From working in an advertising agency to roles that “contribute to the greater good”, Stephanie Pestana knows she’s found her purpose.
“I was fortunate back in those advertising days to learn a lesson that has taken me right through my career. That is, it’s really important to feel that you’re making a positive difference in the work that you do,” says Stephanie.
Having joined eHealth NSW in 2019, Stephanie is currently employed as a program coordinator in the organisational development team, which is part of the People and Culture directorate.
Stephanie works to deliver the goals of eHealth’s Women’s Leadership Community of Practice - a network created to empower women to grow, inspire, influence and lead.
As part of this, she’s played a key role in the development and implementation of some major programs. Over the past year, these have included a women’s coffee 1:1 informal mentoring initiative and a more focused 12-month formal mentoring program focused on developing future female leaders.
Right now, Stephanie is helping develop a pilot program to support female colleagues returning to the workforce, and a pilot shadowing program where participants can learn from others within the organisation.
The great outdoors lets Stephanie explore
When she’s not working, the 30-year-old who lives on the NSW South Coast, likes spending time outdoors, exploring nature. It’s something she sees as an upside of the turmoil the people of NSW have experienced over the last few years.
“It almost took the pandemic to force people to not look overseas for their next trip,” says Stephanie.
“We have so much beauty in our own backyard.”
She counts Stanwell Tops and Mount Kembla Lookout as two of her favourite spots, and when she’s not out and about in the local community, she’s supporting it.
Her most recent charitable act included donating a handbag full of essential items for women and girls living in crisis, as part of the Share the Dignity: It’s in The Bag charity campaign. The initiative was also supported by the eHealth NSW Women’s Leadership Community of Practice.
Recognition is its own reward
Stephanie was the recipient of the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 2022 eHealth NSW Awards.
The award recognises a staff member who has made a significant contribution to support, progress and promote equity and diversity, as well as fostering inclusion.
She sees the award an acknowledgement of her success and the role she plays in supporting women’s leadership community members. It’s also a nod to the importance she places on fairness and respect.
“I truly believe that it’s so important that everyone is accepted and valued for exactly who they are,” she says.
“Being inclusive and embracing diversity adds to the richness of the workplace that we have at eHealth NSW. It allows us to create opportunities that are equal for everyone and helps us to better understand our customers, our patients, and our communities.”
Truly humbled by the recognition that the award brings with it, Stephanie’s keen to acknowledge the importance of the Community of Practice too:
“This award acknowledges all of the women and community members that have tirelessly volunteered their time and their passion to making eHealth NSW a great place to work.”
