Anna Stephenson
Anna leads NELLEN, working alongside schools, employers and communities to help young people across the City of Wodonga and north-east Victoria build rich, interesting and rewarding pathways from school into work, training and life.
She cares deeply about this work because she knows how important these years can be. When young people are given access to real opportunities, support and encouragement, they can grow their belief in themselves and their hopes for a positive future. For Anna, this kind of support can genuinely change the course of a young person’s life.
Known for envisioning what is possible and turning big ideas into actionable steps, Anna brings deep listening, strategic thinking and a strong belief in people’s potential to her work. One moment that has stayed with her was hearing a local engineering and manufacturing leader speak passionately about backing young people as the future of their business. It reinforced why NELLEN’s work matters, and why more employers are needed to step up and invest in young, local talent.
Anna’s own pathway was not straightforward. It took until her early 30s to finish school after losing her way for many years as a troubled and at-risk teenager. That experience gave her a depth of understanding that continues to energise her work today.
Her best advice for students is to adopt a growth mindset: do not say, “I can’t do this.” Say, “I just can’t do this yet.”
