For more than 25 years, Jo Stanley has been part of the Lighthouse family – first as an Ambassador, then as a long-time Patron, and now, we are thrilled to welcome her as our new Head of Partnerships.
Jo is a broadcaster, media personality, author and entrepreneur with a remarkable career spanning over two decades. She has dedicated her professional life to creating content that inspires action, grounded in evidence-based storytelling and the voices of the community.
As Founder and CEO of Broad Radio – Australia’s first radio network for women, by women, Jo has built a purpose-driven media business from the ground up, leading business development, strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement and meaningful brand collaborations.
Her passion for social justice, gender equity and systems change deeply aligns with our vision at Lighthouse.
In her role as Head of Partnerships, Jo will be nurturing and growing relationships within Lighthouse’s corporate networks, helping connect businesses to our mission in ways that create real and lasting change.
We sat down with Jo to reflect on her long relationship with Lighthouse and what inspired her to take on this next chapter.
How long have you been a patron of Lighthouse, and what inspired you to get involved?
“I was first lucky enough to be an ambassador in 2007, when I was doing breakfast radio in Melbourne. And then a few years after that, Susan and Karli took me for lunch and told me I was now a Patron, which was truly a great honour.
I was initially inspired to get involved by Susan’s story. I challenge anyone to hear Susan share her first experience of a child without a home, and not have their life changed forever! And then as I learned more and more about Lighthouse, I was so moved by the Model of Care – by how unique it is in the sector and the profound, long-lasting impact of the consistent care and love that young people receive in a Lighthouse home, and I just had to help wherever I could.”
What was a key moment from your time as a patron that stuck with you?
“The first time I visited a home, I was deeply moved by one young woman I met. She told me about her experience in various shelters and other homes she’d been in, compared to Lighthouse – and that at Lighthouse for the first time in years she experienced the warmth of a hug.
It was such a reminder to me of how fortunate I had been in my life, and how very different, painful and traumatic life is for these kids who are without something so basic and critical as a hug. I always say supporting Lighthouse is actually an act of gratitude for what we have received in our own lives, and that understanding came from that moment.”
What have you learned about youth homelessness from your work with Lighthouse?
“I’ve learned that youth homelessness isn’t what most people think it is. It’s not always visible. It’s not always rough sleeping. And it’s never just about ‘not having a roof over your head.’
It’s about trauma. Disconnection. Family breakdown. Violence. Kids who have been failed by every system meant to protect them. From my work with Lighthouse, I’ve seen that what young people need most is care – the kind of deep, consistent, therapeutic care that helps them heal, feel safe and build trust again.
I’ve learned how powerful community is – that it takes a whole circle of support: carers, therapists, volunteers, partners, donors – to help one young person rebuild their life. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned not to underestimate young people. With the right support, they can and do thrive. They are creative, resilient, funny and hopeful. They just need someone to not give up on them.”
What inspired you to step into the Head of Partnerships role?
“I’ve been part of the Lighthouse community for many years and I’ve always felt such love from Susan and everyone within this beautiful organisation. I’ve also seen up close the incredible impact they have on vulnerable young people.
Stepping into this role felt like a natural next step – a chance to deepen my connection and use my skills to help grow partnerships that are not only purposeful, but truly life-changing. It’s a privilege to bring more businesses into this work.”
What impact are you excited to make in your new role?
“I’m excited to connect with businesses and show them how they can make a real difference, because their impact is life-changing.
I want to build partnerships where companies become part of the Lighthouse story, standing beside young people as they heal, grow and thrive. Every partnership is a chance to solve a problem and meet a need – whether it’s therapeutic care, foster care, kinship care, or our beautiful homes – and when our partners join us, they become part of the daily work that helps young people feel safe, supported and hopeful again. The wonderful thing about connecting with businesses and workplaces is that the impact ripples out into their community. Whatever our engagement, I know our partners leave connected, inspired and often changed by the experience. It’s the kind of impact that moves in both directions.”
Jo’s journey with Lighthouse has always been one of heart, commitment and action. Now, as Head of Partnerships, she will bring her unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking and unwavering advocacy to strengthen the corporate relationships that help sustain our mission and we are incredibly grateful to have her on board.
