Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Dr. Maria La Pietra is the visionary founder of the Specialised Assistance School for Youth (SASY), co-founded alongside Nicholas Pellegrini and Rosie Stavrou – a pioneering school dedicated to young people whose needs have not been met by traditional education systems.
With a strong focus on mental health and trauma-informed care, SASY offers not just education but an opportunity for healing, connection and a deep sense of belonging.
A bold, values-driven leader, La Pietra brings decades of experience as an inclusive educator and youth advocate. She is passionate about transforming education into a space where young people – especially those often overlooked – are truly seen, heard and empowered to thrive. Through her expertise in trauma-informed practice, youth engagement, and inclusive system design, she creates environments that centre voice, rhythm, agency and relational safety.
Her work is grounded in compassion and guided by ethical leadership, bridging psychological insight with practical innovation. A natural collaborator, La Pietra builds brave, supportive spaces where both staff and young people grow – proving that education, when rooted in care, can be a powerful force for change.
30 Chesser Street, Adelaide 5000
0411 315 242
mlp@sasy.sa.edu.au
linkedin.com/in/maria-la-pietra-50baa82b7
sasy.sa.edu.au
Dr. Maria La Pietra
Founder/Head of Wellbeing
Specialised Assistance School for Youth (SASY)
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Milestones
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Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2016–present
2004–2012
2023
2024
Present
Founder of Specialised Assistance School for Youth (SASY)
Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education
2016–present
Director of Teaching and Learning at Macquarie Anglican Grammar School
2014–2017
Dubbo Business Chamber Outstanding Business Leader
2023
TE’s Hot List
2024
Principal at Central West Leadership Academy since 2017
Education Excellence Regional School of the Year, Best Strategic Plan
Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.