Meet the Team
We are change makers. We believe we can make the world a better place, together, by pooling micro-donations for those who need them most. We believe we can make change, with spare change.
Zara Torre — Founder
A systems thinker with a radical idea. Zara thought, what if we could give as we shopped, effortlessly, ethically, and digitally. Zara has spent years in the non-for-profit sector and knows that charities can do better. For too long the “C” word has been a dirty word. Assembling a team of changemakers has been no easy feat, but with a background organising large scale social impact projects, The Difference is the culmination of Zara’s passion, mission and vision.
Peter Hume — Senior Technologist/ Strategist
Pete is nothing short of a fintech legend, strategist, lead developer and wunderkind. He’s passionate about using his myriad skills to change the way we give in Australia. When he’s not busy writing code, he might be found hiking in the Perth Hills getting some vitamin D.
Timo Reichelt — Developer
Timo is passionate about building user-centered web and mobile applications that make a positive impact. He is a Business Information Technology graduate who’s developed configuration management tools for telescope and Radio Astronomy. Aside from that, did we mention Timo loves to surf?
Merlina Lam — Designer
Merlina is a design freak, and genius when it comes to taking photos. She is responsible for everything well thought out throughout the website, branding and our app design.
When she’s not helping on our mission to change the world, she’s busy running two successful business: Perth Open Photo Booth and Studio Aki.
A big fan of home decor, cute cafes and creative businesses, Merlina enjoys going out and exploring her city while keeping a running list of all the local places she adores.
Nikiah Hollard — User Experience
Nikiah is a user experience designer and has worked with brands such as Synergy, Horizon power, Water corp, Western Australian Ballet and Foxtel (and a few more).
It’s the fault of her lively curiosity and diverse interests that Nikiah’s found herself with many skills that fall both within and outside the normal realms of user experience design.
Nikiah is focussed on building a life filled with purpose and joy. In her off time, she works with the Difference as a UX designer and also volunteers as a tutor and mentor to young students as part of the Achievers Club.