Marie-Anne Keeffe – A Life in Storytelling
For Marie-Anne Keeffe (Class of 1986), Santa Maria College laid the foundation for a life shaped by curiosity, storytelling and resilience.
A self-confessed ‘geek at heart’, she credits the College with providing an education that opened doors she never imagined possible. From successfully auditioning for the TV and radio broadcasting course at WAAPA to later completing a law degree with honours at Murdoch University as a mature-aged student, Marie-Anne says her years at Santa Maria set her up for life.
“It meant so much, I kept and still have my Year 12 school uniform, complete with tie,” she said.
The Teachers Who Saw Her Potential
Two teachers, in particular, had a profound impact on Marie-Anne’s future.
Her English teacher, Mrs (Pamela) Marsh, helped nurture the writing skills that would eventually lead to a successful journalism career.
“She outwardly appeared stern but was a brilliant, passionate educator who taught me the fundamental writing crafts that led to a career in journalism,” Marie-Anne said.
In one school report, Mrs Marsh commented that it was a pity Marie-Anne did not take more opportunities to improve her public speaking. Decades later, Marie-Anne will step onto the TEDxPerth stage later this year, to share her own story – a full-circle moment she wishes she could share with her former teacher.
Her Italian teacher, Ms Rosetta (Rosa) Lenzo, also helped build her confidence during Years 11 and 12.
“I was the only girl in the class who didn’t come from an Italian family, so it was pretty brave, or stupid, for me to study Italian,” she laughed.
While Marie-Anne often doubted herself, Rosa encouraged her and saw strengths she could not yet recognise.
Years later, an ancestry test revealed she is 42% Italian.
“Mrs Lenzo was right that I had a hidden gift all along,” she said.
A Storyteller from the Beginning
Long before television studios and executive leadership roles, Marie-Anne’s love of storytelling began with a small reel-to-reel tape recorder at home.
“I was obsessed with talking into it and recording chats with family members, like I had my own radio show,” she said.
Looking back now, she believes storytelling was always part of who she was meant to become.
That passion led to a remarkable media career, including 23 years as Executive Producer of Today Tonight, where she helped bring important stories into homes across Western Australia.
“This was my first dream job,” she said. “Every day I told stories through the wonderful visual medium of television.”
She later became General Manager of Telethon, combining storytelling with purpose to help raise millions of dollars for sick and disadvantaged children across the state.
Strength Through Adversity
Behind Marie-Anne’s professional achievements is a deeply personal story of courage and perseverance.
Left in an orphanage as a baby before being adopted by a Perth family, she describes much of her childhood as lonely and marked by self-doubt.
“My school reports were littered with the words ‘lacks self-confidence’,” she said. “I never felt enough, never pretty enough, thin enough, cool enough.”
Rather than defining her negatively, those experiences helped shape the empathy and compassion that now underpin both her leadership and her work.
“My difficult childhood forced me to be strong and brave to survive,” she reflected. “It has given me an empathy and depth of understanding that allows me to see people and the world through very tender-hearted, merciful eyes.”
Using Communication to Make a Difference
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Marie-Anne made the significant transition from commercial television into government communications, joining the State Government’s COVID taskforce as a campaigns manager.
Although the move into the public sector surprised even her, she quickly realised her skills could be used to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Today, as Director of Communications for WA Health and Chair of the Independent Communications Review Committee, she continues to use communication as a tool for education, awareness and positive change. She also serves on the Heart Foundation Advisory Board.
“I believe my work is helping change and save lives,” she said. “I feel honoured to be trusted to lead in these roles.”
Leading with Kindness
Despite an accomplished career and recognition including induction into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame in 2025, Marie-Anne remains grounded by what matters most to her: family, purpose and kindness.
“This has been the greatest accolade and provides a platform from which I intend to pay it forward,” she said of her Hall of Fame recognition.
”They say the best leaders lower the ladder so that others can climb up and join them. This is my mission – to be a role model and mentor to others, so they, too, can lead with love and purpose, playing their part in changing our world for the better.”
Her philosophy on leadership is simple.
“The most important thing is to be kind – to myself – and to everybody I meet along the way. Kindness is the key, always,” she said.
Advice for Today’s Students
When asked what advice she would give a current Santa Maria student, Marie-Anne reflects on the words of former Principal Sister Sheila Sawle that have stayed with her throughout life:
“If it is to be, it is up to me.”
She also hopes students who may be struggling with confidence understand that they are not alone.
“If you feel lost and not enough, keep believing in yourself,” she said. “One day you will find your tribe, and there will be a seat at the table for you.”
Marie-Anne’s journey from a shy student lacking confidence to a respected communications leader and TEDx speaker is proof that courage, persistence and self-belief can lead to extraordinary things.
- Alumni #story, communications leadership, Featured, Inspiring alumni, Marie-Anne Keeffe, Mercy Values In Action, Perth School Alumni, Santa Maria College alumna, Santa Maria College community, storytelling and journalism, Women in Leadership
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.
Presidents Report – June 2026
What does it mean to belong to the Santa Maria community long after graduation? Mary Heavens reflects on alumni connection, Mercy values, and why compassion, respect, service and courage still shape life, leadership and community in today’s world.
Calling Santa Maria Alumni Golfers for the 2026 CIGS Annual Foursomes Event
The CIGS Annual Foursomes Golf Event for Alumni is a golf day for alumni of participating independent girls’ schools in Western Australia. Santa Maria College alumni are invited to take part on Monday 21 September 2026 at Mt Lawley Golf Club. Players need to be alumni of a participating school and hold a current Golflink number. Register interest with Nina Howie by the end of July.
Join the OGA Committee – Expressions of Interest Now Open
Expressions of interest are now open for alumni who would like to join the Santa Maria College Old Girls’ Association Committee. The committee helps strengthen lifelong connections between past students through events and initiatives that build belonging, celebrate alumni achievements, and support the ongoing spirit of the Santa Maria community. Alumni from a range of backgrounds and graduation years are encouraged to apply.
Weekly Wrap Up – Term 2, Weeks 9 & 10
SEEK7 Explores a World Shaped by Water
