Angela Harrison is a lady who is making a huge impact in the charity space on the Sunshine Coast and has been for a number of years. She is a huge supporter of business, a dedicated learner, a kind, generous and supportive friend and the sort of person you always want on your team or in your corner. I am proud to call Angela a great friend too so I was delighted when she agreed to share her story with our SHINE Business Women community, as she is a lady we can all learn from.

Angela, tell us a little bit about your story, including business and personal achievements:

I left school at 14, left home at 15 and have taken a glass full approach to life. This has been underpinned by completing an undergraduate degree in Business, majoring in International Business as a mature aged student and most recently I completed an Executive Masters of Business Administration at the University of the Sunshine Coast. My personal philosophy is; there is an answer to every problem, there’s a consequence for every action be that positive or negative, so live by your internal compass and if it’s not serving you, then look for the lesson in it.

What guided you towards working as a Charity Manager and working in the Not-For-Profit world? 

Charity and community work seems to have been woven in and out of my life from as young as 10 years old. I have raised millions of dollars in funds for many charities over several decades including for the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane, delivering a full respite unit for cancer patients.  This was followed by becoming an entrant for the Miss Australia Awards, raising funds for the then Queensland Spastic Welfare League. I asked myself last year “what do I want to be when I grow up” and I was cognisant to the natural fit and pull of becoming a professional fundraiser. So that’s my new pursuit and although I have been actively working in the sector for about 10 years, that is what I am now intent on achieving. I feel resolute that there really is no greater reward than to serve others.

Tell us about the people you work with the people who share your work environment? 

I work with some of the most passionate, humanitarian focussed individuals who serve our community selflessly.  I take inspiration from my colleagues and our incredible supporters and it motivates me to be a more effective leader, skilling myself always to drive and influence change in the lives of vulnerable people.

You’ve recently completed an Executive MBA – how will this help you going forward?

The Exec Master’s program is exceptional. It has provided me with the greatest regard for business and underpinned more than 20 years of practical experience. I now have a tool box for delivering strategy, building capabilities and scaling business through the theoretical and skills based teaching and education achieved from this program.

Have you always worked in the fund-raising space?

No, I have been fortunate to have worked in the education sector including working for the University of NSW, the Queensland Department of Education in Head Office and in regional centres in a High School.I have had been extremely fortunate to have had a diverse working career, including owning a homewares business for 9 years and so much more.

How do you juggle being a busy career woman and being a Mum?

I taught my children independence really early.The kids were getting their own breakfast “weetbix” literally from 3 years old.It’s still a staple breakfast food in our home. They are now 18, 19, 22 and are forging their lives as young independent adults, well almost.We did have to live by agreed schedules with my children competing in sport sometimes 6-7 days a week for a good 8 years.

And what’s next. You’ve achieved so much over the past couple of years – what’s next on the agenda?

I will continue to learn as much as I can from the Fundraising sector, as some days I feel like a novice. I completed an undergraduate degree in International Business, so would very much like to apply myself to an international posting at some stage.  In the meantime, my goal is to continue to develop a strategic blueprint that will support long term revenue to change and influence the lives of people living with a disability in my current role as Manager for STEPS Charity.

What do you do in your spare time?

Mostly attending networking events, although I have found a friend in exercise, so it’s now become my go to when I am bored or need to clear my head. So a light jog, climbing a mountain or attending 12 Rounds Fitness is where I find inspiration and get immense personal satisfaction.

Where’s the best place to walk on the Sunshine Coast?
Should have read this question before answering the last one… Alexandra Headland to Mooloolaba Spit taking in the ocean views and the sights and sounds of coast life.

Favourite movie?

Always love a good Bridget Jones movie for a laugh and for something romantic I’ll watch the Notebook….

For check out STEPS Charity Group head to their Facebook page:

@theSTEPSCharity

The recent STEPS Grand Winter Ball raised a phenomenal amount of money for this amazing charity thanks to the efforts of a team of great people and also generous and kind supporters and volunteers. Congratulations to all involved!