Welcome to READucate!

I am deeply passionate about ensuring equitable access to quality education. Growing up in the Philippines, I witnessed firsthand how unequal access to education traps individuals, families, and communities in poverty. This experience shaped my lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for all.

After more than seven years in Deloitte’s Consulting practice, I made the leap to founding READucate to address an urgent need in my community. The Philippines faces one of the lowest levels of functional literacy globally—a crisis only worsened by the impact of COVID-19.

Inspired by my great-grandmother and great-aunt, who taught literacy to disadvantaged communities in South Africa for over 80 years and positively impacted 80,000 lives, I set out to carry forward their legacy. Through READucate, we aim to tackle the literacy crisis by empowering literate individuals to teach English reading and writing within their own communities.

At READucate, we understand the transformative power of functional literacy. It opens doors to employment, fosters connections, and provides a sense of purpose. For many, it’s the first step toward breaking the cycle of poverty. But our programs go beyond education—we strive to empower individuals with improved skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Thank you for visiting our website and for your interest in READucate. Together, we can break barriers, transform lives, and create a future where literacy unlocks endless opportunities for everyone.

Warm regards,
Dani Lotzof Salteri
Founder & CEO, READucate

OUR VISION

To empower disadvantaged individuals to live purposeful, connected lives.

OUR MISSION

To uplift disadvantaged individuals and communities through the unique READucate literacy program which enables any literate person to teach another person to read and write.

OUR VALUES

We focus on those who need it most. We respect and accept diversity. We care for ourselves and others. We empower and collaborate. We hold ourselves accountable and look to improve. We have fun. 

MEET OUR TEAM

  • CEO

    Dani is passionate about creating equitable access to quality education and believes this is key to empowering the disadvantaged to live connected, purposeful lives both within, and beyond their communities. Started by a family member in South Africa, Dani’s energy, commitment and expertise garnered as Senior Manager at Deloitte working in the education sector and organisational transformations puts her in the perfect position to iterate, refine and scale READucate to maximise its impact. Dani also volunteers weekly to provide food to the Sydney homeless community, and is a mentor to several young female professionals.

  • HEAD OF PRODUCT

    Emma is an experienced, passionate teacher and an avid learner herself. She holds a Bachelor of Education and Psychology, Diploma of Early Childhood Education, and is currently completing a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration. With over 8 years of experience teaching both in and out of classrooms, Emma brings both practical and academic expertise to the READucate Program. As Head of Product, Emma is using a data-based approach to analyse and improve on the Program. She is also an active member of the Carlo and Roslyn Salteri Foundation.

  • PROGRAM ASSISTANT

    Alliah holds a degree in education and presently serves as a READucate Reading Coach. Following the attainment of her degree, she promptly commenced her career with READucate. Coming from a family that prioritized education, she developed a deep-seated aspiration to broaden her knowledge base and actively participate in the program. Alliah is committed to leveraging her capabilities to optimize READucate's program delivery. She subscribes to the notion that a resolute zeal for learning can inspire positive change and contribute to the creation of a better world.

  • MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

    Charfee holds a degree in Marketing Management and has gained valuable experience working with corporate marketing departments. Her expertise lies in developing brand communication and promotional strategies that reinforce an organization's values and enhance its reputation. Her enthusiasm for honing these skills has led her to join READucate, where she is determined to spread the organization's mission and become a voice for promoting literacy, especially among disadvantaged individuals and communities. Her love for children and belief in their right to education has also fueled her to be part of the READucate program, where she hopes to be a catalyst for positive change and create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • CEO

    Dani is passionate about creating equitable access to quality education and believes this is key to empowering the disadvantaged to live connected, purposeful lives both within, and beyond their communities. Started by a family member in South Africa, Dani’s energy, commitment and expertise garnered as Senior Manager at Deloitte working in the education sector and organisational transformations puts her in the perfect position to iterate, refine and scale READucate to maximise its impact. Dani also volunteers weekly to provide food to the Sydney homeless community, and is a mentor to several young female professionals.

  • Director

    Marnie is an executive in Deloitte’s Human Capital team playing a lead role in Deloitte’s K-12 practice. Marnie is an expert in executing and has spent the last 17 years managing projects and helping improve processes for a range of businesses as a consultant for global firms, an independent consultant and as an executive. She has experience across the education, retail, consumer goods, media, software healthcare and energy sectors and holds a Bachelor of Information Technology and a Bachelor of Business. Marnie is passionate about assisting educators who have a change agenda and need someone who can help them define and execute their strategy.

  • Director

    As a Senior Associate in HWL Ebsworth’s commercial, corporate and private client practice, Jenny advises a diverse range of clients, including high net-worth entrepreneurs, family groups, corporations and philanthropic organisations. Jenny delivers strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions, commercial dealings, shareholders agreement and corporate governance, investment vehicles and structuring. Her practice includes structuring philanthropic vehicles, creating endowment funds, private and public ancillary funds, and other charitable trusts. Jenny regularly advises on naming rights, charity registration and deductible gift receipt endorsement and charities law.

ADVISORY PANEL

  • Carolyn Fletcher AM

    Charity Advisor

    Experience: Opportunity Cambodia.

  • Edna Frienkel

    READucate Adviser

    Experience: Founder of READucate Trust.

  • Roy Lotzof

    Social Development and Finance Adviser

    Experience: Former Executive at Macquarie Bank, Board member of several organisations, focus on social development.

  • Kate McDonald

    Education Sector, Strategy and Operations Adviser

    Experience: Chief Operating Officer, Deloitte Consulting. K-12 Sector Lead and Dean of Courageous Principals, Australia.

  • Harriet Pratten

    Narrative and Storytelling Adviser

    Experience: Founder, Ginkgo Agency and 21 Icons Project.

  • Robert Salteri AO

    Philanthropy, Strategy and Governance

    Experience: Former executive and board member to profit and not for profit organisations.

  • Kelly Salteri

    Philanthropy Adviser (Education)

    Experience: Active philanthropist with passion for education among disadvantaged.

  • Nicole Greenwell

    Marketing and Partnership Adviser

    Experience: Marketing and Partnerships at Deloitte Consulting US and Southeast Asia.

  • Matt Wright

    Monitoring and Evaluation

    Experience: Partner, Deloitte Access Economics (Education).