Anne is a well-known and respected business professional and corporate adviser with broad experience in business, government, politics, management, tourism, international relations, events and the community.

Anne managed the Tourism, Events and Marketing portfolio as a member of the Fraser Coast Council from 2004 to 2012, and brings years of experience running successful organisations to STEPS Autism Treehouse.

Anne’s career in local government and business management spans more than two decades, providing her with an extensive network of contacts across the business, government and community sectors throughout Queensland and Australia. Anne has an established reputation for providing evidence-based advice and hands on guidance to national and international business, government, politics and small business.

Anne, you’ve had an extensive corporate career working in a number of areas, tell us about your roles and skills you have learnt along the way…

My strongest skills lie with intuitively reading people and negotiation – I am very much a listener before a talker – and have always respected the old Chinese saying “he who speaks first – loses”

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

My drive to work for STEPS is very much a personal and altruistic one – my daughter lives with Down Syndrome and was one of the first cohort to graduate from the college last year – STEPS has transformed not only Ariana’s life – but our families as well.

What traits and qualities do you feel help you to make an impact in the fund-raising / charity space?

I believe my deep and personal understanding of what an impact the college can have on young people living with a disability is my biggest strength in this job.

How have you transitioned from working in the Government/Corporate sector to your current role – are there many similarities?

I have been very fortunate to have worked in government, corporate and private enterprise – and would suggest that the skills I have garnered from those roles have helped my transition into this current job. I think once you have run your own business – you absolutely appreciate the complexities of running any enterprise.

How have you juggled caring for your beautiful daughter over the years combined with working full-time, what strategies have you got for working Mums struggling with the everyday juggle?

I am incredibly lucky to have a very supportive family, a wonderful son and a superb tribe of beautiful friends.  I am extremely organised (some say military like) but when you have a child with a disability – chances are, everything takes longer.  I won’t say it has been a breeze – certainly there have been times when the struggle has been very real – but I consider myself blessed to be here and able to contribute to an incredibly important cause.

And what’s next on the agenda for Anne Nioa?

I have always been an avid traveller, so when the world opens up again, I want to explore Cuba – and a colleague was telling me about how sensational Barbados was the other day – so I have added that to the very long list. Apart from making my mark in my relatively new role, to keep enjoying family, friends and champagne.

Favourite movie and why?  

I have many favourite movies – I love going to the cinema and indulging in the luxury of just sitting and being entertained – I will watch almost anything – except SCIFI and War movies.

Coast or City?

Coast – I love the ocean – but prefer quiet to busy!

What mantra do you live by?

Forget the Mistake

To find out more about Anne and STEPS Charity head to:

Website
https://www.stepscharity.com.au/

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-nioa-14400655/