Microenterprise Development | Community Economic Development
We journey with clients and communities providing business support and economic development
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Microenterprise Development | Community Economic Development
We journey with clients and communities providing business support and economic development
Appointed as a Director and Founding Chairman of the Board on 15 November 2007. Peter is the owner and Chief Executive of Intercontinental Shipping and Investment Group. He was a Board member of Opportunity International Australia for a number of years.
John joined Many Rivers in October 2009. He was appointed Managing Director and CEO on 11 April 2014.
Prior to joining Many Rivers, John worked at Commonwealth Bank for 21 years, including 10 years across a range of senior leadership roles.
Appointed as a Director on 23 September 2010. Terry is the Chairman of Converge International Pty Ltd and TasmaNet Pty Ltd and is a Director of Redflex Holdings Limited (ASX: RDF) and TSPI Development Corporation Inc, a Micro Enterprise Development NGO in the Philippines. He has over 30 years experience in operation and governance of microfinance organisations with Opportunity International Network.
Appointed as a Director in August 2012, Sinclair has pioneered, and continues to lead, Westpac’s strategic alliance with Many Rivers. Sinclair is the CEO of the Westpac Foundation and prior to this he was Head of Self-Managed Superannuation Funds with BT Financial Group. Sinclair is an experienced commercial banker and was the founding CEO of Westpac’s Davidson Institute.
Bridget has worked in microenterprise and community development for 18 years. She has worked extensively in South-East Asia, South Asia and Africa; engaged directly with communities and with Microfinance Institutions, building capacity and developing programs. Bridget became involved with Many Rivers in 2009; since 2015 she has been leading the Many Rivers’ Community Economic Development Program with Indigenous communities in regional and remote Australia. She holds a BA and Masters in International Studies (Development Studies) and Postgraduate Certificate in Accounting and Finance.
Dean has over 20 years of project management and process design experience working as a former IT Management Consultant. He has been involved in project implementation in the UK, Europe, North America and Australia/New Zealand. Dean joined Many Rivers in March 2014. He leads Strategic Project delivery and manages the organisational infrastructure to support service delivery and operations. In May 2018, Dean was appointed Company Secretary. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) (Hons) and a Bachelor of Commerce.
Tina Hletsos joins the Many Rivers team to head up the Human Resources function.
Tina joins us with a 15+ years’ experience and expertise in both strategic and operational Human Resources including, WHS, Talent Acquisition, Training and Development and supporting teams for high performance.
Tina is passionate about promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace that sees team members bring their best selves to work. Tina holds a degree in Industrial Relations.
Britta joined the Many Rivers team in October 2018 with over 13 years HR experience across the facets of people & culture, training & development, organisational development as well as compensation and benefits. Having worked across a range of positions nationally and internationally, Britta has a strong passion to support organisations and their people to grow and unlock their full potential. Britta holds a Bachelor and Master in Business Administration.
Eileen has over 30 years of business development experience in a diverse range of industries and has been instrumental in the creation and development of numerous enterprises during this time, including successful businesses of her own. Eileen is passionate about business in the Northern Territory and is committed to helping others in her community to succeed in their business endeavours and to playing an active role to improve the situation of aspiring entrepreneurs.
Eileen began working with Many Rivers as a Micro-Enterprise Development Manager in 2015 and has returned to the team to oversee NT Operations.
Anwar joined Many Rivers team in August 2019 with over 13 years IT and Project Management experience. Previously worked across Asia Pacific region covered a range of IT Service Management, Service Delivery and Operation in national scale and international organisations. Anwar holds a Bachelor in IT and Mathematics, and currently studying Master of Business Administration.
Simon joined Many Rivers in June 2017 and brings many years experience in accounting and finance, mainly from the mining sector. Based in Grafton, Simon manages the back office, is CPA qualified and holds a Bachelor of Commerce.
Lisa has over 25 years experience in the banking and finance industry and has completed numerous management and leadership training programs. Her diverse background encompasses consumer and business lending, equipment financing and front line team management. Lisa has also owned and operated two small businesses. Lisa began working with Many Rivers as a client Mentor in early 2016 and realising her passion she joined the team in October 2016 to oversee the WA and SA operations.
