Associates

Busy Izzy has great associates. Let's meet them:

Andy Kay - CEO, The World Literacy Foundation
World Literacy Foundation CEO, Andy Kay"There exists a global connection between us all, and at the World Literacy Foundation we believe that education and literacy are the cornerstones for realizing one’s true potential. As the world changes and technology advances, we will continue to invest our time and resources into new ideas so that people can use new technology to access education. We hope that with a little bit of help, passion, and innovation, we can eradicate illiteracy and give each person around the globe a chance to craft their own journey. We encourage you to join us."

 


Bianka Demets - Marketing Manager

Busy Izzy Marketing Manager, Bianka Demets

Bianka Demets is an experienced marketer with over 15 years marketing experience, having worked for large brands such as Microsoft and PayPal. Bianka has demonstrated success leading local and regional virtual teams and has led many successful initiatives, including her instrumental involvement spearheading the Microsoft CityNext program in Australia and PayPal's Driving Business Online.
 
Having run her own small business, Bianka is no stranger to having to build from the ground up. An all-round marketer, Bianka is passionate about education and the development of programs for both big and little people. She is passionate about making a difference in children's lives and is thrilled to be a part of the Busy Izzy team. 

 

 


Keith Holden (BsocSc Econ) - Business advisor / Sponsor

Keith Holden

Keith has been a strong supporter of the Busy Izzy and Friends project since its inception.

As the founder and Director of The Coding Company, he has a proven track record in both IT and company strategies necessary to take an idea and turn into a successful iniative.

His expertise and experience in the business world has been generously provided to Roxanne and Stephen and his sponsorship, in the form of tangible and intangible assets has been greatly appreciated and often used in our live productions and studio filming. 

 

 


Kiswar Ali - Academic Consultant and Marketing Co-ordinator

 

Busy Izzy Academic Consultant and Marketing Co-ordinator, Kiswa Ali

 

Kiswar completed a Bachelor of Business degree (majoring in Accounting) at University of Technology, Sydney and worked in management and tax accounting for various multinational companies such as Coca Cola, British Airways and Grant Thornton before making a career change.

Kiswar realised her calling was always to work with children and so made the bold decision to leave her line of work and pursue her ambition to become a teacher. She completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of Hertfordshire, England and became a qualified teacher landing her first job at the famous Cat Steven's school in North London. A very dynamic individual, she very quickly earned the reputation of being an 'excellent' teacher and continues to impress Principals and staff with her professionalism and expertise.

Together with her strong business acumen and extensive experience in education, she is perfectly suited to the roles presented to her by Roxanne Kiely and Stephen Kiely, and very excitedly came on board the Busy Izzy train as Academic Consultant and Marketing Coordinator, while still continuing to work as a primary school teacher. 

Kiswar has also dabbled in the performing arts and is not only vocally talented but has also had the privilege of singing on stage with ARIA award winners and Australian Idol finalists. 

 

 


Jo Bird (MPhil  ACU) - Academic Advisor

Jo Bird (MPhil  ACU) - Academic AdvisorJo Bird (MPhil  ACU), a leading Australian researcher in the field of how child behaviour is affected by the proliferation of technology and will soon complete her PhD on the subject. She agrees children have never been more exposed to images and language that are not necessarily positive and this is creating some challenges for parents and educators. She believes it is important for children to experience a mix of media and books are a critical element of this. Further, books which promote values of inclusiveness and collaboration such as the Busy Izzy and Friends series are especially important.

"The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues to be concerned by evidence about the potential harmful effects of media messages and images.

A recent study conducted by the AAP showed 8 to 10-year-olds in the USA spend nearly 8 hours a day with a variety of different media, and 71% have a TV in their bedroom. It said young people now spend more time with media each day than they do in school.

The Academy recommended parents discourage screen media exposure completely for children under two years of age, keep TV sets and internet-connected electronic devices out of children’s bedrooms and closely monitor what media their children are using. It said parents and caregivers should establish a non negotiable family home use plan for all media which should include a mealtime and bedtime “curfew” of all media."