Diann Black: From Fashion Design to Compassionate Care

At Santa Maria College, we are incredibly proud of our alumni, especially those who continue to demonstrate the values of service and compassion throughout their lives. One such inspiring individual is Diann Black (Class of 1982), a finalist in the 2024 Mercy Awards for her outstanding contributions to healthcare and vulnerable populations. Nominated in the category of Service, Diann’s journey is one of dedication, compassion, and innovation.

From Fashion Design to Nursing: A Unique Path

Diann’s career path may have started with fashion design, but it was her early experiences in healthcare that ignited her passion for nursing. Reflecting on her transition, Diann shared, “I worked in a nursing home in high school while simultaneously completing both nursing and fashion courses. Lifestyle choices, including what you wear, can impact your health. I was particularly interested in the history of fashion and health. Think about how corsets worn by women for centuries affected their health. The human body is an incredible design, and that’s what drew me to perioperative nursing.”

This unique perspective showcases Diann’s creative yet practical approach to healthcare, blending her love of design with her compassion for patients.

The Rewards of Nursing and Innovation

For Diann, the most rewarding aspect of her work has been the variety of people she interacts with daily. “Currently, I’m working on a new electronic patient care system for NT Health,” she says. “It’s challenging but fulfilling to ensure the system meets clinicians’ needs and enhances patient safety.” Despite her involvement in large-scale projects, Diann’s heart remains in direct patient care, reminding us that the foundation of healthcare is compassion.

Diann with Principal Jennifer Oaten at the Mercy Awards evening

A Global Commitment to Service

Diann’s commitment to serving others extends far beyond Australian borders. Her humanitarian missions in Guatemala and the Philippines, where she provided emergency care as part of surgical teams, are powerful examples of her dedication. “I went to Guatemala twice when I worked in the USA, and I’ve been part of AusMAT, providing emergency care after a cyclone in the Philippines. It’s hard work but incredibly rewarding and a lot of fun,” she explains.

Her work during the COVID pandemic at the Centre for National Resilience further underscores her selflessness. These experiences have shaped her approach to healthcare in Australia, where she reflects on the privilege of accessible healthcare, something she never takes for granted.

Inspiration and Family Tradition

When asked about her biggest inspiration, Diann’s answer is heartfelt. “My father was a creative and caring engineer who worked for Australian Aid in Indonesia, which is why I was a boarder at Santa Maria for a couple of years. I’m also a fourth-generation nurse – my mother had a health clinic in our home.” Her family’s legacy of service has clearly influenced Diann’s own career, reinforcing the idea that compassion and creativity go hand in hand.

A Passion for Caring

What drives Diann’s passion for helping others? She humbly admits, “I don’t know how to answer that. I suppose it’s because I love it. I believe the most successful altruistic acts have selfish motives. I care for people because I love caring for people.” It’s this honest and heartfelt motivation that makes Diann such a deserving finalist for the Mercy Awards.

Balancing Work and Creativity

With such a demanding career, Diann still finds time to unwind – through her first love, sewing. “You should see my house!” she laughs. “My sewing machines never get put away. I have fabric everywhere.” This creative outlet allows Diann to stay connected to her fashion roots, proving that you can blend passion and purpose in every aspect of life.

Diann Black’s journey from fashion design to healthcare and her tireless dedication to serving others, both at home and abroad, exemplifies our Santa Maria core values. We are incredibly proud to call Diann one of our own and congratulate her on being one of the 2024 Mercy Award finalists!

  • AlumniSpotlight, DiannBlack, Featured, Heathcare, MercyAwards2024, Nursing

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation.  Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world.  Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD.  We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.

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