Alumni webinar: Not in the textbook - Turning passion into impact

Ryan Chapman is an educator and community advocate with over 16 years of experience in the not-for-profit and community sectors. He is the founder of Yellow Dove Australia, a grassroots organisation focused on co-designing health, education, and capacity-building initiatives with and for marginalised communities.

After repeatedly witnessing the limitations of traditional outreach models, Ryan set out to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world impact. From remote Aboriginal communities to swim safety programs for migrant youth, and mental health training for veterans, Ryan’s work is driven by a belief in practical, culturally safe, community-led solutions.

In this session, Ryan will share how he transformed personal passion into lasting impact; starting from small fundraisers and volunteer hours to delivering life-saving training in Timor-Leste and launching initiatives across Australia. He’ll speak candidly about burnout, barriers, and what it takes to lead with purpose, humility, and persistence.

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