Meet Our Speaker

Allison Howell is an accomplished advancement and philanthropy executive with 25 years’ international experience across medical research, higher education, health and social impact in Australia and North America. Most recently, she held senior advancement leadership roles at the University of Melbourne, where she led a team of 28 professionals to engage philanthropists, alumni and partners in support of ambitious institutional priorities, particularly across medical research and health sciences. Her work connected with a network of more than 8,000 clinician researchers and academics across the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, as well as partner institutes and hospitals. Prior to this, she held senior philanthropy roles at organisations both large and small in Toronto, Canada.

Alongside her executive work, Allison is a respected teacher, mentor, speaker and facilitator who contributes to sector capability through professional education and conference engagement. She also serves in governance roles with organisations focused on supporting women and girls, advancing social justice and creating positive community impact. Based in Melbourne with her partner and two sons, Allison recharges by walking her dog in nature, weightlifting and reading. She has a genuine love of science and an enduring belief in its power to change lives.