Ivanka is a survivor who is passionate about empowering communities to lead change, amplifying underrepresented voices, and strengthening systems to support long-term prevention of family violence.

Having experienced both family violence and homelessness at age 17, Ivanka was determined to help others.

“I want to make sure that no child goes through what I went through.”

After 15 years working in community services, she decided to take the next step to formalise her experience into qualifications by enrolling in the Graduate Certificate in Family Violence.

Ivanka’s academic journey was marked by a commitment to uncovering sector blind spots and seeking to understand the motivations of those who use violence to better protect those harmed by it. With curiosity, she explored the intersection of violence and homelessness, emerging as a powerful voice for the vulnerable.

Now, she works in Family Violence Primary Prevention at Cardinia Shire Council, promoting greater awareness and events to support people experiencing family violence. She was instrumental in bringing the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre’s Candlelight Vigil to the local area, creating a space for the community to honour lives lost to violence and support those still struggling.

With the combined wisdom from her life experiences and studies, Ivanka applies her specialist knowledge to the Cardinia Shire Men’s Art program, focusing on supporting men’s mental health to prevent family violence.

With her dedication to community safety and courage to face past traumas, Ivanka has turned personal adversity into systemic change.

Ivanka is Chisholm's 2026 Higher Education Student of the Year.

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