Emma Sydenham

Director, Early Childhood

I am passionate about all children building the self-worth and agency to live fulfilling lives. I believe that SVA is well-placed to support positive changes in the structures, systems and processes that contribute to poverty and exclusion in Australia to see this happen.

Emma is the Director of Early Childhood at Social Ventures Australia (SVA), developing SVA’s systems change program to work towards a reality where all children in Australia have the opportunities they need to thrive.

Emma is a driven and passionate human rights and social justice advocate, with over 15 years of national and international experience in legal analysis and policy development, research, advocacy, coalition-building and organisational management. Emma started her career in law at Allens Linklaters (then Allens Arthur Robinson) before moving into the international human rights field to focus on poverty and human rights, with particular focus on women, children and First Nations peoples. Back in Australia, Emma most recently worked as Interim CEO and Deputy CEO with SNAICC, the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Emma holds a Masters of Law (with high distinction), specialising in the International Protection of Human Rights, from The Netherlands Institute of Human Rights, Utrecht University, and a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts (major in Psychology), with First Class Honours in Law, from the University of Tasmania.