Whether it’s within the IT team, volunteering as a mentor or becoming a celebrant, it’s all about people.
Last year Donna Flynn received the UNSW IT team’s Golden Dead Set Legend Award – a recognition of her tireless efforts to creative an environment where people thrive.
“I was blown away. I didn't realise how much it meant to me until I held the award in my hands,” she said. “It’s not just about working hard, it’s about making people feel valued and connected. I was deeply honoured to receive the award.”
Before joining UNSW six years ago, Donna spent 22 years at IBM. She is now an Administrative Officer in a team of four, where she supports the Deputy CIO, the Director of Cyber Security & team and over 400 staff in the IT department.
“I really love my work – and I Iove people. I'm passionate about building trusted, meaningful relationships. Connection is key,” she said.
Donna leads IT’s initiative called ‘SSW’ (Social, Sport and Wellness), helping to transform workplace celebrations into vibrant, inclusive themed events such as Mardi Gras, Diwali and Halloween.
“What started small has grown into something everyone looks forward to. Diwali, the year’s biggest event, brought together 200 staff in traditional attire to share Indian cuisine. These celebrations bring joy and connection to our workplace.”
Donna celebrating with colleagues Melissa Yau, Lead Solution Architect and Bala Ramakrishnan, Senior Business Analyst at IT Diwali event.
Mentoring younger generations
Prior to the COVID pandemic, Donna was a Wesley Aunty. The mentoring program run by Wesley Mission provides an extra family environment to children up to the age of 12 from disadvantaged backgrounds. The children spend one day or weekend with their aunty – or uncle – each month, participating in a range of activities that build their confidence and life skills.
“I’m fascinated by people – their stories, their challenges, what drives them. Mentoring allows me to channel that passion into something meaningful,” said Donna.
Donna is now looking forward to embarking on new mentoring relationships through the Raise school program in 2025. The program provides support for teenagers in high schools across Australia, with one-on-one mentoring every week for six months.
Becoming a celebrant
Post-COVID Donna discovered a new calling: being a wedding celebrant.
“Celebrants play such a vital role in marking life’s milestones,” she said. “My goal is to also become a compassionate funeral celebrant, guiding families through moments of reflection and remembrance with care and sensitivity.
“I love what I do,” Donna said. “At the end of the day, it’s all about making people feel valued and delivering excellent customer service”.
Can you tell us something about you that might surprise your colleagues?
I grew up on farm and ABBA was my world. The passion never faded. In fact, Channel 7 even interviewed me for a documentary on ABBA’s album The Voyage.
What's the best advice you ever received?
Be anything but don’t be boring.
What makes you happy?
1. Music/concerts.
2. Cherry Ripes.
What day in your life would you like to relive?
To see ABBA in concert again but with today’s technology.
What's the best thing you've watched in the last year?
Alma’s Not Normal, a British comedy written by Sophie Willan
Pictured top: Donna Flynn (right) and Edwina Rapley, Head of Testing Portfolio & Projects at IT Halloween event.
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