5 years of Sefa • Renee Martin
This month marks five years since Renee joined the Sefa team.
From day one, she’s brought thoughtfulness, sharp insight and deep care for the people and organisations we work with.
We sat down with Renee to reflect on what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what’s possible in the years ahead.
What first brought you to Sefa, and what’s kept you here five years on?
A few things brought me to Sefa. It was the first time I’d seen an opportunity to do exactly what I wanted to do: Use all my skills and experience in a values-aligned organisation. I was ready to return to a small team. I was drawn to Sefa’s ambition to achieve impact with a commercial overlay, and I loved that it was women-led. I also needed to re-establish work–life balance, be more present as a parent and have the brain space to nurture myself.
Five years on, I’m still here because of the clients we work with, the amazing humans I get to collaborate with, the complex challenges we tackle, and the brilliant organisations we deliver projects with. It’s all incredibly motivating.
What’s changed at Sefa since you started your position?
When I joined Sefa, there were just four of us – now we’re a team of 17. That shift alone says a lot. We’ve moved to a beautiful, shared space surrounded by like-minded people working on impact. I now get to work alongside an incredible Impact and Engagement team, and together we’ve supported more than 60 clients across the country.
Over the last five years we have been able to demonstrate what it takes to be a financially sustainable intermediary – it has been an amazing ride. And it's great that we are now at the next inflection point with lots of really amazing ambition ahead.
What project or moment cemented why you do this work?
The work that I have found unbelievably motivating focuses on housing. It has been excellent over the years to contribute in very practical ways to the affordable housing conundrum. Being part of large research reports, diving into the complexities of financial models for alternative affordable housing solutions, thinking about housing as a right and then considering housing models that are dignified and fit for purpose. We’ve even considered preventative approaches to support women taking earlier action to avoid housing precariousness as they age – it's really, really complex work but so important. It's great to get to do this work with partners and collaborators across multiple sectors.
What’s been a highlight during your time at Sefa?
One standout moment was our International Women’s Day event this year. It was the culmination of so much intentional work – from developing and delivering Sefa’s EmpowerHer program, to hearing directly from women social entrepreneurs about the realities of leading impact businesses. We also brought together a powerful panel of women leaders in the sector to push the conversation forward.
That same day, we launched Sefa’s Gender Statement – our way of publicly committing to gender equity and signalling to the ecosystem that we’re serious about backing it with action. The whole experience felt like a real turning point, both for us and for how we want to show up in the sector.
What do you wish more people understood about working with social enterprises and not-for-profits?
I think it's really important to acknowledge upfront that impact-led businesses are doing the hardest work! They exist to address a social problem and are stiving to do that in a way that is economically sustainable. The responsibility that they are taking to contribute to better outcomes for our whole community is often taken for granted, underfunded or overlooked. This work takes time. It requires brave people who can think creatively. It requires grit and determination. And so, it is important that these leaders can access the support and finance they need when they need it to be able to sustain the work that they do (noting that it will rarely be a one-off need).
How has the impact (for purpose) sector changed in the last 5 years?
It has been a weird five years – COVID and a series of natural disasters in Australia have influenced exceptional funding flows and government / philanthropic support. Things are normalising now, and the landing’s been tough for many community organisations. But we’re seeing strong place-based initiatives that centre community outcomes, which gives me hope.
There’s also been growth in social impact advisory services – but not a matching increase in social finance opportunities. That said, it’s great to hear more conversations about blended finance. Let’s see where it goes.
What would you love to see more of in the sector in the next five years?
I'd love to see government, at all levels, play a more active role in the social impact sector going forward. The role of government, to steward enabling policy and provide the necessary funding, has been pivotal to success and growth in other countries, and I think that in Australia we are at that point where we really need that too.
I'd also really love to see more fit for purpose finance products being offered in the market – and that means co-designing finance with those who will benefit from it, whether that be women, regional communities, farmers, or first nations organisations, amongst others. It would be great to have space for authentic exploration of what it costs to unlock positive impact, what a reasonable return is when you are investing in impact and how long it might take to achieve social and financial returns.
Five years in, Renee continues to shape Sefa’s work and culture in big and small ways. We’re lucky to have her on the team – and we can’t wait to see what she helps us build next.