ALISSA PHILLIPS
15 Mondra St Kenmore, Brisbane QLD 4069 M 0403747228 E alissa@thespace.org.au www.thespace.org.au
PROFILE I am a Social Innovator. For the past three years I have applied my qualifications specifically to disability services through my innovative programs, public speaking and inclusive communities development and practice. Throughout those years I worked as a registered music therapist, founded the not for profit organsation s.p.a.c.e and consulted in and around youth leadership, marketing and image creation, not for profit fundraising and innovative education and community practice. Inclusive education and thinking processes are of particular interest to me. I believe everyone has the potential to teach and be taught. We can improve attitudes and relationships between all members of the community by engaging people in dynamic discussions and meaningful experiences surrounding potential. I believe that social equity within our communities can be progressed through the education and shared experiences of diverse community groups and members. I believe this education begins in our schools. I practice under the ideal that facilitated conversation is a positive catalyst for change and allows for the exploration of issues relating back to leadership, education, innovation and creativity. Further to this I work under the pretense that work life balance is no longer the norm but rather work life integration is. I am passionate about working with people to evolve theirs and others potential through mediums that teach them to explore how to think as opposed to what to think. I am eager to share my unique style and skills with others also interested in forward thinking educational change making through innovative best practice. My area of expertise is social inclusion; specifically disability/inclusive education and youth engagement. My area of special interest is innovation. My area of skill is interpersonal, that is, working with people. For the past 3 years I have been motivated by the opportunities and overwhelming belief that people have been willing to invest both emotionally and economically in my big ideas. I am now ready to invest that same vision for potential into their projects. I look forward to translating my skills and energy into many facets of our communities and corporate workplaces helping others to seek innovative solutions to the problems and challenges they face daily. EDUCATION Master of Music Therapy - University of Queensland, 2005- 2006 Bachelor of Creative Industries - Queensland University of Technology, 2002 - 2005
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Founder and Chief Executive Officer Not for profit company Specialised Programs And Community Endeavours (s.p.a.c.e) Brisbane, Queensland, October 2007 - Current Project Officer “Blue Skies” National Disability Services Brisbane, Queensland, June 2009 - November 2009 Registered Music Therapist Private Practitioner and member of Music Therapist at The Glenleighden School Brisbane, Queensland, January 2007 - December 2008 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Young Social Pioneers of Australia August 2009 - August 2010 This program, run out of Melbourne by the Foundation for Young Australian’s, is a year long experience that offers skill development, mentoring, intensive group and individual training and access to a global network of like minded people. More specifically the YSP program develops expertise in areas such as communication and planning, media outreach, message development, presentation skills, and innovative uses of new media technologies.
The Art of Hosting October 2009 The Art of Hosting and Convening Meaningful Conversations explores hosting as an individual and collective leadership practice. It is a powerful leadership practicum as well as a daily pattern and practice for many individuals, communities, families, businesses and organisation who aspire to learn and find new ways for working with others to create innovative and comprehensive solutions.
Brightest Young Minds July 2008 The Brightest Young Minds (BYM) Foundation is an initiative that attracts young people that are passionate about exploring, demonstrating and implementing ideas and alternative solutions to the current problems confronting humanity. Throughout the week I was exposed to internationally respected social entrepreneurs, and socially responsible corporations what gave delegates the skills to turn their passions in tangible initiatives.
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AWARDS Suncorp Young Queenslander of the Year (Nominee - Winner announced June 1) Queensland State Government / May 2010 Female Re-shaping Australia Madison Magazine, Category of Society, Advocacy and Change / May 2010
Queensland Finalist Young Australian of the Year Australian National Government / November 2009 Queensland Young Volunteer of the Year Dept. of Communities, Category of Social Entrepreneurism / October 2009
Young Social Pioneer of Australia Foundation for Young Australian’s / July 2009
Top Emerging Leader for the Weekend Australian and Microsoft Top 100 Australian National Government, Category of Society / June 2009 Young Alumnus of the Year University of Queensland, Honored for Innovative Music Therapy Practices / October 2009
Australia Day Lord Mayors Youth Citizen of the Year Lord Mayor Campbell Newman, Category of Youth Leadership / January 2007
MEMBERSHIPS Advisory Board Member, Young Social Pioneers of Australia The Foundation for Young Australian’s / April 2010
Day Break West Rotary Club Rotary Kenmore District / March 2010 yLead Youth Ambassador National Schools Leadership Program / 2009
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REFEREE’S Tony Ryan Educational Consultant, President of the National Speakers Association, Ambassador for School Aide. p. 0402 857 458 / e. tony@tonyryan.com.au Mark Creyton Volunteering Queensland Manager of Education, Research and Policy p. 3002 7619 / e. mark.cryton@volqld.org.au Rhondah Whitaker Foundation for Young Australian’s, Co-ordinator Young Social Pioneers p. 0408 324 963 / e. rhondah.whitaker@fya.org.au
Valmae Rose State Director of the National Disability Services p. 428 227 637 / e. valmae.rose@nda.org.au
Diane Drew Principle of The Glenleighden School p. 0438 111 098 / e. diane.drew@childassoc.org.au
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