Dr Robyn Sampson, CEO of Baptist Care Australia since January 2024, has a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to building societies that value all of its members equally. Before stepping into the CEO role, Dr Sampson was our Policy and Advocacy Advisor for two years.
Today, she leads Baptist Care Australia with a vision rooted in her extensive experience and profound commitment to the inherent dignity and equality of all people. Growing up in a multicultural Baptist church, Dr Sampson's passion for social justice led her to focus on issues faced by those forced to migrate due to war and violent conflict.
Dr Sampson's impact extends beyond borders, making her a valuable leader in our mission to build stronger and more equitable communities. For nearly a decade, Dr Sampson conducted research as an academic, collaborating with community organisations on the health and wellbeing of refugees and migrants in Australia. Her academic journey culminated in a PhD in Politics, where she developed a keen interest in how expert knowledge shapes policy-making processes.
Eager to apply her knowledge in the real world, Dr Sampson transitioned from academia to full-time advocacy. She joined the secretariat of an international NGO network dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of migrants. Her contributions resulted in positive policy changes in over 40 countries and key commitments by UN Member States as part of the Global Compact on Migration.
Before joining Baptist Care Australia, Robyn spent two years as a private consultant, providing research services, program planning, and strategy advice to UN agencies and international humanitarian organisations. Despite her global endeavours, Robyn remains an active member of her local Baptist congregation in Melbourne.