Helping others succeed can sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities. As a nurse and the CEO of NETA College, Karissa Quindao-Subedi dedicated her career to guiding internationally educated nurses through the complex pathways to practice in Australia. But leadership, as she soon discovered, often finds those who are already making a difference in their communities—even before they realize it themselves.
One day, a group of community leaders approached her with an unexpected proposition: to run for a seat in the Wagga Wagga City Council. At first, she hesitated. Politics was uncharted territory, and the idea of adding another responsibility to her already full plate seemed daunting. But as she reflected on her work, she realized that her advocacy for health, education, and multiculturalism aligned perfectly with the role of a public servant.
Her husband, her steadfast supporter, encouraged her to take the leap. “You’re already doing the work, Karissa,” he said. “Now you’ll have the platform to create bigger changes.” And so, she stepped forward, driven by a vision to bridge the gaps in healthcare and education and to champion the voices of diverse communities.
The strength of Filipino Heritage
Growing up in the Philippines, Karissa had witnessed the resilience and tenacity of her people. Filipinos were ‘doers’—they didn’t just dream; they acted. That same mindset carried over into her leadership style. She wasn’t content with words alone; she believed in execution, in making tangible differences in people’s lives.
Her leadership was also deeply rooted in compassion. “We need leaders who care,” she often said. She carried the Filipino values of kindness, inclusivity, and service into every role she took on, whether as an educator, a nurse, or a public servant. She understood that leadership wasn’t about titles—it was about the impact made on others.
Overcoming challenges in leadership
Being a Filipino leader in Australia came with its own set of challenges. Karissa knew that communication was key, but expressing oneself in a language that wasn’t one’s first posed hurdles. Misinterpretations happened, cultural differences created barriers, and there were moments of self-doubt.
But Karissa learned to navigate these challenges with humility. She wasn’t afraid to ask for help or clarify her words when needed. “It’s okay to say, ‘I didn’t understand that,’” she reminded herself. Over time, she found that people respected honesty and the willingness to learn.
One moment stood out vividly in her memory—an incident early in her career when a colleague said, “I’m losing my marbles.” Not familiar with the idiom, she took it literally and wondered why someone would bring marbles to work. The room erupted in laughter, and she laughed along with them. From then on, she embraced the nuances of language and culture, choosing to see every misunderstanding as a learning opportunity rather than a setback.
Creating impact as a public servant
As a city councilor, Karissa prioritized health, education, and small businesses. She wanted to see more policies that supported healthcare professionals, ensured better access to education, and uplifted local entrepreneurs. But beyond policies, she also focused on representation—showing that a Filipino woman, an immigrant, could have a seat at the table and influence decision-making.
She proudly wore Filipino-made clothing in council meetings, a small but meaningful way of carrying her heritage with her. She actively worked to strengthen multicultural ties, championing initiatives that fostered inclusivity. Her advocacy extended beyond Wagga Wagga, as she sought partnerships with sister cities that shared her vision for diversity and progress.
A legacy of empowerment
At NETA College, her impact was most visible. She saw nurses arrive in Australia, uncertain about their futures, only to watch them thrive—getting jobs, earning promotions, starting families, and even bringing their parents over for better lives. The transformation was humbling. “It’s not just one life you’re changing,” she said. “It’s an entire family’s future.”
Moving forward, she envisioned giving back even more—not just in Australia but in the Philippines. Her goal was to create sustainable programs that empowered Filipino nurses worldwide, reinforcing the idea that they were more than just workers—they were leaders, game-changers, and nation-builders.
Advice to aspiring leaders
To young Filipino professionals dreaming of leadership roles, Karissa’s message was clear: “Take every opportunity. You won’t always get it on the first try, but that’s okay. Keep going.” She believed in the power of persistence, in learning from every attempt, and in seeking mentorship. “Surround yourself with achievers, with people who inspire you. Growth happens in conversations with the right people.”
She also emphasized the importance of stepping into leadership not just for personal success, but for the community. “Filipino nurses are already leaders in their own ways. Now it’s time to claim our space, to be seen, to be heard.”
A Filipino nurse leader, changing the narrative
Karissa’s journey was never about ambition alone. It was about service—service to her fellow nurses, to the multicultural community in Australia, and to the larger Filipino diaspora. Whether through policy, education, or advocacy, she was proof that leadership could be compassionate, transformative, and deeply rooted in identity.
Her story wasn’t just about being elected into office. It was about proving that Filipinos, no matter where they were in the world, had the power to lead and create meaningful change. And as she often reminded herself and others, “We are doers. And doers make things happen.”
