Endometriosis Australia has appointed Alexis Wolfe as its Chief Executive Officer. Endometriosis Australia is a nationally accredited charity that endeavours to increase recognition to endometriosis, provide endometriosis education programs and funds endometriosis research.

In announcing the appointment, Chair of Endometriosis Australia Professor Jason Abbott said “Alexis comes to Endometriosis Australia with a wealth of knowledge in the not-for-profit/charity sector. Having already worked with the organisation in an advisory role, she has hit the ground running. We look forward to her leadership and advocacy for those with endometriosis and those who care for and about them.”

Wolfe has over 15 years’ experience in marketing and philanthropy, most recently hailing from Mission Australia as a member of their Marketing & Fundraising leadership team and securing over $50M in donations during her tenure. Prior to this, Alexis forged her career working in experiential marketing for renowned agency Maverick Marketing for clients including Coca-Cola, Nestle, Westpac, and Toyota.

“I have long been an admirer of the dedication and progress Endometriosis Australia has made advocating for this disease which affects 830,000 Australian women and those whom identify as non-binary. There continues to be an incredible opportunity to further advance awareness, education, treatment options, and research and I look forward to continuing Endometriosis Australia’s leadership across all areas,” Wolfe said.

“Endometriosis is no longer a silent disease. It is slowly but surely becoming a familiar term in the community. However, many affected by the disease still hide their symptoms from family, friends and colleagues leaving them isolated, vulnerable, and in fear of losing their jobs. I remain committed to Endometriosis Australia’s collaborative approach working with likeminded women’s health organisations, government, patients, philanthropists, clinicians, ambassadors, volunteers, and supporters to increase awareness and deliver quality outcomes for those living with endometriosis,” said Wolfe.

Endometriosis is a common disease in which the tissue that is similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it in other parts of the body. More than 830,000 (more than 11%) of Australian women and those that identify as gender diverse suffer with endometriosis at some point in their life with the disease often starting in teenagers.

Symptoms are variable and this may contribute to the 6.5-year delay in diagnosis.

Common symptoms include pelvic pain that puts life on hold around or during a woman’s menstrual cycle. It can damage fertility. Whilst endometriosis most often affects the reproductive organs, it is frequently found in the bowel and bladder and has been found in muscle, joints, the lungs and the brain.