Robert has over 30 years experience in banking and risk roles throughout rural, regional and metropolitan Queensland, including senior leadership roles in risk. Robert holds tertiary qualifications in Business (Banking and Finance) and Management and is a senior associate of FINSIA (Financial Services Institute of Australasia). Robert has also been active in youth development at a national level and commenced with Many Rivers in 2017 to oversee the QLD and NT operations.
Scott has over 20 years commercial banking experience in managerial and senior finance roles. He has been involved in various bank-wide projects and throughout his career been actively involved in the community. Scott joined Many Rivers in July 2012 and oversees the NSW and VIC Operations. Scott holds a Bachelor of Economics and has completed various management and leadership training including Macquarie University Principles of General Management and the Harvard Club of Australia leadership program.
Jayson has over 20 years project management and community engagement experience, designing and implementing projects and programs in remote Aboriginal communities, the climate change industry (renewable energy and energy efficiency), the natural resource management industry and the aquaculture industry. Jayson has extensive business operation and development experience, having set up and run 2 owner operated businesses, offering home energy assessments and aquaculture consultancy services.
He also has extensive practical construction experience, having designed and built his own energy efficient home, built a large shed on his rural property that incorporated rain water tanks and a small stand alone solar system and also designed and built several tank based recirculating systems during his time in the aquaculture industry. Jayson has lived and worked in 2 large remote Indigenous communities in Arnhem Land, working as a manager to support a local Aboriginal Corporation in Ramingining to set up and run local businesses and employ local people and as a supervisor in Gapuwiyak, designing and implementing activities and training programs for local people.
He is looking forward to utilising this experience with Many Rivers and supporting Indigenous communities to build a sustainable future on their country.
Robert began his career in the banking industry at Westpac, and over 15 years held various front and back office roles in WA. Robert has also held state government and private sector roles delivering business development advice and grant funding to regional and remote Aboriginal community organisations. Before joining Many Rivers in 2019, Robert completed a role as Aboriginal Affairs Coordinator. Awarded an Indigenous Scholarship from Curtin University, Robert has completed a Graduate Business qualification and is now undertaking a Masters in Business Administration.
David has over 20 years’ experience working across Northern Australia in Indigenous health, employment and community enterprise development. David has developed and implemented a large number of region wide programs that involved extended community engagement. This includes Apunipima’s Health Action Teams across 11 Cape York Aboriginal Communities and working as Operations Manager at Community Enterprises Australia’s, the not-for-profit enterprise development arm of the My Pathway Group.
David has extensive business experience as an owner operator, contractor and as a Director of an Indigenous not-for-profit. David’s three children are of Torres Strait Island descent and while he has long-held relationships in Cape York and the Torres Strait, he is fully dedicated to building new relationships, experiences and contribution in Western NSW.
Jeremiah, based in Broome, has spent almost a decade living and working in the Kimberley Region as both a Native Title Lawyer with PBCs, and a CEO of a Remote Indigenous Community. Jeremiah has also operated as an Indigenous Consultant throughout Australia, with a focus on WA and particularly the Pilbara. Jeremiah is both a Wadjari and Noongar man and has a strong focus on developing Indigenous corporations, governance and business development in Kimberley.
Brett is a highly experienced community relations practitioner who has specialised in land rights, native title and community engagement. Drawing on over 20 years working and advising Indigenous corporations, native title representative bodies, state governments and multi national corporations, Brett has delivered meaningful engagement strategies, successful agreement making and sustainable implementation programs. Brett brings a passion for community empowerment and economic development as well as extensive corporate experience and knowledge.
Marcus comes from an extensive retail business management and financial services background and has worked throughout many metro and rural locations around South Australia. Based in Ceduna, Marcus is passionate about bringing Many Rivers’ support to his local communities and helping those communities thrive through economic development.
Andy has over 18 years of community development experience in Australia. He held the position of CEO for a welfare service in Victoria, followed by several community development senior management appointments, including 3 years in a remote Aboriginal community in Northern Territory and more recently 5 years with a child welfare service based in Far North Queensland. Andy has extensive remote employment and business enterprise development knowledge and hopes to combine his expertise and experience for the betterment of remote communities. Andy is currently completing a degree in Anthropology.
