Stephanie Copus Campbell Biography
Stephanie Copus Campbell is an Australian diplomat and advocate for gender equality, curre ntly serving as Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality. Appointed in December 2022 by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, she leads Australia’s international efforts to promote gender equality and the human rights of women and girls.
Ms. Copus Campbell has extensive experience across the public, private, philanthropic, and community sectors in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. She has held senior roles, including heading Australia’s bilateral aid programs with Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Tuvalu, as well as leading Australia’s Pacific Regional programs.
Beyond her diplomatic career, she has been actively involved in initiatives supporting survivors of family and sexual violence. She is a founding director of Femili PNG, an organization providing services to such survivors.
Stephanie Copus Campbell Age
Stephanie Copus Campbell’s exact age is not publicly disclosed.
Stephanie Copus Campbell Early Life and Educational Background
Stephanie Copus Campbell grew up in Alaska, where she was influenced by the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the region’s environment and community dynamics. Her upbringing in this remote and rugged part of the world likely shaped her resilience, adaptability, and commitment to addressing social issues.
After completing her early education in Alaska, Stephanie pursued higher studies in the United States. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, graduating summa cum laude. Her academic journey continued at Cambridge University, where she obtained a Master of Philosophy in International Relations.
At the age of 25, Stephanie moved to Australia, joining the Australian Red Cross. This marked the beginning of her deep connection to the region and her professional focus on international development, particularly in the Pacific.
Stephanie Copus Campbell Career
Stephanie Copus Campbell has built a distinguished career spanning three decades, focusing on international development, gender equality, and social impact in Australia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and the Pacific region. Below is an extensive overview of her professional journey, highlighting her contributions across various sectors and roles.
Leadership at the Oil Search Foundation (2014-2022)
Stephanie served as the Executive Director of the Oil Search Foundation (OSF) from 2014 to 2022, where she established a USD $100 million organization focused on sustainable community development. Under her leadership, the OSF implemented transformative health, education, and gender-based programs, significantly impacting local communities across PNG. Her work emphasized partnerships with resource companies to create long-term social and economic benefits.
Chair of the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority
From 2018 to 2023, Stephanie chaired the PNG Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority Board. In this capacity, she strengthened health governance, addressing systemic challenges in delivering healthcare services to some of PNG’s most remote and underserved regions. Her efforts helped improve access to maternal and child health services.
Advocacy for Gender Equality
In December 2022, Stephanie was appointed as Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality. In this role, she advocates globally for women’s rights, economic empowerment, and the elimination of gender-based violence. This appointment underscores her extensive experience in international development and her commitment to advancing gender equality as a cornerstone of Australia’s foreign policy.
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Founding Femili PNG and Social Impact Initiatives
Stephanie is the founding director of Femili PNG, an organization that provides critical support to survivors of family and sexual violence. She continues to champion innovative solutions through Femili PNG’s social-impact coffee business, which supports female coffee growers and funds domestic violence survivor services across PNG.
Roles in International Aid
Between 2009 and 2011, Stephanie headed Australia’s aid program in PNG, managing substantial bilateral aid projects. Additionally, she led programs in Fiji and Tuvalu, focusing on regional development and infrastructure. Earlier, she worked with AusAID on development cooperation with China, demonstrating her expertise in fostering international partnerships.
Academic and Government Contributions
Beyond fieldwork, Stephanie has contributed to academia as a lecturer in international relations at Deakin University. She has also held key roles within the Australian government, influencing policies related to environment, infrastructure, and development cooperation.
Board Memberships and Philanthropy
Stephanie has served on several prominent boards, including UNICEF Australia and the Harold Mitchell Foundation. Her philanthropic work extends to promoting social inclusion and health equity, leveraging her positions to advocate for vulnerable communities.
Volunteer Work and Wildlife Advocacy
In addition to her professional achievements, Stephanie is a dedicated volunteer. She supports palliative care services at Clare Holland House Hospice and rescues wildlife through ACT Wildlife. Her passion for biodiversity protection aligns with her broader commitment to sustainable development.
Recognitions and Ongoing Impact
Stephanie’s career is marked by numerous accolades, including her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2021. She continues to inspire change through her role as Ambassador for Gender Equality and her ongoing involvement in development and advocacy projects across the Pacific and beyond.
Stephanie Copus Campbell Net Worth
Stephanie Copus Campbell’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. She has had a distinguished career in international development and diplomacy, including roles such as Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality and Executive Director of the Oil Search Foundation. However, specific financial details about her personal wealth are not available in public records.
Stephanie Copus Campbell Husband and Children
Stephanie Copus Campbell is married to General Angus Campbell, the Chief of the Australian Defence Force. Together, they have two adult children.
FAQs
Who is Stephanie Copus Campbell?
Stephanie Copus Campbell is an Australian diplomat, humanitarian, and advocate for gender equality. She currently serves as Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, focusing on international advocacy for gender equity and women’s empowerment.
What is her current role as Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality?
In her role, Stephanie leads Australia’s global efforts to promote gender equality. She advocates for the inclusion of women in decision-making across various sectors and aims to eliminate barriers to their full participation in society.
What are some of her significant career achievements?
Stephanie has held leadership positions in public, private, and non-profit sectors, including heading Australia’s aid programs in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Fiji, and Tuvalu. She also served as the Executive Director of the Oil Search Foundation, focusing on social development and sustainability in PNG.
What boards or organizations is she affiliated with?
Stephanie is a founding director of Femili PNG, a non-profit supporting survivors of family and sexual violence, and has served on the boards of UNICEF Australia, the Harold Mitchell Foundation, and the PNG City Pharmacy Group.
What recognition has she received for her work?
In 2021, Stephanie was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her contributions to social development in PNG and the Pacific region.
