She’s a solicitor, social justice advocate and now a board director who, this year, successfully undertook the Australian Institute of Company Directors Not-for-Profit Scholarship which she describes as “transformative”. Apply for the Not-for-Profit Scholarship now.
When Charlotte Solomon reflects on her journey to become a NFP board director, she describes it as something that “happened organically.” But there is nothing accidental about the passion and purpose that underpins her life and career. A lawyer with social justice as her north star, Solomon has dedicated her work to advocating for individuals and communities who are often underrepresented or marginalised. Her directorship at the Centre for Stories is a natural extension of this lifelong mission.
A solicitor with extensive family law experience across Legal Aid WA and with the RUAH Legal Services and Mental Health Law Centre, Solomon’s work is driven by the same core value that drew her into NFP governance.
“I’d completed a leadership course and had been thinking about how I could deepen my contribution to the community beyond volunteering,” she says. “When I found out the Centre for Stories was looking for a board member, it felt like a perfect alignment — I was seeking a meaningful opportunity. They were looking for someone who could contribute.”
Founded in 2015 by John and Caroline Wood, the Centre for Stories is a literary arts and cultural organisation that uses storytelling as a tool for connection, education and social change. With a strong commitment to cultural diversity, the centre supports voices that have been underrepresented in Western Australia’s creative sector — particularly First Nations voices.
Storytelling driving social change
Solomon’s new board role came at a pivotal moment in her professional journey, and she views it as both a privilege and a responsibility. “I believe storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have for driving systemic and social change. Being part of this board allows me to contribute my legal and governance skills to support that mission.”
Stepping into her first board role has been a learning curve. “One of the most important things I’ve learned is that governance is about much more than oversight. It’s about ensuring the organisation’s wellbeing and sustainability. It’s about accountability, purpose and helping the organisation fulfil its goals.”
Like many new directors, Solomon had to navigate the shift from operational thinking to strategic oversight. “One of the biggest challenges was resisting the urge to jump in and get my hands dirty,” she laughs. “I had to learn that as a director, your role is to step back and provide oversight — not to be hands on in the day-to-day.”
Benefits of the AICD Scholarship
That perspective was deepened through Solomon’s participation in the AICD’s Not-for-Profit Scholarship, which she describes as transformative. “I would strongly recommend it to anyone considering a board role in the NFP sector,” she says. “It gave me practical tools and frameworks tailored specifically to the NFP space — things like financial literacy, risk management and ethical governance.”
A highlight was connecting with other emerging and early-career directors. “There was a real sense of community. We were all on similar journeys and it was empowering to know that others had the same questions and challenges. There was no such thing as a silly question — just shared learning.”
The mentorship she received was another standout. “Being able to learn from experienced directors and mentors helped me understand what good governance looks like in practice. And it reinforced that being a great director means always being open to learning.”
Solomon gained insights into the practical and strategic components of board service — but also into board dynamics and communication. “Effective boards thrive on clear, transparent communication. That’s what builds trust and allows for strategic thinking and accountability.”
Her biggest takeaway? That directorship is an ongoing journey. “It’s not about arriving at a fixed point of expertise. It’s about staying curious, being open to learning and evolving as you go.”
Creativity - as important as education
An ethos that resonates most with Solomon is from Sir Ken Robinson, the visionary cultural leader, author and educator who believes that creativity is as important as literacy and should be treated with the same status. For Solomon, that sentiment strikes at the heart of what makes the Centre for Stories so impactful. “We’re not just telling stories — we’re educating, empowering, and advocating for change.”
Looking ahead, Solomon is excited to continue contributing to the centre’s strategic direction and supporting its mission of elevating diverse voices. She also hopes more professionals consider how they can give back to their communities — whether through volunteering, advocacy or board service.
Services provided by the centre include:
- Storytelling training and services
- Writing programs for emerging, mid-career and established writers
- Writing and storytelling workshops, panel conversations and other events
- Print, online, audio and video-storytelling production
- Professional training for teachers, writers and oral storytellers
- Mentoring for emerging practitioners
“I think everyone at some point in their lives should explore how they can contribute beyond their day jobs,” she says. “For me, board service has been an incredible way to utilise my skills to support something I believe in deeply.”
As she continues her journey as a director, Solomon remains committed to the principles that have guided her all along - purpose, justice and the belief that stories — when heard, shared, and respected — can transform lives and communities.
More about the AICD’s Not-for-Profit Scholarship
The scholarship, which runs annually, provides 200 individuals from small to medium not-for-profit organisations with full-fee enrolments in the highly regarded Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors course.
Follow in Charlotte’s footsteps and give even more back to the community you serve by applying for the Not-for-Profit Scholarship. Applications open from 12 May 2025.
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