Meet the Soulful Concepts Team

Kristen Briggs

-Co-Founder & Director 

Kristen is a passionate philanthropist who loves to explore and discover new places. Originally from Ulladulla, along the NSW south coast, she has spent her time travelling to some of the world’s most remote destinations, including the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the dense jungles of Central and South America, and the blue depths of many oceans.

She believes travel fuels the soul and opens your eyes to what is important. This is a philosophy she has applied to her fundraising work, having raised over $150,000 for a number of charities in support of causes that are close to her heart. Her travel philosophy is that every new experience allows you to grow, learn and ultimately appreciate the simple things in life.

Belinda Shillcock

–Co-Founder & Director

Belinda is a travel enthusiast who has 20 years of travel industry and NFP experience. Her passion for travel is closely linked to her vision for global equality and so she has focused on making her career a cross-pollination between the two industries.

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Belinda is most at home in Asia. She continues to finds herself drawn back to the vibrant flavours of the East, which she first experienced in Vietnam and Cambodia in 2000. Since then she has called Vietnam, Laos and Thailand home, and has watched each of these unique countries develop and evolve over years. Her travel philosophy is that there are always new hidden gems to explore and interesting people to meet!

Amanda Howle

-Fundraising & Partnerships Manager 

After her first charity challenge in 1999, Amanda was hooked. Amanda has since trekked the Inca Trail, Mt Kilimanjaro and the Great Wall of China.

Born in Wales, Amanda started her career in the fast-paced world of corporate London before moving to Australia in 2003. With almost 10 years’ experience in the NFP sector, she recruits and motivates supporters to push their limits and raise money for charities close to their heart.

Since 2010, Amanda’s work helped raise over $3 Million, twice climbing Kilimanjaro herself, alongside other fundraisers, passionate about protecting human rights.

Amanda believes that if you’ve ever fancied running a marathon or climbing a mountain– you must do it for charity. We don’t have to be Bill Gates to change the world. There is no better motivation to keep you going than knowing you are making a real difference in the lives of others.

Chris Zinon

-Head Guide, Trek Yuin Country

Over the last twenty years Chris has explored the world, working and pursuing his passion for outdoor adventure, specifically climbing, hiking, snowboarding and surfing.

These activities have taken him to some of the more remote corners of the globe, providing natural rewards that are truly unforgettable, and are the reasons why he loves to share these incredible experiences with others.

Chris has worked in the outdoor industry for 15 years and holds qualifications from the Australian Climbers Instructors Association, The British Mountaineering Council, Avalanche Canada as well as holding current wilderness and advanced first aid certificates.

Christine Drew 

– Travel Manager 

With a love of both travel and philanthropy, Christine feels she has landed her dream job as she combines her two passions and gets to help others do the same!  Christine is a firm believer in standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves. 

She has also travelled to a number of destinations throughout Europe, Asia, and the Pacific yet finds satisfaction in the simplicity of being in nature whether it’s walking along the beach, hiking, sitting around a campfire or just being out under the stars.

Bradley McAndrew

– Digital Marketing Coordinator

Growing up on the New South Wales’s Central Coast, Bradley’s love for travel began when he and his family would take camping trips to all reaches of Australia. After high school, he became hooked on experiencing new places and cultures, with a 2-month adventure across the USA, Canada, and Alaska, as well as a solo journey to Japan, under his belt.

His interest in the creative side of business studies led him to completing a degree in marketing and media. Thinking up strategic and creative strategies to help people connect with organisations is a passionate endeavour of his. His dream of working in the travel industry and promoting the wonders of exploring new destinations makes him right at home with Soulful Concepts.

Jacqui Swift

-Fundraising Specialist 

Jacqui started her career working for a digital marketing agency in Singapore and with South East Asia at her doorstep she fell in love with the vibrancy of the East and the discovery of travel.

Originally born in Perth, she realised how lucky she was and wanted to make a difference. Swapping the corporate world for fundraising, she now has 12 years of experience in the NFP sector raising money for international and local charities.

Her work and passion for travel has taken her to diverse locations around the world. From the golden pagodas of Myanmar to the sandy deserts and pristine coast line of some of the most remote communities in Western Australia, Jacqui has been privileged to work with philanthropists, individual fundraisers and giving circles, and truly believes that change can come about from the actions of a group of committed and caring individuals.

Zach Morton

–Graphic Designer 

Zach is an avid world traveller and passionate designer who has always been drawn to explore the world outside of his immediate surroundings. He had firsthand experience of the life changing power of travel when his passion for graphic design was ignited by the amazing art scene he experienced on a working holiday across the UK. This exposure lead him to undertake studies in the field of Graphic Design, in Australia, and pursue a career as a designer.

Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, Zach now lives in Sydney, Australia. He continues to be lead by a desire to see the world around him and find exciting ways to combine his love of travel with design.