Partners-in-Mission Rouel Villaruel and Kong Le bring decades of expertise in finance, community services, and social justice to our Good Shepherd mission. In this conversation, they reflect on what responsible stewardship truly requires — and what it means to serve a mission where every number has a human face.

Q: Could you each introduce yourself and share a little about your background and your role within the Good Shepherd family?

Rouel: I serve as Senior Manager, Group Financial Controller, and Finance Manager for the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. At its core, my role is about stewardship — overseeing financial reporting and supporting the organization’s long-term sustainability so we can continue delivering on our mission, both now and into the future.

Kong: I serve as General Manager of Service Navigation and Microfinance at Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand. I bring more than 25 years of leadership experience across banking, consumer finance, microfinance, and community services, having held senior roles with Good Shepherd, National Australia Bank, and ANZ, and worked across Australia, Asia, and the Pacific.

Q: How did your journey to Good Shepherd begin?

Rouel: I joined Good Shepherd in 2012 as part of the finance team at Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand. Over the years, I have supported the Good Shepherd mission in a variety of finance roles, and in 2024 I assumed the Finance Manager role for Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd. During that time, I have come to appreciate the many people, ministries and communities that make up the Good Shepherd family and the commitment they bring to walking alongside those who are most vulnerable.

Kong: Like Rouel, I have been privileged to be called to Good Shepherd’s mission as a partner-in-mission since 2017 and partake in St Mary Euphrasia’s quest of “What are we doing in this world and why are we here, if not to contribute to the well-being of our neighbors?”

As the second youngest amongst seven siblings, leaving my parents behind in Vietnam and arriving in Australia in 1980 as a refugee with my two elder brothers, I have firsthand experience of the feeling of being vulnerable, isolated, and marginalized. I also had the opportunity to appreciate what it means to have someone who genuinely wanted my brothers and me to be safe, well, strong and connected…that someone came in the form of Sister Mary Power, whom we met when we first arrived at the Maribyrnong Midway Hostel.

Q: How do you connect your day-to-day work to the broader Good Shepherd mission?

Rouel: Much of my work happens behind the scenes, which is something I genuinely enjoy. While my role centers on finance, I see it as a form of stewardship, helping ensure that the resources entrusted to us are used thoughtfully and in ways that support our ministries and the people we serve. I particularly value working with the sisters and partners across the organization, learning from different perspectives and contributing to work that makes a positive difference in women, girls and their families.

Kong: Reflecting on my journey thus far with Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand and the opportunities afforded to strive for dignity and social justice for women, girls and families through my involvement with the Microfinance program, I am truly grateful and humbled that I have been able to contribute in some small way to the audacious and zealous work of the Good Shepherd Sisters with and through others.

Q: What do you find most rewarding or inspiring about being part of this mission?

Rouel: One of the things I enjoy most about my work is partnering with people across different teams and learning how finance can support the important work being done throughout the organization. What inspires me most is seeing the Good Shepherd Mission lived out in practical ways every day. Across our ministries and services, there is a genuine commitment to dignity, inclusion, and hope. That shared sense of purpose connects people across many different roles and communities, each contributing in their own way.

Through my time at Good Shepherd, I have come to appreciate that stewardship is not just about resources but about helping create the conditions for people and communities to thrive. As a partner in mission, knowing that my work contributes in some small way to that purpose is what I find most rewarding. I’m proud to be part of a community that makes a real difference every day.

Q: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the Good Shepherd family and for your role as lay partners?

Kong: Looking ahead, I am saddened to think our Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand sisters will one day no longer journey with us to “Rouse your/our hearts to love, gratitude and generosity” (Saint Mary Euphrasia), as we can continue to bring dignity, inclusion and hope. However, I will take it as a challenge to ensure the heart, charism, and generosity of the Good Shepherd Sisters continue through partners-in-mission such as myself.