Julieann Dupen, a strategic leader and program developer in the community space, recently turned her extensive experience into the Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership, through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
In the following story, Julieann discusses overcoming adversity in early life to build resilience and a desire to lift the most vulnerable members of our community. From the Kokoda Trail, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands to Australia’s Kimberley region and Sydney’s streets, Julieann’s experience is vast.
Breaking through adversity
Growing up, Julieann experienced adversity in early adolescence, which knocked her self-confidence.
Fortunately, she was supported by a teacher who saw her potential and believed in her before she believed in herself.
“It changed the trajectory of my life,” she declared.
Julieann was the second person ever in her family to finish high school. She is grateful for her older sister, who led the way and became a formative role model.
Seeing the world and finding herself
That teacher, who saw and encouraged her through school, nominated her for an award for her voluntary work and contribution to the community.
She was then nominated to walk the Kokoda Trail.
“That was a healing process for me, but also quite eye-opening as it was my first time overseas and first time experiencing the world in a different light.
It made me reflect on myself, how I want to contribute to the world and where I want to go with my career.”
After that experience, Julieann set her sights on working in community development and social services.
After finishing school, she took a gap year to explore different community service programs within Australia, Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea.
This led her to an internship in community development.
She worked on a program in local community development initiatives using the sport of Futsal, which also had a branch supporting international development in the Solomon Islands.
Throughout this period, Julieann acquired a deep understanding of the significance of cultivating solid connections with the community and fostered a fervour for creating and executing programs.
“I gained insight into the potency of uniting people and effecting positive transformations within communities,” she reflected.
Julieann then went on to complete a bachelor’s degree, once again following in her inspiring big sister’s footsteps.
The Kimberley
Julieann felt driven to make an impact by working with vulnerable people in the community. The mentor she had interned with invited her to join a program in the Kimberley.
She spent a year living and working in Halls Creek.
“I felt extremely privileged to spend an extended period of time in that community, gaining invaluable insights from families and witnessing individuals confronting adversity with unwavering resilience every single day.
It was honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
More study – a second degree
Julieann then returned east to undertake a Bachelor of Social Work to deepen her knowledge and skills.
After completing her degree she joined an NGO in Sydney, working families with 9-15yo children at risk of entering the child protection system.
And then felt the call to return to the Kimberley.
Back to the Kimberley
In 2020 Julieann returned to work in a school-based education program for girls. The program aims to keep girls in education while supporting their wellbeing – Helping the girls feel a sense of belonging at school and in the community and feel proud of who they are and where they’re from.
Throughout her tenure at the school, she played a pivotal role in guiding and supporting female students to successfully complete their year 12 studies, marking the first time in a significant period that this achievement had been reached at the school.
Something that made her feel very proud and hopeful for the future.
Moving up – leadership
Julieann’s role quickly evolved into leadership as she became a regional manager, looking after four sites from Derby to Kununurra.
This involved a lot of travel and networking with community organisations and community leaders to support the girls and grow the program.
Taking a break
After over a decade of working in the community sector, with a primary focus on responding to high-risk environments and implementing risk management strategies, Julieann found herself feeling mentally and physically exhausted.
It became evident to her that she needed to take a step back and prioritise self-care by taking a break from her demanding role.
“When you work and live in remote communities, switching off is tough,” she shared.
Julieann is using this time to re-energize and continue on this path of giving and supporting, while working with organisations that align with her values.
“It’s an opportunity for me to reflect on my achievements and take time to consider where best my skills and strengths are needed in the sector.
I was working my dream job, and I definitely haven’t taken that for granted, so I think it’s probably not my last time in that community,” she said.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Wanting to use her time constructively to develop herself and keep her mind ticking, Julieann explored study options.
Then, she discovered Churchill Education and was curious about recognition of prior learning (RPL).
She spoke to Churchill Career & Education Advisor, Sarah Riley, who asked her to send through her resume.
Julieann was initially looking at BSB40520 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management.
Sarah said, “Julieann, I think that we can do better than that!”
Her experience meant she was deemed eligible for not one but two graduate diplomas!
Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership
Julieann achieved BSB80320 Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership our highest leadership qualification – ranked above a bachelor’s degree on the Australian Qualifications Framework.
She was also found eligible for BSB80220 Graduate Diploma of Portfolio Management – testament to her advanced skills and knowledge in strategic portfolio management.
“I was surprised! I think sometimes we undervalue ourselves or feel like we’re being conceited about what we as women have to offer,” she shared.
At just over 25% of our graduates, we would certainly agree with this statement.
Curious to find out what you’re eligible for? Apply for a free appraisal.
RPL Process
Julieann said the process of achieving her Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership was, “smooth and easy”.
“Sarah was easy to engage with and answered all my questions about the whole process.”
When she learned that she was eligible for two graduate diplomas, Julieann said felt very proud and hoped to inspire other women who might doubt themselves and their potential.
Julieann’s thoughts on RPL
As someone who never thought she was cut out for university and academia, Julieann encourages anyone else who might be daunted by this, to explore their RPL options.
“If you’ve worked in your sector for a while and you’ve got plenty of experience but don’t have the qualifications to match on your resume, have an appraisal because it makes getting qualifications much easier,” she advised.
Apply for a free qualification appraisal here
Julieann’s advice for dealing with adversity
“If you’ve faced adversity, there’s no shame in seeking help and support.
Take time to reconnect with yourself—the foundational principles of who you are as a person and what you can contribute. Block the outside noise and think about your strengths and how you want to contribute to the world.
Surround yourself with people who are going to boost, support and encourage you to keep going and be resilient.
That’s what I’m doing now – going back to my foundations, core values, recentering myself, getting self-worth and confidence back so I can keep giving to others.
I’m grateful for the things that I have gone through because they have brought me to a career that I’m really proud of. And I’m glad about what I learned about myself in those moments.”
Looking forward / what’s next?
Julieann is taking this time for a much-needed rest and space to refresh, relax and reflect on taking her next career step with intention.
“I’m sitting in an unknown space, so I want to make sure whatever’s next aligns with my core values and how I want to give back to the community.”
My ideal goal would be to mentor young staff to develop good practice skills and standards. I’ve been fortunate to have had incredible leaders and people in my life who have shown me the way.
I’m also considering going out on my own, developing the resources and programs I’ve created, and seeing how other organisations can use them.”
While Julieann figures this out, she enjoys time and space for creativity, camping in the great outdoors, and cheering on her favourite AFL team—the Sydney Swans!
Whatever Julieann’s next step, we wish her well and applaud the time she is taking to steer her career with introspection and intention.
If you’d like to back yourself and your career by finding out what qualifications you’re eligible for, apply for a free appraisal via any of the methods below.
