About Us

With over a decade of experience as a management consultant specialising in public and social policy, Dr Sally Hsueh-Chih Lai brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and purpose to every project she undertakes. As the Founder of Impact Zebra, Sally is driven by a mission to support organisations and communities to create positive differences for individuals and the broader society through evidence-informed strategies. Sally has a PhD in Social Psychology and has also worked as a sessional academic at Australian universities.

Throughout her career, Sally has worked with a diverse range of organisations to tackle complex challenges in policy development, program evaluation, and strategic planning. Her approach is grounded in integrity and collaboration, rooted in understanding her clients’ unique contexts, needs and goals. She excels at turning data into actionable insights, empowering organisations to measure their success, tell compelling stories, and build partnerships that drive lasting change.

In addition to her consulting work, Sally is deeply committed to empowering women through self-protection education. She leads a women’s self-protection program that equips women of all ages, sizes and abilities with the skills and confidence to navigate personal safety challenges. Her dedication to this work reflects her broader commitment to fostering resilience and agency in every aspect of her professional and personal life.

Outside the professional space, Sally finds peace and inspiration in the natural world. She loves hiking and connecting with nature, as well as immersing in her art/craft creations and contemplating the human condition.

Sally’s combination of analytical expertise, human-centered focus, and dedication makes her a trusted partner for organisations seeking to make a measurable difference in their communities. Sally invites organisations to embrace their potential, define their unique strengths, and create a legacy of impact. 

Dr Merrilyn Delporte has over 20 years of experience working in education, communications, public relations and politics, including as a business owner and working for Members of Parliament. Merrilyn has a Masters in Community/International Development and a PhD focusing on advocacy communication, with particular expertise in cross-cultural research, and advocacy for Refugee and Asylum Seeker (RASS) communities.

She has a deep interest in how communications and stakeholder engagement can help organisations with social justice outcomes, particularly where there are multiple competing interests to consider. Her public relations background is complemented with experience in mentoring and supporting others through teaching and training in the higher education sector. Having previously worked in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Merrilyn also brings strong experience in policy research and development.