Karenza Louis-Smith

Karenza Louis-Smith is the proud Group CEO of The Disability Trust, leading the organisation with heart, vision, and a deep commitment to empowering people with disability and complex mental health needs. She brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience, a wealth of knowledge, and a genuine passion for creating inclusive, person-centred services that empower individuals and communities.

Karenza’s extensive career began in youth services in the UK, and over the years, she has held senior roles across Australia, including CEO positions at TaskForce and The Australian Community Support Organisation (acso), working in the areas of disability, mental health, offending, employment service, and drug treatment. In 2024, she was involved in the successful merger of ermha365 with The Disability Trust, uniting two organisations with aligned values and complementary strengths to create a stronger, more impactful Group. During her time at ermha365, Karenza built a strong reputation for innovation and advocacy – including initiatives such as the award-winning Get Real podcast and co-hosting the 2025 Australian Complex Needs Conference.

Her leadership is grounded in lived experience, empathy, and a belief in the power of recovery. She’s known for her collaborative style, her ability to build strong partnerships, and her drive to challenge the status quo.

As Chair of the Board at Mental Health Victoria, Karenza plays a pivotal role in influencing policy and driving sector-wide reform. Her passion for inclusion and advocacy ensures that The Disability Trust not only delivers exceptional services but also champions systemic change to improve outcomes for people with disability and complex mental health needs.

Karenza is a passionate advocate and a strategic thinker. Her vision is clear: to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, no matter how complex or challenging their needs.