CEO, Courage to Care
Courage to Care aims to inform and educate about the dangers of prejudice, racism and discrimination.
They do this by:
• educating Victorians, in particular students, towards an understanding of the roles of the victim, perpetrator, and bystander by exposing them to the stories of survivors of the Holocaust and other genocides, and their rescuers.
• empowering individuals, through Transforming Bystander Behaviour programs, to have the courage to combat bullying, racism and other forms of prejudice by being UPSTANDERS not BYSTANDERS.
B’nai B’rith Courage to Care Victoria appointed Mike Zervos a long time bayside resident their first CEO in August 2018.
Mike said he was particularly drawn to Courage to Care’s mission of informing and educating on the dangers of prejudice, racism and bullying. “I’ve been so impressed with the passion and professionalism of what I’ve seen so far, and I’m proud and honoured to be part of this organisations’ future growth and success.” Mike reflected on how well the organisation has reached into schools and the broader community as well as its recent expansion into educating adults with sessions currently being run at the Victoria Police Academy.
Mike has had extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector having spent the last 16 years in leadership roles at Make a Wish Foundation, Alannah and Madeline Foundation and Guide Dogs Victoria. He was pivotal in the growth and reach of Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s programs in schools. He is a qualified CPA with a corporate career both in Australia and internationally.
Mike Zervos, a marathon runner, is currently training for his 15th Melbourne marathon. He has the determination to drive things forward. “I am confident that by communicating the importance of our work, we will gain support. This will be a real team effort.”