Andy supports communities in Far North Queensland
Client Support. Bess has many years experience working in the finance and administration field.
Bess joined the Operations Support Team in 2020 and is based in our Grafton office.
Georgina has worked in the customer service industry for over 12 years and joined the Operations Support Team in 2020.
Georgina is based in our Grafton Office.
Katie has 12 years experience in the customer experience industry, including four years as a Franchisee in the Jim’s Group. Katie joined the Operations Support Team in 2020 and is based in our Grafton office.
Alan joined Many Rivers in January 2020 with over 5 years of experience in IT. Alan have been providing IT support and worked in different projects during those times. Alan will be assisting to support the staff of Many Rivers so they can continue to help the individuals and communities we work in.
Mina has a background in science with a special interest in neuroscience and psychology. She has a support role and works behind the scenes so that Many Rivers can run as smoothly as possible.
Luke has over 10 years experience working in tax and accounting roles, mostly with small and medium enterprises in both the private and public sectors. Luke was appointed as a Many Rivers Microenterprise Development Manager in South West Sydney in 2016 before moving to the Projects and Operations team in 2018. Based in Sydney, Luke provides accounting support to the operations team and has a desire to see small businesses thrive over the long-term.
Melissa has over 20 years experience in finance and administration including 6 years in the not-for-profit sector. Based in Grafton, Melissa provides accounting support to the operations team.
Kirrily has many years experience working in the finance and administration field, with a Certificate 3 and 4 in Accounting. Based in our Grafton office, Kirrily has worked as a Finance Support Officer since 2010 and is now responsible for providing loan support to the operations team.
Christina has over 13 years experience in serving company executives with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry and not-for-profit organisations. Based in Sydney, Christina provides executive assistance support to the CEO and the Executive Team.
Alyssa has over 10 years experience in the customer service industry and 2 years’ in the finance industry, working with large corporations. Alyssa joined the Operations Support Team in 2018 and is based in our Grafton office.
Helen has over 15 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector across marketing, project management and fundraising working in the UK, New Zealand and Australia.
Helen holds a BA (Hons) in Communications and joined the Many Rivers team in January 2020.
Emma joined the Many Rivers team in July 2020. She has a background in Marketing and International Development. Based in Sydney, Emma loves talking with clients and making sure their stories and successes are shared with the Many Rivers community.
Rosa has over 15 years experience in accounting and finance in various management positions. She has a keen interest in development and has worked overseas for 3 years in this field. Rosa is responsible for the social impact reporting and analysis service to our funders and partners, as well as using data to support our team focus their activities and maximise outcomes.
Matt has a background in financial services with over 15 years’ experience in management, business development and sales.
Matt successfully operated his own business in hospitality and retail. He has lived on the South Coast of NSW for the past 15 years and has a passion to support people to realise their potential in their small business and to help their community thrive.
Matt’s region is the South Coast of NSW covering Nowra to Eden and everything in between.
Born and raised in Cairns, Rita worked extensively in the region, for a State government department for eighteen years, in the areas of employment and training. Upon completion of her studies of BAS Indigenous Community Management and Development, Rita moved to Bamaga, and focused further on Indigenous contexts for employment and training. Rita has lived and worked in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area for combined total of almost eighteen years. She has extensive experience of government, community organisation, job network and the business sector. Rita set up and operated her own small car rental business for ten years on Thursday Island. Rita is passionate about empowering individuals, who have a dream and desire to create a small business for themselves, to journey with them, to create inter-generational wealth for themselves and their families in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area region.
Tracey has over 30 years’ experience in senior management and consulting roles including 9 years working in Economic Development and operating several businesses of her own. She has taught financial management at university and assisted a broad variety of organisations with business and strategic planning. Tracey holds a Bachelor of Business and an MBA and is an active investor who enjoys sharing her experience & passion with her clients to help them grow successful, sustainable businesses.
Tiani is an enthusiastic and passionate advocate for rural and remote families, having firsthand experience in raising and educating a family alongside business, study and community engagement in Outback Australia. Tiani has owned and managed various businesses and NFP’s for over 23 years. She studied Agribusiness and is an ARLP C25 Alumni of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. Tiani joined the organisation in May 2019 and is excited to be a part of the Many Rivers family.
