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WHO WE ARE

Confit Pathways is an Australian registered charity that works with incarcerated and at-risk young people through fitness training and mentoring. Everyone that works with us has lived experience of the justice space.

Our Board.

Joe Kwon

Founder and CEO

Joe Kwon is a social entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Confit Pathways. Joe was sentenced to 13 years in prison at age 21 for directing a criminal enterprise, Joe transformed his life through the mentorship he received during his incarceration. Inspired by the positive change mentorship brought to his life, Joe now dedicates himself to mentoring and empowering incarcerated youth and youth at risk of incarceration.

Joe is a 2022 Westpac social change scholar, a fitness coach and an advocate for positive social change bringing innovative solutions for justice reform. Joe combines fitness, education, and community support to not just help young people but all individuals who have been affected by the justice system to build a
positive future and successfully reintegrate into society.

Joe's ability to connect with individuals with lived prison experience and his unwavering commitment to social change has led Joe to deliver fitness programs in prisons and communities around the world helping people from all walks of life to “Train To Be Free”, but most importantly he is making a significant impact on Australia's youth justice system.

Tim Laporte

Chair

Tony Sinclair

Treasurer

Tim Laporte has spent nearly two decades as a thinking partner to senior leaders navigating complexity, transition, and the moments that matter most. As co-founder of Leadership Partners, he works at the intersection of systems thinking, human development, and strategic clarity - helping executives and teams see what's actually happening, name it, and move.

His commitment to the justice sector runs deep. As Chairman of Prisoners Aid Association NSW for close to a decade, he guided the organisation through significant reinvention, building social enterprise capability to support people rebuilding their lives after prison.

Tim brings a rare combination: commercial edge from years leading fast-growth businesses, academic rigour from his time as Adjunct Faculty at AGSM, and the relational depth that comes from thousands of hours in the room with leaders doing hard things.

Tony Sinclair has an 18-year career as founder and director of 3 companies and has raised $9 million in investment. He has direct experience in venture capital and grants, market entry for regulated products in Australia, overseas business models and investment due diligence.

As an accelerating commercialisation facilitator, Tony advised and guided clients in medtech, agtech and climate tech on their journeys to commercialise. His guidance included: governance, financial modelling, and regulation.

Tony works with mission-driven incubators and venture capital. He has advised non-profits on blended finance deals up to $21 million and now consults on acquisitions and negotiations for social impact companies.

Tony volunteers on the Board of Confit Pathways, a non-profit that runs programs to keep kids out of youth detention.

Tony holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney.

Lorana Bartels

Board Member

Michael Willing APM

Board Member

Lorana is a Professor of Criminology at Australian National University, Adjunct Professor of Law at University of Canberra and University of Tasmania, and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law. She brings more than 25 years’ experience across the criminal justice system, including advising justice agencies throughout Australia. Lorana also serves as a Director of the Justice Reform Initiative, and has previously contributed as a board member of the school at the ACT youth detention centre and Prisoners Aid ACT.

Her depth of expertise and commitment to evidence-based reform will be a valuable addition to our work supporting young people in the justice system.

Michael Willing is CEO of Fortem Australia, a leading not-for-profit supporting first responders and their families. A former NSW Deputy Police Commissioner with over 31 years of service, Michael held senior roles including Commander of the Homicide Squad, head of Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command, and Deputy Commissioner of Regional NSW Field Operations — leading a workforce of more than 5,800 personnel. He also served as State Recovery Coordinator following the 2019/2022 bushfire disasters, overseeing a whole-of-government and ADF taskforce. Following his retirement from policing, Michael held the role of Managing Director – National Security and Public Safety with Accenture, before founding specialist advisory firm The Peelian Group in 2024.

Michael holds an MBA, a Master of Public Administration, and a Harvard Business School executive qualification among numerous academic credentials. He serves on several boards and advisory committees, and has received multiple honours including the Australian Police Medal in the 2016 Queen's Birthday Honours List. A proud Dubbo local, Michael is passionately purpose-driven and committed to helping others live meaningful lives.

Sheela Maji

Board Member

Sheela Maji brings 20+ years’ experience in business development and technology service delivery, across commercial and public-sector outsourced services. Sheela has led teams across Australia, Asia Pacific region and the United Kingdom, while working with Hewlett-Packard and Serco Plc.

Sheela volunteers on the Board of Confit Pathways, a non-profit that runs programs to keep youth and young adults out of detention. She brings experience in technology and service programs in regulated and highly secure environments such as justice, defence, health and citizen services.

Sheela is an alumna of the Harvard Business School and holds an MBA from Australian Graduate School of Management (UNSW).