Ms. Katherine Ellis

Katherine Ellis joined the Commonwealth Secretariat as Director and Head of Youth Affairs in March 2012.  She brings over 20 years’ diverse experience in senior positions across the private, public and civil society sectors, with extensive expertise in youth development, organizational leadership, and cross-sectoral collaboration. 

Katherine’s first career in international business provided an excellent basis for a successful transition into social impact, and she has successfully led, transformed, created and advised a number of youth development focused civil society organisations.  Katherine brings to her role a unique blend of expertise in youth-led social impact, youth enterprise, and youth leadership and volunteering, combined with organizational development, service delivery, cross-sectoral partnership building and youth policy.

“Through working with young people in environments of empowerment and participation, I have a genuine appreciation for the greatness that is in every young person.  I am deeply committed to opening up possibilities for young people to fulfill their potential, and use their energy and talents to make major contributions in the world.  When young people are empowered, respected and resourced, they become assets to their societies, and can achieve extraordinary things.”

Katherine holds a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, a Master in e-Business, a Bachelor of Commerce, and a Diploma of Youth Work.