Our Lecturers

Rachel is a senior lecturer and program coordinator with over seven years’ experience in tertiary education and a 25-year career in global media. She currently leads the Bachelor of Media and Communications at Whitecliffe TFI.

Rachel won multiple awards as launch editor-in-chief of Women’s Fitness Australia, Harper’s BAZAAR Arabia, and GRAZIA Middle East, and has worked with major Australian titles including InStyle, Marie Claire, Grazia, Harper’s Bazaar and Body+Soul. She remains an active fashion and beauty journalist and industry event host. She holds a Master of Arts (Media), a Bachelor of Medical Science, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Her teaching focuses on fashion media, feature writing, and strategic communication, with a strong interest in generative AI and curriculum innovation.

As a journalist-turned-digital marketer, Stacey has extensive experience in all areas of content and social media, including creating complex digital marketing strategies for medium-to-large businesses locally and abroad. She has also worked as a writer and editor on multiple women’s lifestyle websites, magazines and newspapers.

Kirsten has over 15 years of experience in fashion, design, and education, she is passionate about empowering students and colleagues through teaching and effective pedagogy. Kirsten connects students with industry professionals, creates inclusive learning environments, and supports students’ growth. She is applying to start her PhD in Ethical Fashion Education at UTS in 2025. She is also a founding member of Fashion Revolution Australia New Zealand, dedicated to advancing ethical fashion and design as forces for positive change.

Lynelle holds a BA in Literature & Religious Studies (USyd/Sorbonne), an MA in Communications (UTS) and is keen to embark on a PhD in either professional ethics or AI.

She has worked in senior roles in the comms and media industry for more than two decades and has taught at tertiary level for over a decade. Lynelle enjoys teaching and learning across a range of subject areas including fashion, business, media, tech, sustainability, law and applied ethics. If Lynelle was studying now, she'd be aiming for life as a digital nomad.

Lisa has more than 25 years’ experience in marketing and communications, having worked in many of Australia's largest marketing agencies including Saatchi's, MediaCom, Mitchells Dentsu and FCB, steering strategy on big brands including GMH Holden, Glasko Smith Kline, Sara Lee Corporation, BMW and Woolworths.

Angela has a marketing consulting business and works with brand teams on all elements of marketing, from defining what the brand stands for through to how to brief their agencies. She loves working with marketers to develop their craft and is here to support you as you develop your knowledge and skills in communications and media.

Danielle Gay is the Editor-in-Chief of beauty and lifestyle publication, Gritty Pretty Magazine, where she leads both the editorial and commercial strategy for the brand. She has more than 10 years experience in digital and print publishing, and was previously Head of Brand at Vogue Magazine in Australia.

Elle is an author, editor and small business entrepreneur. She has been in the media and communications industry for more than 17 years, working across print, radio and television.

Elle began her career in marketing, working for one of Australia's top theatre production companies, before moving into print media, covering fashion, entertainment, travel and lifestyle for publications including The Daily and Sunday Telegraph, The Australian, Vogue Australia, Marie Claire and InStyle.

As well as editing the Luxury Lifestyle section for The Australian. Elle is also the founder of a successful wellness e-commerce business, with stockists including The Iconic and By Charlotte.

Mexican born and raised, I have lived in Australia for many years. Spanish is my first language. My background is in Film, Theatre, Music, Communication Design, Business & Art. Goes to show that in the Creative Industries, you can complementarily mix and match.

As a design educator and practitioner, I am most interested in Social Enterprise and the Innovation that comes with building socio-cultural incentives. I work for Community, i.e. First Nation, Youth, People living with disabilities, Seniors, the Environment.

Liz is an experienced CEO, non-executive director and chair, and has an extensive advertising and marketing background with global and national businesses and brands. She has worked across diverse industries including FMCG, retail, beauty, health, financial services, travel and tourism, and technology, guiding them through the ever-changing worlds of media, technology and consumer behaviour. Liz brings her SME business management experience, customer focus and commitment to ESG to the classroom.

Nicholas is a Chartered Accountant and an award-winning lecturer in accounting and finance with almost 20 years of experience in academia. Prior to entering academia, hewas employed for several years in financial accounting, financial services and cost accounting roles within the trade exchange industry. He also volunteers his expertise through pro bono accounting and finance consulting services to a range of different clients, including small businesses, schools and local sporting organisations.

Roman (Jody) Kerekes-Shaw is a creative director and strategist, working across fashion, music and entertainment with clients such as Coca-Cola, Bad Apples, We Are Warriors, DMA’S, Universal Music and Nike. Influenced by graffiti, nightlife and music subcultures, Roman’s work is grounded in design thinking, graduating with a BBA in Strategic Design & Management from Parsons School of Design (Valedictorian). In 2022 Roman received a #1 ARIA as the manager and executive producer of an Australian rap album. He has also founded the label Jody Just and is co-founder of Umi Nori Atelier.

Alistair Fawcus is a content production director and creative strategist specialising in brand building, viral content, production and post-production spanning across national / international musicians, political figures, food and beverage, medical and large-scale activations.

