Sherrie Beaver

Sherrie Beaver is Content & Social Impact Manager at Expression Australia, one of the country's oldest Deaf-led organisations, where she leads storytelling, social impact, and community initiatives that champion Deaf and hard of hearing people.

In 2024, Sherrie was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to investigate how Deaf-led and Deaf-informed fundraising practices are working around the world, and how these lessons can strengthen the Deaf sector in Australia. Over six weeks, she visited Deaf-led organisations, Deaf leaders, and Deaf communities in the United States, United Kingdom, Scotland, and Finland.

Her research examined not only how Deaf communities are included in fundraising, but also how they are taking the lead - shifting the culture towards equity and self-determination. Published in September 2025, her report highlights that Deaf-led fundraising is values-driven, community-centred, and highly effective in connecting with donors, partners, and allies. By sharing case studies and stories, Sherrie shows how systemic barriers and cultural inequities can be addressed through inclusive practice, offering practical insights for building strong, more sustainable fundraising models in Australia.

Sherrie is one of only two signing Deaf fundraising professionals in Australia. She has a background spanning content creation, advocacy, research, and policy, and has been recognised as an emerging leader through programs such as the Joan Kirner Emerging Leaders Program.

Sherrie's work is grounded in her lived experience as a Deaf person, and her passion lies in creating lasting impact for the Deaf community through innovative, inclusive, and community-led approaches.