Meet Chelsea: Our New Alumni and Foundations Officer

What were you doing before coming to Santa Maria College?

Before I joined the Community Relations team at Santa Maria College, I worked at Cystic Fibrosis WA in a Fundraising and Events Officer role, where I provided event and volunteer management support to the team. 

What inspired you to pursue a role in alumni relations and fundraising?

I am driven by the prospect of nurturing a community where women come together to exchange ideas and experiences and support and celebrate one another. As humans, we thrive when we feel connected to others and part of something greater than ourselves. I’m excited to be in a role where I can help create those connections and a sense of belonging for Santa Maria alumni.  

Can you share any past experiences or projects that you’re particularly proud of in the realm of alumni engagement or fundraising?

One project that I’m particularly proud to have worked on at Cystic Fibrosis WA is 65 Roses Day. Witnessing individuals come together to sell roses at their local school and/or community, share stories, and rally behind the cause was incredibly inspiring. I was in awe of the outpouring of support and generosity from the community, and it was truly gratifying to play a part in making a positive impact on the lives of those living with cystic fibrosis in WA.

What ideas or initiatives do you have for strengthening relationships with our school’s alumni and encouraging their involvement in supporting our mission?

I feel the key to strengthening relationships and fostering a thriving and engaging community is creating opportunities for our alumni to come together, whether that be at a networking or reunion-type event. Events create the opportunity for alumni to reconnect, reminisce, share their experiences, and learn from one another. I also believe it is important to celebrate our alumni by recognising outstanding achievements and contributions. Lastly, creating opportunities for alumni to give back to the school by sharing their stories with current students plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of leaders and professionals. Overall, my goal is to foster a sense of community, not only to strengthen ties but to empower individuals to thrive long after their time at Santa Maria College.

Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests that you enjoy?

Outside of work, I love getting out and about! I enjoy bushwalking, camping, kayaking, swimming at the beach – pretty much anything that gets me outside or amongst nature. I also play social netball twice a week, and of course, love spending time with my family and friends!

What are you looking forward to most about engaging with our alumni?

What excites me most is the opportunity to hear their stories, learn from their experiences, and witness the impact Santa Maria College and the community has had on their lives. 

Are there any traditions or memories from your own school days that you hold dear, and do you hope to incorporate similar experiences into our alumni engagement efforts?

We did not have an alumni program at my school, however, some of the best memories I have are from the school camps we went on each year. This is where many of my lifelong friendships were made and where I learned essential life skills, including resilience and independence. Potentially, we could tie this into an alumni engagement program by facilitating mentorship camps! Opportunity for alumni to impart wisdom, share stories, and offer guidance to current students.