A local resident, born in WA and raised in Kalgoorlie and on the Trans-Australian rail line. He has a strong understanding of the local business environment through his established networks within the Goldfields and Esperance communities.
He was previously employed as Business Local Advisor with the Esperance CCI, supporting and mentoring micro to mid-sized business in regional areas.
Shane holds a Diploma of Business Management and a Diploma in Competitive Manufacturing, with over 35 years of practical business experience, in mining services, process control, maintenance, manufacturing and sales. He and his wife, Leanne also established their own regional small business in Norseman.
He has a genuine respect for people and is passionate about helping clients to grow personally and financially. “I believe Many Rivers has given me the opportunity to be even more effective in bringing the very best out of people in their path to success.”
Shelley has a background in retail and business, with over 17 years’ experience in retail management, customer services and sales.
Shelley owned and operated two small businesses with her husband – an online/markets business and a trade based business. For the last 8 years Shelley has worked as a Vocational trainer and assessor, teaching retail, business, foundation skills and vocational pathways to students with complex backgrounds and barriers in language, literacy and numeracy.
She has lived on the South Coast (Illawarra region) for the past 41 years and has a strong connection with the community and a love of the people and the area.
Shelley’s region is the Wollongong region, covering Nowra to Campbelltown and surrounds.
Kat is a local to the Northern Territory having grown up in the Katherine region and residing in Darwin for the past 16 years. Kat has lived in remote areas such as Tennant Creek and is familiar with the struggles and hurdles that many people encounter when starting small businesses in remote locations. Kat has a finance and business background with 8 years in the banking industry and has successfully owned and operated a small business, as well has having held management and mentor roles within the Darwin region. Kat is passionate about the value of support and trust when going into microenterprise and is excited to share her knowledge and experience.
Colin is a Many Rivers small business mentor in Perth. He has with a dynamic career of experience and has lived in the UK, New Zealand and Australia. His experience varies from industries including dairy farming, social media marketing for the hair and beauty sector, and the steel industry. He has successfully operated his own business three times, developing each business from a start-up enterprise to a mature company.
Colin was a Many Rivers business coach in Roma QLD for two years before taking up the same role in Perth three years ago. Colin is highly motivated to make a difference and help people succeed.
Colin’s strength is his confidence around technology after working in the sector and owning a social media marketing business. He is also always looking on the bright side and believes that this is a very helpful skill to have. “If someone tells you bad news there is always good news to go with that.”
“Working with Many Rivers, you start off with clients – but you end up with friends. Seeing them succeed is what motivates me everyday. Seeing what they do. Sometimes I see what they are doing and I think ‘wow I could never do that’. We have our own skill set to help them succeed but then looking at what they do is so motivating. So I don’t have favourite memories, I just think most of what I do creates memories. It’s about the people.”
Colin’s business tip is to make sure your social media posts are quirky and have captions that make the customer want to go and purchase the product or service you offer. Colin recommends books by the author, Mick Michalowicz. He has read quite a few and says that they are really good and practical. He also listens to a lot of podcasts on personal development as well as business managed as he thinks that his role as a Many Rivers business coach is just as much about supporting the personal development of his clients as it is about supporting their small business goals.
Joy has a background in financial services with 14 years experience in marketing, sales and management roles. She has successfully started and operated three businesses in different industries including marketing and training, gardening and sports. Joy has a heart for equality and is passionate about making a positive difference.
Joy covers the north side of Perth.
Michael has 30 years’ experience working in the health sector. He was an ambulance paramedic based in Geraldton before taking on the role of regional manager for the Midwest Region. Michael played a pivotal role in the development and roll out of regional ambulance services across the state incorporating both career and volunteer ambulance officers. In the last 5 years, Mike was the general manager for a large regional aged care facility. A background of leading larger teams and businesses combined with his practical and common sense approach will benefit those wishing to develop their own enterprise. A “bushie” at heart, Mike is keen to get back out into the region and assist individuals to seek out and realise their opportunities and potentials to achieve small business goals.
Kris has over 15 years experience in the development of small business and 19 years experience working with community organisations. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning) and has previously provided mentoring under the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS). Kris is enthusiastic about helping clients start and grow their businesses and achieve their personal goals.
