ICYMI, B&T has partnered with UnLtd to bring attention to some powerful players in our industry and their respective charity work. Last week, we spoke to Emma Heath, who runs Words By Nuance.
And next up on our Social Change Makers hit list is Danni Dimitri, 31, who is the strategy director at OMD.
First ever job: Answering phones at Crust Pizza.
If I wasn’t doing my job, I’d be: Going back to my roots, living the village life in Cyprus, hanging out with my extended family and people from all walks of life.
How I got where I am today: Curiosity, persistence and laughter.
Causes I care about: Bringing happiness and laughter into children’s lives. I feel very privileged to have had a warm upbringing, surrounded by loving family, however I know sadly this isn’t the case for all children. If I can use my skills and professional experience to benefit kids who perhaps haven’t been as fortunate, or are suffering in any way, I am happy and willing to do it.
The change I’d like to see in the world and why it’s important: For people to regain a sense of childlike wonder in the way they interact with each other and experience the world. Approaching life playfully makes solving problems and human interaction more enjoyable.
How did you first get involved with UnLtd: OMD connected me with the wonderful team at UnLtd.
The charity projects I’m currently working on: Myself and the team at OMD are continually supporting The Pyjama Foundation through media and communications planning and securing of media space nationally. All the support we provide assists The Pyjama Foundation in raising funds to help change the educational future of children in the foster care system, therefore helping change the direction of their life path.
Some social issues I’m passionate about are: Kindness and empathy. It might not be up there with the current social and cultural issues noted in the press, but I believe it’s an issue because there isn’t enough of it and it really doesn’t take that much to be kind.
Why I want to give back: Why not? Making a positive impact is very important to me, as it should be to everybody who has the time and resources. Helping out in the smallest way is appreciated in volumes and helps more than you think.
The best/most rewarding volunteering experience I’ve had: Leveraging my professional skills, knowledge and relationships which led us to winning an MFA in the Pro-Bono category for OMD’s work supporting The Pyjama Foundation.
My greatest achievement: We are not there yet, but myself and a friend are on a journey to start a business. We’ve hit some milestones and still have a long way to go, but its been very exciting and challenging so far!
The person/company I’d like to challenge to get involved & why: Large corporations. They have a responsibility to become more involved in purpose driven activities like supporting charities. The trickle-down effect is invaluable in spreading the word, as well as encouraging participation and support at a larger scale.
My advice for someone just starting their career is: Be curious. Keep putting your hand up to do more. Always be open to doing tasks out of your comfort zone, otherwise how will you find where your true strengths lie?
Speaking of putting your hand up, B&T‘s Bootcamp is only a few weeks away, and is a great chance to propel your career! Grab tickets here. But back to Danni.
If I could have one super power, it would be: Teleportation. It would be wonderful to be able to fit even more into day-to-day life without the inconvenience of transportation time!
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.
