Jo Dabrowski (1993)

For those who love children's stories, author and illustrator Jo Dabrowski (1993) has just had her first book published. Watch as she takes us behind the scenes to share how she created her funny and charming board book, 'Have You Seen My Friend?'

Update from Jo

After graduating, Class of 1993, I went to RMIT University where I completed a BA in Creative Advertising. I then worked as a copywriter in the creative departments of some of Melbourne’s biggest advertising agencies (and quite a few small ones too.) I worked for a variety of clients but will always be most proud of the campaigns I created for Museum Victoria.

In 2006, I moved to the UK to be with my (now) husband, Andrew. I continued to work for many London advertising agencies but, more excitingly, I also went back to part-time study.

I’ve always loved the theatre and making things with my hands, so doing courses in both Set Design and Prop Making was an absolute thrill.

Around the same time, Andrew and I decided to make something together. A family! Fred and Herbie were both born in London, before we returned to Melbourne in 2011. We now run our own small creative agency and I write and illustrate children’s books.

My first picture book, ‘Have You Seen My Friend?’, was published by Affirm Press this year. The book tells the tale of friendship, determination and the importance of always having a trick up your sleeve.

I’m currently in the process of illustrating my second book, as well as editing my first middle-grade novel. Both are due for publication with Affirm in July 2022.

Stay up to date with Jo's new books via her instagram:

Amalia Chilianis (1990)

Since leaving school and completing a degree, I have spent more than 25 years as a Human Resources Leader working with large complex global and national organisations including PwC, IBM, GM Holden, Department of Transport, NAB and more. A career and capability development expert, I'm an author, coach, consultant and speaker working internationally. One of my proudest achievements was working for General Motors Holden where I designed and led the support programs for the closure of manufacturing that helped thousands of workers successfully secure gainful employment. The success of this program inspired me to combine my studies in positive psychology and interview people to understand what truly made the difference when making a career change.

Expanding my interviews to numerous industries and professions, culminated in writing and publishing my first book, Work-a-holistic, a practical guide to changing your career. It provides a pragmatic perspective applicable to any profession and empowers readers with the tools needed to start the next chapter of their career journey. Having launched the book in May, it is a finalist for the Australian Career Book Awards for 2021, and has received expansive media interest including print, TV, radio and online. Feature articles have run in the Weekend Australian, Career One, Company Director and New Idea. My book can be purchased from Amazon or Booktopia and my website has links to several retailers.

I'm currently consulting to clients on capability development and change projects, delivering keynote speeches and forming ideas for my next book. While I thoroughly enjoy my work, my biggest priority remains raising two beautiful teenage daughters in the picturesque Macedon Ranges.

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