Change Makers | Jacqueline White

Senior Business Development Manager with Industry and Innovation in the Division of Research and Enterprise, Jacqueline White, is a proud member of the CHeBA Change Makers workplace giving program. Change Makers are an exclusive group of next generation philanthropists supporting critical research into Alzheimer's disease and other dementias for a brighter future in ageing. At UNSW, Jacqueline specifically supports the Humanities, Arts and Social Science disciplines, and she is a strong advocate for social impact.

What does it mean to you personally to be a ‘philanthropist’?

The term is so often associated with high net-worth individuals that I’m not sure I personally identify with it, but I feel like I am in a position in life that I can contribute either my money or time - however small the amount - to issues I really care about or that feel relevant and important in the world I live in.

What inspired you specifically to give to CHeBA’s research into Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias?

Probably like the majority of people who either have - or will have - someone close to them affected by Alzheimer’s or another dementia, I have personally witnessed the heartbreaking progression and its impact on individuals and their families. In particular a dear Uncle and our family endured a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The grandparents of my dearest friends have also endured this indiscriminate and devastating disease. I understand the rates of age-related brain diseases are only going to increase as our population ages so I am extremely keen to contribute in any way I can to the development of research into prevention, earlier detection and earlier intervention, not only in the interests of my family and myself in the future, but also because of the enormous social and economic burden it places on the community.

Is this your first workplace giving?

I have worked in the university sector for nearly 20 years and have contributed to many areas over the years as I am a strong believer in giving back. Being able to contribute to the amazing work undertaken by groups within universities through workplace giving has always been a great employment benefit. At UNSW I also contribute to the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law. 

The cumulative contributions from Change Makers make a big difference to CHeBA’s research. What difference do you hope your support will have in terms of research outcomes?

Hopefully increased support from other donors and the community can supplement when there is fluctuation in funding from other sources. I really like that the work of CHeBA is so comprehensive; not only researching clinical issues but translating research findings into practice, including public health strategies for prevention, education, support for GPs and communities, as well as global collaborations to fight these diseases.

Do you have any interesting or unusual hobbies or passions?

I love getting out into the garden whenever I can, dancing, (any kind of dance, but currently Brazilian Samba) and learning languages. I am also an avid traveller and enjoy learning about other cultures and histories. We travel as often as we can as a family, especially to Colombia to visit my son’s grandparents. Thankfully I know these are also great activities to support healthy brain ageing and help delay cognitive decline.

Join the Change Maker – Next Gen Philanthropy program and advance CHeBA’s research
in ways to prevent cognitive decline, improve cognitive functioning as we age,
devise better care for people with dementia and to diagnose people at risk for dementia. 
For more information, please contact h.douglass@unsw.edu.au

Become a Change Maker