Social Change Maker Profile: Katherine Quinn, Network Ten

Throughout the past few months, B&T has partnered with UnLtd for events like Changing the Ratio and the Women in Media Awards – as well as our Social Change Maker profile series to showcase some of the local heroes in our industry.

Our last profile was on Anthony Xydis from ARN, who first started working with UnLtd on the ARN Goodness Project last year.

And now it’s time for you to meet Katherine Quinn! Quinn is the integration manager at Network Ten, and said that everyone has the ability to give back.

First ever job: Dishwashing Extraordinaire at ‘Mumma’s Seafood Kitchen’

If I wasn’t doing my job, I’d be: A psychologist. I’m fascinated by human behaviour and what motivates people – I guess that’s why I’m in advertising!

How I got where I am today: With hard work, perseverance and a positive attitude. I’ve also had support from an amazing female mentor throughout my career, whom I now consider to be one of my closest friends.

Causes I care about: Gender and racial equality, youth disadvantage and indigenous literacy.

The change I’d like to see in the world and why it’s important: I would like to see a world in which kindness and compassion are the driving forces for change.

We’re increasingly desensitised by the unrelenting news cycle, making it far too easy to ignore the desperate circumstances of those fleeing civil war, poverty and persecution. We need to re-engage.

How did you first get involved with UnLtd: Network Ten has partnered with UnLtd for the past 4 years through our TEN Gives program.

TEN Gives provides support to our charity partners through fundraising and awareness. Personally, I’ve been volunteering on the TEN Gives committee in Sydney for the past two years and have recently taken up the position of Committee Chair.

The charity projects I’m currently working on: For this past quarter, TEN Gives has been working closely with The Pyjama Foundation, a charity that provides one-on-one support for children living in foster care.

We organised internal fundraising events for Ten staff and offered our expertise, resources and airtime to help amplify the amazing work of the Foundation.

Some social issues I’m passionate about are: Gender and racial equality is a big one. It’s appalling to still see examples of sexism and racism in Australia today. We still have a long way to go.

UnLtd has stepped on board as our charity partner for our 2018 Women in Media Awards, and we couldn’t be happier! 

These awards celebrate and recognise women’s inspiring, everyday efforts in this industry – and you can be a part of it by grabbing tickets right here.

Why I want to give back: I feel so grateful to have grown-up in a loving and safe environment and to have been granted so many opportunities through education.

For many Australians, this is simply not the case. I think if you’re in a position of privilege it’s important to try to support those who are less fortunate.

The best/most rewarding volunteering experience I’ve had: Volunteering with the Youth of The Streets Food Van was a truly humbling experience for me.

It gave me an insight into the lives of our disadvantaged youth, and why some young Aussies choose to live on the streets due to domestic violence issues at home.

My greatest achievement: My greatest achievement will come in October this year when I give birth to my first child, a girl.

I hope I can inspire my daughter to become a kind and compassionate woman, to be fearless, to know her worth, and feel capable of achieving anything she sets her mind to.

The person/company I’d like to challenge to get involved & why: Everyone!

You don’t necessarily need money, power or influence to affect change. You can give back by simply volunteering at a local charity event or lending your knowledge and expertise to organisations who don’t have the in-house resources.

My advice for someone just starting their career is: Take every opportunity to listen and learn. Trust your instinct and be patient – when the right opportunity comes along, you’ll just know.

If I could have one super power, that would be: Perhaps not the coolest super power, but I would love to be able to read and speak every language in the world.

B&T‘s Women in Media Awards 2018 will be held on Friday 17 August 2018 at Doltone House – Jones Bay Wharf. Grab early bird tickets to the event here and find all other info on the website. 

UnLtd is a social purpose organisation connecting the media, marketing and creative industries with charities helping children and young people at risk. Find out how you can get involved at unltd.org.au.