These Deakin University graduates are making a significant impact in their communities and industries. You’ll meet a respected lawyer and community leader, a much-loved children’s author, an agroecologist tackling climate change, a proud role model for Deaf dancers and many more.
Diana owns and operates Diana Taylor Legal Consulting and is the author of The Playbook – Crossing the White Line to Succeed in Life, Business and the AFL. She chairs the community palliative care centre Anam Cara House Geelong, serves on the Deakin Law School Advisory Board and supports Deakin students in financial hardship. Awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 2024, Diana was the first woman to hold several key AFL roles, including Vice President of the Geelong Football Club.
Shaun Wilson co-founded Bondi Sands, the top self-tanning brand in Australia and New Zealand. Under his leadership, the company champions ethical practices, sustainability and community engagement through initiatives like the Reuse to Rebuild campaign and Take 3 for the Sea partnerships. Shaun is dedicated to mentoring and fostering a diverse, inclusive company culture. His leadership extends beyond business success, promoting environmental stewardship through sustainable product lines and packaging.
From a high school teacher fostering a love of reading to a celebrated children’s author, Andy has enjoyed a 27-year career with bestsellers like The JUST! and Treehouse series. With 19 million copies sold in 35 countries, his books are New York Times bestsellers, winning awards like the UK’s Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Award. Andy received the 2015 Dromkeen Medal and is a lifetime ambassador for The Indigenous Literacy Foundation, which provides culturally relevant resources to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Since 2008, Steve has been a leader in the financial industry, earning awards like the IFPHK and HKIB Best Financial Adviser Merit Awards. Committed to community service and breaking down barriers, he mentors youth, promotes inclusion and creates job opportunities for people with disabilities. An ultramarathon runner, he founded Wheel for Oneness, an NGO championing inclusivity. Steve also advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion, aligning with UN ESG standards.
Anika is a scientist, farmer and thought leader dedicated to sustainable food security and climate change awareness. She has engaged with farmers, leaders and royalty worldwide. The author of award-winning book Our Sunburnt Country, Anika founded Climate Wise Agriculture and helped establish Farmers for Climate Action. Her awards include Young Farmer of the Year (2015) and Australian Geographic Young Conservationist (2022). Anika volunteers with Young Farming Champions and Researchers in Agriculture for International Development. She’s currently working on a children’s book to inspire climate awareness.
Sunaina, Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Manager, has made a significant impact in sports development. She has worked with Tennis Australia, Tennis Queensland and major events like the 2024 Lifesaving World Championship and Australian Open. Sunaina developed Surf Life Saving Queensland’s first DEI strategy and Tennis Queensland’s Women and Girls Strategy. A finalist for the 2023 India Australia Business and Community Alliance Young Professional of the Year, she advocates for inclusion through industry speaking engagements and leadership programs for underrepresented groups.
Anna is an Australian-born, London-based Deaf dance artist, actress and creative producer. Trained in contemporary dance at Deakin, she’s worked with various choreographers and companies, including The Delta Project as well as creating her own work. She began acting with Deafferent Theatre and ABC TV’s Get Krack!n. In 2020, Anna joined Candoco Dance Company, performing internationally including at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Separately, she has toured her own interactive dance rave, SPIN, and Mini SPIN for Deaf/HOH/CODA children in Germany, the UK, and Australia. Fluent in Auslan, British Sign Language and English, she continues to champion accessibility in the performing arts.
Jayden, an emerging leader in housing and the not-for-profit sector, is National Engagement Manager (Partnerships) at Baptist World Aid. His master’s research has influenced housing policy, including AHURI presentations. In 2023, he co-founded For the Love of Good, a social enterprise supporting social housing residents. A 2023 Australasian Housing Institute Future Leader awardee, Jayden advocates for social justice and speaks on housing and development.
Know a Deakin graduate doing amazing things in their industry or community? Nominate them by 8 June 2025 – or step forward yourself – and help us celebrate outstanding alumni contributions. Our 2026 Alumni Award recipients will be announced on 4 March 2026.