The Sydney FC Foundation Board

  • Jenny Abood

    CHAIR
    Jenny commenced her career in Finance as a Fixed Income Specialist at CBA and has worked at ABN AMRO and UBS Wealth. She was a founding Partner at Crestone Wealth Management and moved back to Morgans Financial in 2021. She has been a trusted investment advisor for over 30 years to financial institutions, superannuation funds, charitable organisations, and Australia’s wealthiest families, delivering consistent outperformance in all market cycles.

    Jenny is also Board of Director for United Way Australia, Member of Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney Investment Committee and is a founding member of the Professional Australian Lebanese Association that mentors and connects young professional females of Lebanese origin.

    She is passionate about creating professional pathways for young women in football and providing kids, teenagers and adults of all abilities, access to the benefits of participating in sport.

  • Alina Barlow

    FOUNDATION DIRECTOR

    Born in St Petersburg Russia, Alina moved to Sydney in 1999 to complete her Bachelor of Commerce Degree at the University of Sydney. As a graduate, she worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers in both the Sydney and Moscow offices before founding contemporary fine jewellery brand ALINKA in 2014. Alina is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia (CA), Board member of the Australian Ballet Foundation, Australian Ballet Young Ambassador Board member and a long-standing Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation Gold Dinner committee member.

    Alina joined the Foundation Board in 2021 but her family has been at the Foundation of the Club and the A-League since its inception in 2004. Passionate about football’s ability to change the lives of youth, men and women, as well as positively impact our community, Alina is looking to contribute to the Foundation’s cause through her philanthropic work and contributing large portions of her time to the Foundation.

  • Justin Levis

    FOUNDATION DIRECTOR

    Justin is a highly accomplished leader in the Australian fashion and retail industry. With over 20 years of executive experience, he is renowned for driving growth, innovation, and brand success across some of Australia’s most iconic and internationally recognised fashion labels. As the former Executive Director of Cue Clothing Co., he led strategy and expansion for Cue, Veronika Maine, and Dion Lee. In 2021, Justin was honoured with Ragtrader’s Leadership Award in recognition of his significant contribution to the industry.

    Today, Justin provides strategic consultancy to fashion and retail businesses, advising at the highest level on brand development, market entry, and operational excellence.

    In addition to his professional achievements, Justin has long been dedicated to supporting community initiatives and charities. He has served as a director of Life Education Australia since 2019 and has been actively involved in a range of community organisations committed to creating positive social impact.

    Since joining the Sydney FC Foundation board in 2022, Justin has been passionate about ensuring that football is a sport that can be enjoyed by all, fostering inclusivity and opportunity for every member of the community. He believes that football represents more than just a game — it is a powerful metaphor for striving for success, fostering resilience, and inspiring a positive mindset that extends beyond the field into all aspects of life. He is dedicated to harnessing the unifying power of sport to help shape stronger, more inclusive communities and empower the next generation to achieve their fullest potential.

  • Rossana Bellina

    FOUNDATION DIRECTOR

    Rossana, a distinguished lawyer and devoted mother of two, brings a wealth of professional expertise to the Sydney FC Foundation board. With an LL.M. in Banking, Corporate, and Finance Law from Fordham University, cum laude, and a Master in Law from Università Commerciale L. Bocconi, Rossana’s education reflects her commitment to excellence.

    Her legal career spans multiple jurisdictions, making her a valuable asset to the board. As Special Counsel at MinterEllison, she advises on complex financial matters, while her tenure at Shearman & Sterling LLP in New York and Simmons & Simmons LLP demonstrates her expertise in acquisition finance, art finance, and capital markets, further highlighting her versatility as a lawyer.

    Rossana’s dedication to the legal field extends to her role as a Member of the Conference Planning Committee at BFSLA – Banking & Financial Services Law Association. Her passion for the law is equalled only by her commitment to her family, making her a well-rounded and accomplished professional. Rossana’s bar admissions in both Italy and the United States, as well as her proficiency in multiple languages, add to her impressive credentials. As she balances her roles as a lawyer and a mother, Rossana embodies the spirit of excellence and determination that Sydney FC Foundation values.

    Rossana joined the Sydney FC Foundation Board because of her belief in the power of sport to create a positive impact within the community. Sydney FC, as a prominent football club, has a strong presence and influence, and Rossana saw this as an opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives that use the sport as a vehicle for positive change. The Foundation’s dedication to youth development, community outreach, and charitable programs closely aligns with her values, motivating her desire to be a part of an organization committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals in Sydney and beyond. Serving on the board, Rossana’s intention is to play a role in shaping and supporting initiatives that not only elevate the sport of football but also promote social responsibility and community development.

  • Michella Filipowitz

    FOUNDATION DIRECTOR

    Born in Germany, Michella Davis-Rice (Filipowitz) moved to Sydney in 2024.

    After modelling the catwalks of Paris, New York and London in her early years, Michella became a distinguished private art consultant known for her expertise in sourcing rare and significant artworks working directly with private client collectors worldwide. Specialising in Impressionist, old masters, and contemporary art, she has built a global reputation for discretion, exclusivity, and a deep understanding of the high-end art market. She has been responsible for acquisitions of several exceptionally rare collector pieces from artists including Picasso, Modigliani and Basquiat.

    Beyond art, Michella has a strong philanthropic commitment, particularly in helping children in need. Her dedication to philanthropy was deeply inspired by her personal experience and struggles as the mother of an autistic son. This has led her to actively support charitable causes that focus on children’s well-being, education, and access to opportunities and being able to directly impact their lives through co-founding her family Foundation here in Australia in 2024.