/her)
Executive Director, Youth Inc. Learning Exchange
