Term 2 Sisterhood Series Wrap Up
At Santa Maria College, we pride ourselves on fostering an environment where education extends beyond textbooks, particularly through our innovative Sisterhood Series. This initiative connects students from Years 10 to 12 with alumni across diverse career paths, offering insights and inspiration from those who have gone before them.
Our Sisterhood Series saw nine alumni volunteer their time to share their career and educational journeys. This term, students had the privilege of engaging directly with experts from fields as varied as law enforcement, graphic design, data analysis, paramedicine and hydrogeology. These sessions build networks and open doors to potential career paths that our students might not have considered.
Each session also teaches critical life skills such as creativity, collaboration, and resilience. For instance, Jessica Sutton’s transition from pharmacy to becoming an Art Director underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. Meanwhile, Shandra Cohen’s career trajectory from the Australian Army to IT highlights problem-solving and critical thinking.
Alumni like Alethea Dreyer, who shared her passion for drama and education, not only teach but also reconnect with their roots at Santa Maria, fostering a strong sense of support and mentorship.
Guest Highlights This Term
Jessica Sutton (2004): A journey from pharmacy to the creative pulse of graphic design.
Alethea Dreyer (2001): Empowering the next generation through drama and education.
Shandra Cohen (1981): Data specialist who found her calling through an unconventional path.
Marie Egan (1988): Combining science with sustainability in horticulture and hydrogeology.
Nakita Harmon (2011): Delivering compassionate care as an Occupational Therapist.
Danni Veldsman (2010): From engineering to the frontline of healthcare as a paramedic.
Sophie Kerrigan (2010): A medical career shaped by dedication and diverse experiences.
Ashleigh Baker (2014): Turning a love for radio into a vibrant broadcasting career.
The Sisterhood Series continues to be a cornerstone of our commitment to preparing our students for the world beyond Santa Maria and maintaining strong connections with our alumni. By learning directly from those who have forged their paths before them, our students are not only planning their futures but are also inspired to carve their own unique paths with confidence and courage.
We would like to thank our guests this term and look forward to welcoming more alumni in Term 3.
- Alumni Stories, Career Development, Featured
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.
From the President – May 2026
Santa Maria College alumni can look forward to several upcoming events in 2026. These include a joint alumni event with Aquinas College later in the year, a movie night at Windsor Theatre Nedlands in late July, and the Pleiades Meeting hosted at Santa Maria College in August. The update also encourages support for the College’s Winter Appeal.
Expression of Interest – Explore8 Guest Speakers 2026
Santa Maria College is inviting alumni to submit an expression of interest to speak in the 2026 Explore8 program. Explore8 is a real-world learning experience for Year 8 students focused on research, problem solving and innovation in response to community and global challenges. Guest speakers help students connect ideas to lived experience by sharing their career journeys, challenges and impact.
Tara Del Borrello’s Music Therapy Journey
Music therapy is the intentional use of music by a registered music therapist to support health, functioning and wellbeing. In this alumni story, Tara Del Borrello explains how music therapy can help infants, children and young people with regulation, communication, rehabilitation and recovery. Her journey shows how a creative background can lead to meaningful work in healthcare.
