Get to know the team!
Yasmina Tripp – Chair
Born in Vanuatu, the beautiful Melanesian Island east of northern Australia, Yasmina worked in the thriving hospitality industry as a successful events/function co-ordinator prior to moving to Sydney in 1997 – a city she loved living in when completing her education.
Yasmina’s priority has always been family and she was thrilled when she became a mother – a role she cherishes. Yasmina and her husband Matt proudly welcomed their son Alex in 2005 and daughter Isabella (Bella) in 2007.
Following Bella’s Down syndrome diagnosis shortly after birth, Yasmina became Bella’s full-time carer. Yasmina supported Bella through every challenge, ensured Bella was given every opportunity and was proudly there to celebrate Bella’s many successes.
Yasmina launched The Bella Tripp Foundation in Bella’s honour with a view to providing hope for children in the face of respiratory complications following a bone marrow transplant. All funds raised by the Foundation will hopefully one day make a difference by identifying new treatments and supporting an earlier diagnosis – a victory which will celebrated in not only Bella’s name but in the name of other children lost too soon to similar complications.
Yasmina has been part of many philanthropic initiatives including raising much needed funds for Down Syndrome Victoria, World Vision, RSPCA, the Starlight Foundation, The Royal Children’s Hospital (Melbourne) and the specialist schools Bella attended, the Port Phillip Specialist School and Ashwood School.
Tina Tripp – Director
As Bella’s proud and ever-loving aunt, Tina is honoured to be part of The Bella Tripp Foundation.
Tina understands the day-to-day challenges families face not only as a mother of four young children, but also as the mother of a child who was diagnosed with a genetic neurological condition, Neurofibromatosis Type 1, at the age of approximately 18-months old. Tina’s son, like Bella, is a genuine fighter with a unique soul.
Unique souls need unique people in their corner. Having worked with not-for-profit organisations past and present, Tina is passionate and dedicated to working with the unique and vulnerable.
Tina is currently practising as a Criminal lawyer at Victoria Legal Aid. She represents those who otherwise do not have access to justice by virtue of their economic status when faced with legal problems. Tina has also worked in a charity environment raising funds for seriously ill and underprivileged children and teenagers.
Tina looks forward to Bella’s memory living on through the endeavours of the Foundation.
Emma Auld – Director
As a long-time family friend, Emma feels privileged to have been part of Bella’s life and that of her family and is honoured to sit on the board of The Bella Tripp Foundation.
Having worked with some of Australia’s biggest brands across multiple industries and countries, Emma has over 20 years’ experience in company and commercial law. She is also the proud mother of two incredible boys Tom and Lachie.
A long-standing fundraiser, advocate and donor to cancer related research organisations, Emma has been directly involved with a number of charities and brings a solid understanding of the operating requirements of not-for-profit organisations and a deep knowledge of governance and regulatory requirements.
Being an avid hiker and marathon runner, Emma knows firsthand the importance of mindset and lung function – she is passionate about fitness and the many health benefits exercise affords. Emma hopes the work of the Foundation will allow medical research advancement to keep the lungs of children receiving medical treatment healthy and strong and respiratory complications following bone marrow transplants are no longer a statistic.
