2022 40 Under 40 Winners

A leader within the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation, Christina leads multiple working groups and is the department lead liaison to seven different clinical departments.

She introduced innovative concepts like video proposals and video reporting, leading to compelling proposals and successful income of $3,450,000 for a neuro microscope and an MRI machine.

Christina led philanthropic support for the implementation of the Aboriginal Health Strategic Plan, including working with various Aboriginal organizations and funding for priority projects.

She holds a Master’s by Research degree from the University of Leeds, where she investigated the impact of cycling on the quality of life of childhood cancer survivors.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I worked with the incredible UK-based charity Cyclists Fighting Cancer and undertook Research Masters. My research investigated the impact of exercise on the quality of life of children with cancer. Working directly with children undergoing cancer treatment and seeing the impact philanthropic funding could have on their experience was a huge motivation to pursue a career in the non-profit industry.

Since moving to Australia in 2018, I have been fortunate to work at the forefront of healthcare philanthropy at Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation. I've learnt so much through working with an amazing team of people, helping to provide children with access to the best possible healthcare whenever and wherever they need it.

Because work takes up such a huge part of life, I think it's so important to be passionate about what you do. As part of my job, I get to make a positive impact every day.  From securing funding for innovative research, expert clinical care or state-of-the-art equipment, to providing philanthropists with feedback on the lifechanging difference they are making to children and their families, it's a pretty rewarding space to work in.

I will never forget one of the first visits I made to a children's cancer ward in the UK. It was incredibly difficult to see the devastating effects of cancer on young children but I was so humbled by their determination and resilience.

One of the children I met had just finished a lengthy procedure, but the pain they were in and future anxiety of ongoing treatment was completely overshadowed by the joy of being allowed ice cream for the first time in two weeks. The ability of children to see the best in the world at the darkest of times is such an inspiration. 

It was through meeting extraordinary families like this and the hardworking clinicians who support them that paved the way for my career in healthcare philanthropy.

Aside from my passion in children's health, I love to travel. I've been lucky enough to visit over 30 countries (and counting!). Exploring new places, meeting inspiring people and learning about different cultures is something that I'll never get tired of. Whether it's visiting a new country, travelling back to the UK to visit my awesome family, or heading out to explore in my Sydney backyard, there's always something new to see.

Never forget how much of a privilege it is to work in this industry. Not only are you making a worthwhile difference in the future health of generations to come, but you are giving other people the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through their philanthropy.