Donna the Dream Catcher!

PeopleStories is very fortunate to have such an amazing team including a very capable advisory council.  Our Council is like a compass and helps connecting us to achieve the shared vision and purpose.  While the role of the Council may sound easy in theory, it is challenging in reality.  Therefore, finding those likeminded, professional and passionate people who are willing to share some of their precious time, skill, experience and even wealth can be tricky.

After months of searching and a stringent selection process, we are incredibly proud and humbled that the advisory council is established and it comprises 6 members across Asia Pacific. Like many other change makers, our council members do not necessarily seek the lime light for their contribution and it is only appropriate that we take the time to shine a light on them and how they manage to pursue their dreams whilst juggling their busy life.
 
It is our honour to introduce Donna Worthington, our longest serving council member of PeopleStories.  

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"Donna always holds a special place in my heart, not only as a friend but also as a trusted advisor, sounding board and council member.  She was there for me and the PeopleStories team literally from day 1.  

I fondly remember the early days of designing our logo and Donna described PeopleStories as a Dream Catcher, helping others to transform their lives.  

Look at us now! In 2020 we directly sponsor 100 students to pursue their dreams by helping them to complete school so that they have options to choose what they want to be and become." - Victoria Miloschewsky.

​The spotlight is now on Donna as we ask her the 5 quick fire questions.  Here is what she has to share:
 
Please tell us a little bit about yourself, your family, and your job
“About me… I’m a busy person who loves to be involved in things that make a difference, in particular to those in vulnerable situations.  I’m married with three beautiful children.  Professionally I’m a Partner in Australia’s largest legal and consulting firm.  I help clients to navigate through their complex risk and regulatory requirements.  I’m a huge advocate for diversity and the benefits it provides in any environment or context.”
 
How did you get to know PS and how did you become involved?
“I have known Victoria in a previous context so when I found out about what she was doing with PeopleStories I jumped at the chance of getting involved!” 
 
Why PeopleStories?
“I support PS because our vision, mission and values aligns to my own personal mission and values.  I believe we can change the world through empowering people through education.  And my life is a lived experience of that…”

Everyone is so busy these days. How do you manage to combine a busy private and professional life with doing good at the same time?
“Life is busy and like everyone you need to choose how to use your time to ensure your time on this earth is impactful.  Every day is a juggle and I work to prioritise the things that are important to me… my family, my friends, my clients, and my passion plays… PeopleStories is one of those!  I’m not an advocate of the saying ‘you can have it all’.  Ultimately on any given day I feel like I am not filling one of those roles well.  But when I do focus on those roles, I am present and you get my all.  I’m more of a believer in the saying we are ‘imperfectly perfect’.  I just try to do the best I can with what I have got…I’m also so blessed and grateful for every day.”
 
You are very generous with your support to PeopleStories. What do you get out of it for yourself?
PeopleStories is a source of inspiration in my life.  I get to work alongside people who are driven by something greater than themselves.  I get to listen to the stories of the difference PeopleStories makes in the lives of the children, parents, communities and volunteers we touch.  I get to have the reminder that my life has been privileged in Australia, so I need to remember to be grateful and to give where I can.  The most important thing I get is the opportunity to role model to my children what it means to contribute to society and to those in our world who are disadvantaged.

​If you are granted 3 wishes to make the world a better place, what would those wishes be?
Three wishes… 
1.  For people to be kind to each other … more love and tolerance would be the first on the list.  
2.  To protect mother earth and the habitats of wildlife… we don’t have Option B as a replacement to Earth as yet!  
3.  Education is not a privilege only available to the few, it is available to all.
 
Thank You Donna for being such a good friend and advisor! It is even more amazing when you know how busy Donna is with her family, her job and her other passion plays! Arkoun!

Want to be part of this incredible team?  Click here to learn about the opportunities.