Kris is based in Broome.
Ruth brings a wealth of experience with her as a business consultant, trainer, and accounts manager from her own previous business and employment.
Originally from South Australia, Ruth has lived and worked in both Katherine and Darwin, including the Tiwi Islands and is looking forward to making Katherine her home and venturing out to the remote communities in this region. Ruth’s much loved mother was a Nukuna Elder from SA, and Ruth is deeply passionate about supporting Indigenous people and building business.
Maree has a background of 15 years High School Teaching (in business education) and 8 years as a Child Protection Lawyer. Maree has also founded and operated two businesses in the areas of training, career and business coaching, social media management and business content creation. Maree has two diverse passions in championing business start-up owners (particularly women) and as a strong advocate for the protection of children from child abuse and neglect.
Maree is based in Kununurra.
Sam has an extensive background in business management that spans the private, community and government sectors. This includes successful small business operations, senior management, business development and business consulting experience. Sam has a supportive and creative style that is well placed to assist micro and small business operations.
John has extensive experience in starting and running small businesses. These have included companies in direct marketing, sports retail, labour hire and training . Early in his career he studied and worked in Youth Work in the inner suburbs of Melbourne. John now brings his entrepreneurial flare with an empathetic approach to support Many rivers clients .
Penelope has a background in micro business, social enterprise and community development. Most recently she founded and was GM of the award winning Tasmanian social enterprise Produce to the People, she also has worked as GM of the high end muesli manufacturer Whisk & Pin, owned her own gourmet food business and food consultancy, and spent over a decade in the hospitality industry. Penelope has also helped entrepreneurs launch, run and grow their businesses as a Small Business Consultant with a Business Enterprise Centre. Penelope has a Graduate Certificate in Business from UTAS, a Certificate 4 in Small Business and an Advanced Certificate in Community Welfare.
Penelope’s work covers the beautiful state of Tasmania.
Richard has over 25 years’ business and management experience, including managing Mildura City for 5 years and acting as Operations and Marketing manager for a chain of 15 hotels in Papua New Guinea. Most recently, Richard successfully owned and operated three registered training organisations in Melbourne and regional Victoria. Richard is passionate about making a difference in his community.
Richard’s region includes Mildura, Broken Hill and Wilcannia
Frankie has over 15 years of program management experience working in both government and private sectors in rural and regional communities. Frankie has also owned and operated a successful small business developing it from start-up to a prosperous enterprise. She is passionate about working within her local communities to assist others realise their full potential.
Frankie’s region includes Bendigo, Sherpparton, Echuca and everything in between.
Richard has a background in small business development and has successfully owned and operated several cafés in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Richard also has extensive experience in the community sector having worked with schools and businesses to promote career education and youth employment. Richard is passionate about working with the local community to help people thrive in small business.
Richard covers the Hume area of Melbourne.
Gina has extensive experience across a diverse range of industries and roles including community development projects and social enterprise initiatives. Gina is qualified in business management and as a youth worker and has held managerial and consultant roles in the community sector.
Gina covers the Melbourne Metro and West region.
Garry was appointed as Many Rivers Microenterprise Development Manager in Western Sydney in 2011 and has been managing the Mentoring program since in 2015. Garry has a passion to see people become personally and financially successful and expects to see these benefits achieved for Many Rivers’ clients through microenterprise development and the Mentoring Program.
Tania has 30 years’ experience in the tourism industry and has also operated her own economic development agencies, mentoring and developing Indigenous, multicultural and mainstream commercial businesses and community organisations. Tania has 20 years governance experience in the agriculture, not-for-profit, education and health sectors. With a post graduate diploma in business, specialising in Indigenous development, Tania is keen to journey with clients to reach their potential.
Tania’s region includes the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Taree, Forster and Port Macquarie.
Dylan has a background in welfare as well as a long history setting up organic fruit and vegetable shops including wholesale and export. Dylan has worked in many different industries providing him a vast understanding of business and its development. Dylan has a particular focus on supporting people who are impacted by disadvantage and believes strongly in providing a fair and equable service to all of the people he engages with.
Dylan’s region includes Newcastle and the Central Coast.
