Oaktree, a youth-run aid and development charity, has named Shani Cain as the new CEO.  Cain will be succeeding previous CEO, Sashenka Worsman. The Oaktree team said they are excited to see the direction she will take the organisation.

Originally from Ballarat, Cain completed her university education at Deakin’s Geelong campus. She has undertaken cultural study throughout Africa, in Kenya and Malawi, and has completed research work throughout South East Asia, in Cambodia and India. Shani also worked at LIFE Argentina for 6 months. Her previous roles within Australia include working for not-for-profits such as The Centre for Multicultural Health in Ballarat, the Centre for Humanitarian Learning in Semarang Indonesia, World Vision, the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, and the Australian Youth Climate Coalition.

Oaktree has long invested in young people who are determined to create a more just world, and Shani’s ethical work directly aligns with Oaktree’s ethos. Cain is extremely passionate about human rights, gender and youth empowerment, poverty reduction, climate justice, equality, sustainability and social justice.

Cain believes working with Oaktree promotes youth empowerment. “ I am so fortunate to have this unique opportunity to help, inspire, empower and mobilise young people to create a better, more just world together,” she said.

“I am excited about being a part of something much bigger than myself – being part of this huge, wonderful movement of powerful and passionate young people that enables meaningful change for some of the worlds most vulnerable people.”