I am honoured to be this month’s guest editor in a special edition featuring the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award winners. I'm excited to share my journey as a student, parent, business owner and advocate for women’s rights. My extensive experience has taught me that driving meaningful change takes personal commitment, resilience, and the ability to inspire collective action.

A key theme of my story stands out: my addiction to chaos and order. My catalyst for change has always been a gravitation to chaos, to help restore order. My advocacy work is a natural extension of this. Over the past five years, I've focused on 'gender chaos' and examined gender bias. I have been part of discussions and decisions at the highest levels, to help address and remedy these significant imbalances.

In my extended article, I share more about how taking bold steps leads to big impact. I encourage you to reflect on your own strengths and passions, and use those skills to make a positive impact in your spheres of influence. Each of us has a role in improving lives and communities, and that work begins with you.

Your guest editor,

Chiou See Anderson
Founder and Managing Director of Elements Retirement Living

Bachelor of Business (Class of 1993)

OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD WINNER 2024

For 33 years, QUT's Outstanding Alumni Awards have been shining a spotlight on remarkable alumni leaders and changemakers who have excelled in their professions, and positively impacted their communities.

This year’s recipients include passionate advocates for gender and Indigenous equality, champions of inclusion, award-winning media personalities, visionary creatives, elite athletes, and transformative leaders in healthcare and government.

We are thrilled to honour their achievements and share their inspiring stories.

> Meet our 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award winners

Leah's leadership of large scale government projects has taught her that successful design is about aligning vision with practical outcomes. In our Q&A, Leah shares the importance of leading with purpose, confidence, innovation, and a continuous learning mindset.

Chris has helped shape the technology revolution through a successful digital career. His work has been defined by significant public service advancements in technology, which have improved the lives of countless Australians. His timeless tips offer solutions for thriving in a tech-obsessed world.

Hayley has carved out a remarkable career, trading the courtroom for legal aid work in remote communities. She is driven to make a meaningful impact and retells some of her pivotal moments. Learn about Hayley’s exciting journey and her advice for those keen to champion change.

Tom's passion for making a positive difference inspired him to start a business that helps impact-led entrepreneurs to thrive. Tom gives valuable advice for aspiring changemakers and offers a compelling case for the critical role of social enterprise in reshaping the future of business.

QUT's Carumba Institute has launched a new unit called Indigenous Resistance, Revolutionaries and Rights. Taught through stories and a rights-based framework, this exciting course will explore the diverse and profound ways that Indigenous peoples have engaged with contemporary challenges. It will help you appreciate Indigenous thought and knowledges, introduce you to influential Indigenous thinkers and theorists from Queensland, and explore themes of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.

Contact: Kevin Yow Yeh, Unit Coordinator

Starting dates: 18 November 2024 | 24 February 2025 | 21 July 2025