Ione worked with philanthropists for over a decade at the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network, a member-based organisation for environmental funders, growing philanthropic giving to protect nature and secure a safe climate. Previously she worked in program and business development in the climate and energy efficiency sector with non-government organisations, state government and small business, and as a fundraiser for Environment Victoria and the Nature Conservation Council of NSW. Ione has a Master of Environmental Science from Monash University and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne.