Board of Directors

At 23, Jack Anderson is reshaping Australia’s education system. As a seven-time author, Harvard Masters student, Frank Knox Fellow, and co-founder of Elucidate Education, he has provided over 100,000 students with equitable access to textbooks, online content, and educational videos. Leading 60 volunteers across WA and Victoria, Jack has published five Year 12 textbooks supporting thousands of students. With a strong background in Mechanical Engineering, he received First Class Honours from the University of Western Australia and now serves as a Teaching Fellow at Harvard’s School of Engineering.

Garry Dagg is an educator and consultant with global experience across diverse contexts and age groups. Starting as an English Language Specialist, he worked with disengaged youth in the Kimberley before focusing on Modern History and adult learning. He develops strategies, aligns culture, and coaches teachers for organizations like Capabuild, Teach for Australia, and the Department of Education. With Irish roots and insights from working with Indigenous Australians, Garry values humour and compassion. He believes in the power of people to shape institutions and promotes supported autonomy to help staff connect their purpose to the broader goal of empowering young people.

Sam is a finance and strategy professional committed to promoting positive masculinity and mental health awareness. With eight years of experience in strategy consulting and finance, he has worked at Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Pioneer Credit, specializing in capital management and budgeting. His consulting roles at PwC Australia and Blackdot Consulting shaped his strategic leadership skills. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Sam is passionate about Man Up, drawing from his experiences as a first-generation Australian navigating identity and masculinity. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, golfing, going to the gym, and spending time with his wife.

Dr. Dewammina Gammanpila is a psychiatry registrar at South Metropolitan Health Services, with aspirations to specialize in psychiatry. He began his career as an intern and resident at Fiona Stanley Hospital, working in areas like acute medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, nephrology, and psychiatry. Now at Rockingham General Hospital, he gains experience in psychiatric liaison, inpatient units, and community clinics, while contributing to service improvement and clinical education. A 2021 graduate of the University of Western Australia, Dewammina has a passion for men's mental health. In his free time, he enjoys family, friends, gym, and reading.

Ben Adams is a husband, father, and professional with a life shaped by challenges, growth, and love. Originally from Burbage, Leicestershire, Ben moved to Perth at age 10 with his family, where he attended Ocean Reef SHS and studied Sports Science and Psychology at Edith Cowan University. After university, he ventured into recruitment, a career spanning over 24 years, with roles in the UK, Qatar, Japan, Singapore, and Australia. Now, Ben's proudest achievement is being a father to two young boys. He feels honoured to join the Man Up board, dedicated to supporting men and their mental health.

Maddie Graham is a psychology student with a minor in public health and the founder of Clinic Communications and Health That Educates. Originally from Perth, Maddie is passionate about simplifying health promotion and advocacy for organisations. She helps create compelling, human-centred messages that inspire action and improve health literacy. Outside of work, Maddie enjoys going to the gym, volunteering at a local radio station, and finding innovative ways to advance her mission of making health promotion clear, accessible, and impactful. Maddie is committed to transforming how health services connect with communities for lasting change.

Gareth Shanthikumar co-founded MAN UP in 2019, inspired by his own mental health journey. He seeks to redefine "man up" to mean living authentically, embracing vulnerability, and standing up for what's right. Passionate about guiding young men toward healthy masculinity, Gareth aims to create a safer world for all. As a personal trainer and founder of EmPowered, a mindset coaching business, he helps individuals enhance their physical and emotional well-being. Gareth believes that by healing oneself, one can more effectively help others, embodying authenticity and inspiring people to live as their best selves.

Harry is a first-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) student at the University of Notre Dame, Walyalup campus. He earned a Bachelor of Biomedical Science in 2021 and First Class Honours in 2022 for his research on gut microbiome and brain interactions. In 2023, he expanded his research into spinal cord injury therapies before resuming full-time studies in 2024. Active with Man Up WA since 2020, Harry has held multiple roles, including General Committee Member and Internals Vice-President, and now serves as President. He is passionate about redefining masculinity and promoting mental health awareness among young men.

Haseeb is in his final year of the Doctor of Medicine at UWA and co-founded MAN UP, a nonprofit that redefines masculinity through workshops for high school boys on masculine culture, mental health, and relationships. During his undergraduate studies, he was heavily involved in the Dr YES program, serving as Project Coordinator in 2019. Haseeb has been a Mitsui Educational Foundation scholar and volunteered with organizations like United Nations Youth Australia and Artists Against Poverty. He co-chairs the WA Ministerial Youth Advisory Council and serves as Chair of the Medical Student Council of WA, with a passion for eye care and rural health.