With over six years of content production management and digital marketing strategy, Alistair has continually proven himself to be innovative, creative and relentless in the lens of content production management. Having worked with an array of clients such as DJ Snake, The Veronicas, Hayden James, the Bacardi group, Matteo Sydney and the former prime minister of France, Dominique De Villepin, Alistair continues to excel in his craft, accumulating over 30+ million views and almost 8 million likes spanning multiple food, beverage, lifestyle, political, music and corporate clients.

Laura is a creative educator and designer passionate about inspiring innovation and fostering meaningful learning experiences. With a strong foundation in design and a background in textile printmaking, she brings a unique blend of artistic expertise and practical business insights to her teaching.

Laura has experience developing marketing strategies for textile design brands as well as a sustainable fashion summit, reflecting her commitment to ethical fashion and sustainable practices. She is passionate about helping students achieve the skills needed for creative and impactful branding and marketing concepts.

Viva holds a Bachelor of Business degree from UTS majoring in marketing and communication, a Master’s in Art Therapy from WSU, and has worked as a fashion editor and consultant in Sydney and New York for the last three decades. She specialises in fashion branding, marketing and communication, with her creative work having appeared in numerous major publications.

With more than 20 years in the publicity industry, Jayde's experience working with leading fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands is matched only by her deep, rich, collaborative relationships with media. Jayde is a communications specialist and one of the most energetic, engaging and hard-working publicists of her generation.

She is a renowned "ideas machine" who quickly develops authentic, trust-based friendships with her collaborators. Jayde is able to efficiently generate earned media across all relevant platforms, and has developed rare specialist skills in every element of podcast, from production, platform relationships, metrics, publication and publicity.  She is the founder and owner of publicity and communications agency, The Grey Consulting.

Jeff is a casual academic, speaker, researcher, writer, music producer and award-winning songwriter. He co-authored 'Living With A Creative Mind', a guide to managing the creative personality, and is the founder of The Zebra Collective, an online mentoring and training platform for creative professionals.

His music has featured in Channel 7’s Sydney Olympics coverage and is currently played on a major airline. As a consultant on creativity and the creative workforce, Jeff has worked with clients including the Sydney Opera House, APRA, ANZ, MEAA, and The School of Life. His keynote at Vivid Sydney 2013, 'How To Build A World Class Creative Environment', sold out weeks in advance. In 2024, he received the UTS Vice Chancellor’s Award for Teaching & Learning Excellence (Student Experience).

Jacinta is a journalist, former news presenter, columnist, author and MC. She spent more than 25 years as a reporter and national news presenter for the Seven Network, ABC TV and Sky News. She has published five books and been a regular columnist for magazines including with Stellar and Harper’s Bazaar.

Jacinta holds a Bachelor of Communications, Diploma in Positive Mental Health from Nature Care College and studied at Vancouver Film School. Passionate about social causes, she is patron of The Warrior Woman Foundation and an ambassador for Raise Foundation providing in-school mentoring to high school kids across the country.

Daniel Mifsud is lead singer of Flight Facilities (including Coachella 2024 performances) and has worked with global icons such as Adele, Ed Sheeran, Bag Raiders and George Benson. Beyond the stage, he co-created the viral animation series ‘Birdz of Australia’ with Brown Cardigan and Struthless, amassing over half a million views. Holding a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Major), Daniel also lectures in Music and Entertainment Business Management at JMC and works in the TD Department at UTS.

Chris is an experienced Chartered Accountant, Certified Practising Accountant Registered Tax Agent and Lecturer with a demonstrated history of working in the accounting, taxation and education industry for close to 20 years. He has been with The fashion Institute since 2018 and is driven and proud to bring all of his skills and experience together in teaching and mentoring students on their education journey. Chris takes a lot of satisfaction and pride in working with students to reach their full potential.

Donna have a background in Design, Education and Aboriginal Affairs. With experience and roles include Senior Research Officer Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisation, Senior Advisor National Indigenous Australians Agency based in Galiwin’ku, Director of Education at Vivant - a technology design firm in Sydney now part of IBM XI andDean of Macleay College. She has also been the Governing Board Chair for Miami Ad School, Sydney and a past Member of the College of Event Management (COEM) Advisory Group and currently advisor for Gong-Dal Aboriginal Corporation Arnhem Land and a Director at 33 Parallel Pty Ltd an Urban Design company of which she is one of the founding partners.

Wijasena Setiawan has a professional background is in Accounting, Project Management and Continuous Improvement. When he was young, he disliked accounting. However, when he got the knack of it, it became very interesting and simple. That's the reason he lecturers at the fashion institute  to share his tips and tricks on how to approach Accounting in a fun way.  With a focus on bridging technology and creativity, Wija also teaches IT systems to fashion students, helping to develop digital skills essential for managing inventory, e-commerce, and design tools in today’s fashion landscape.

Sophie is an artist, educator, and designer with a passion for creativity across multiple disciplines. She has experience as a fashion and textiles designer, bringing creations to a range of audiences. Recently an artist-in-residence at the renowned Cité Internationale des Arts, Sophie continues to push the boundaries of textiles work while fostering the next generation of creatives through their educational endeavours.

Sophie is an artist, educator, and designer with a passion for creativity across multiple disciplines. She has experience as a fashion and textiles designer, bringing creations to a range of audiences. Recently an artist-in-residence at the renowned Cité Internationale des Arts, Sophie continues to push the boundaries of textiles work while fostering the next generation of creatives through their educational endeavours.