Making an Impact – How Sarah Vrankovich is Driving Social Change
From the dorms of the Santa Maria boarding house to research rooms at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University, Sarah Vrankovich (Class of 2015) has built a career on something she learned early, the power of community, empathy, and showing up for others.
Today, as a Research Fellow, Sarah is leading groundbreaking work on the Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence project, the largest federally funded initiative of its kind. Her focus? Preventing sexual violence before it happens, and making sure everyone, especially often-overlooked communities, have access to respectful, safe, and joyful relationships.
Tackling Complex Environments
Sarah’s work is not just about individuals; it is about understanding how the environments we live and work in shape safety and wellbeing.
“Sexual violence is often seen as an individual issue, but the environments we live and work in also play a huge role,” Sarah explains.
When invited to contribute to research on the mining industry, she was struck by how deeply gender, power, and culture shape people’s experiences.
“High-risk settings like this often don’t get the attention they need, and yet the stakes are so high. Researching sexual violence prevention in complex settings, like the mining industry, adds an extra layer of needing to think differently about safety, accountability, and what strengths those settings already hold.”
It’s challenging work, but Sarah sees the potential for real change through careful research, community engagement, and practical solutions.
A Career Grounded in Courage and Curiosity
Sarah’s path into research was not linear. “I didn’t get a high ATAR and I floated through the early years of my degree,” she laughs. “But curiosity, persistence, and genuine passion mattered more than a perfect five-year plan.”
From Boarding Life to Leadership
Living away from home as a teenager shaped more than Sarah’s study habits.
“I was a boarder, which was a deeply formative experience in so many ways. Living away from home taught me resilience, navigating relationships, and the value of friendships. The house mothers were a big part of that journey. They genuinely cared for us and created a sense of home in the boarding house.”
Those early experiences helped her develop the leadership qualities she uses daily in advocacy and research: empathy, collaboration, and showing up for people, even on the hard days.
Creative Research, Real Impact
Her current work involves evaluating innovative programs for young people who have experienced homelessness or violence, for example, youth in custody and LGBTQ+ young adults. Sarah brings a creative lens to research, using art and storytelling so participants can share their experiences in powerful, personal ways.
“It’s about centering their voices,” she explains. “One project will see young people create a collaborative artwork, adding something they have learned each session. It’s a beautiful way to make their insights visible.”
Staying Grounded
In between research deadlines and advocacy work, Sarah stays connected to home -literally. “I make sure to call my family in Perth regularly, and I schedule time with friends throughout the week. Sewing, movies, or just laughing over something silly with my partner. Those little rituals keep me balanced.”
The Santa Maria Spirit Lives On
Sarah’s journey is a reminder that making an impact is not about having all the answers at 17. It is about carrying your values into the world and having the courage to act on them.
“You don’t have to be the top of the class to make a difference. Start where you are, follow your curiosity, and trust that your voice matters.”
- AlumniSpotlight, BoardingSchoolLifeImpact, Featured, InclusiveRelationships, MercyValuesinAction, SantaMariaCollegeAlumni, SocialChangeLeadership
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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