Elena founded GippsTech in 2017 with the mission of growing regional startup and tech communities. Elena has a PhD in Computer Science from ANU and 15 years' experience in innovation, startups and technology, including at Google where she was the Product Manager for the Google Maps Web APIs.

Elena worked with the 6 local councils in Gippsland to create Startup Gippsland, one of the largest regional startup programs ever to be run in Australia. She has been recognised for her work on building regional startup and tech communities by being selected as one of 3 finalists for the Regional Development Victoria Leadership & Innovation Award 2018, and a winner of the PauseFest SuperConnector award 2020.

• The best part of living/working in Gippsland is… Being able to live in such a beautiful area and still do the work I love. As someone who lived in the Melbourne CBD for 10 years, I love that the only noise I hear when I wake up is birds. 

• When I’m not at work I’m… Either playing computer games, gardening, or running. 

• I’m really good at cooking… lots of varieties of soup.

“The purpose of my career is to solve problems. Some are more complex than others, but every problem evokes a passion for communication, creativity and change – our one and only constant in life!”

With a qualification in Marketing (BCom), Media & Communication and Videography (BA), coupled with 12 years’ experience across digital, content, branding and design, Michael wants to help teams and organisations get the best out of their people, processes and technology and to move the needle on their overall marketing and business performance.

• The best part of living/working in Gippsland is… working with values-led organisations who have the time and space to foster genuine long-term relationships over short-term transactional contracts.

• When I’m not at work I’m… traveling throughout this beautiful country, whether we’re sleeping under the stars amongst the Otways Rainforest or at a beachside campsite on the east coast - we’re always looking for the next hidden gem!

• I’m really good at cooking … a chicken pesto pasta

Nasrin’s role revolves around connecting with customers and turning their web dreams into reality. She handle various tasks like fixing existing websites, creating new ones, and empowering customers to makes small changes to their own websites and manage their sites on their own.

Nasrin is pretty skilled with coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and she’s the go-to person for making websites that look good and are easy to use. Whether it's making flexible layouts or making things run super smooth, Nasrin really likes mixing creativity with practicality.

• The best part of living/working in Gippsland is… The opportunity to collaborate and connect with a community of incredibly talented, supportive, and delightful colleagues. 

• When I’m not at work I’m… Either watching a movie, reading book or shopping.

• I’m really good at cooking... A variety of stews, especially Ghormeh Sabzi, a popular Persian stew.