Natalie has been with Many Rivers for 5 years assisting people in disadvantaged circumstances to start sustainable small business as a means to financial independence. Previous to this, Natalie has held various positions in the health services sector. She has maintained her community service connections and works closely with local organisations.
Ofelia has over 25 years experience in financial, administrative and human resource management environments as well as many year in the banking sector in the Philippines. She has also operated as a sole proprietor in a mortgage brokerage and bookkeeping business. Ofelia has always been involved in local community development organisations and continues to be an active participant in the changing perspective of community support in the Clarence Valley.
Gary is a local to the South West of Western Australia residing in Bunbury.
He has many years experience in agribusiness banking and has lived and worked in WA’s wheatbelt and coastal regions supporting his farming and business clients. He has also been the General Manager of a WA Liquid Fertlisier Manaufacturer and for something completely different, a Drillers Offsider (FIFO) up in the Pilbara region.
Gary is passionate about making a difference to people starting out or needing a helping hand in their business journey.
Jamie has over 16 years’ experience in business banking throughout rural, regional and metropolitan Queensland. His experience has been in the areas of relationship management, business development and community development. Jamie holds tertiary qualifications with a Bachelor of Information Technology, majoring in IT Management and Administration Management and a Diploma in Banking Services Management. Jamie is passionate about community engagement and small business development to ensure future opportunities and growth can be achieved in his local area.
Gordon has a wide range of experience and skills from a variety of different industries having spent his early life working on his family’s cattle, orchard and vegetable growing properties and later working for major banks as well as successfully owning and operating a convenience store and a mortgage broking franchise. Gordon is experienced in areas of workplace health and safety, insurance, staffing and financing. Gordon is keen to ensure the future strength and depth of the local communities and hopes to ensure future generations have improved opportunities.
Gordon covers from Charleville, across to Roma, Dalby and down to St George.
Kyle has spent his career working in not-for-profit organisations supporting education in the South Pacific region as well as supporting the financial growth of a local hospital in the Brisbane area. Kyle studied business and has had extensive experience owning and operating small businesses. Kyle is driven to support people experiencing disadvantage to create, expand and thrive in business.
Ross has contracted direct to state and federal government to deliver programs and has worked for large national organisations. He has completed tertiary studies in engineering and business, and successfully operated his own small businesses in telecommunications contracting, and energy efficiency consulting and assessment. Ross has held executive positions in a range of community organisations, and received an Australia Day Award in 2012 recognising service to the community. He enjoys working with clients to assist them achieve their business goals. Keen on community development, Ross welcomes and encourages healthy living, partner support, business collaboration and community connections as clients move forward in business.
Ross covers northern Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast
Troyson has spent most of his career working in Indigenous affairs with a specific focus on economic development and Indigenous home ownership. Troyson has a strong policy background and has studied both business and politics. Troyson has also successfully operated his own consultancy business, assisting property developers with development projects. Troyson is a big believer in economic participation being the pathway out of disadvantage and is eager to help individuals get on this pathway.
Stacy has worked as an accredited trainer, mentor and business field officer for over 20 years and her experience includes employment in community programs and organisations. She has successfully operated her own consultancy business where she was involved in the development of a world class training facility in Darwin. Stacy is passionate about assisting people achieve their goals.
Charles has spent most of his working life in North Queensland and after a long and successful career in the banking industry he is now using his skills to help Many Rivers’ Clients achieve their dreams. Charles’ two passions are rugby league football and social justice for all Australians. He is still actively involved in his football club in Townsville. Charles believes everyone should have the opportunity and assistance to start their own small business and looks forward to helping his Many Rivers’ Clients start, stay and thrive in their businesses.
Charles looks after Townsville, Palm Island, Mackay and everywhere in between.
Jenny has many years experience owning and operating small businesses. She has successfully operated a building company, a zoo, a mortgage brokerage and online businesses. Jenny is currently involved in small business groups and continues to encourage small business into the community. Born in Far North Queensland, Jenny has lived in Cape York, Horn Island, Lockhart River and Coen and is keen to support local businesses to start, stay and thrive.
Donna has experience working as a Financial Counsellor with people living in remote communities as well as diverse roles in community development and adult education. Donna is passionate about social justice and believes in helping people to achieve their life goals by supporting them to develop confidence and a belief in their own ability to succeed.