Katie Liew - Driving progress with persistence, grit, and a smile.
A key component of successful progress in the homelessness sector is collaboration. The recognition that we are stronger when we unite forces, share successes stories and struggles and create a true picture of the issue we’re trying to solve by drawing information from more than one source. Unity is integral to change and it’s something that Katie Liew pushes for every single day. Katie exemplifies this message in all that she does in both her professional and personal endeavours. When she’s not leading her grass roots charity, The Underground Collaborative, you’ll find her training for charity runs to raise funds for a myriad of different causes, out and about supporting local female-led movements, and vigorously cheering on everyone around her. She approaches her work with curiosity and the true intention to listen to those she sets out to support. Katie is a true asset to the WA community and we are honoured to watch her evolve as a leader and transform lives along the way.
We celebrate Katie on International Women’s Day and every single day.
When you witness your beneficiaries facing such humungous hurdles every day, what is it that gives you your glowing optimism?
Our beneficiaries are tremendous beacons of hope who are so beautiful and determined, but also our community of supporters including our Board, who have an unwavering belief in the organisation and knowing that what we do can, and does help our beneficiaries overcome the hurdles they face. This gives me tremendous optimism and strength.
What inspired you to leave your corporate life behind and embark on such an inspiring endeavour?
I want to give life and a sense of freedom for people who did not have the luxury and privilege I did, and do. My parents worked incredibly hard to provide for their family - to me, I feel would not respect and honour everything they gave up if I didn’t do something meaningful with my life. People who are disadvantaged can often only dream to have the fortunes so many of us do and it is within us to live in full gratitude and make the most of this short life we have, especially in serving others.
Can you share your vision of what our future looks like for women and girls?
My vision of our future would be when women and girls can experience true freedom from the shackles of inequality and injustice.
When you hit a road block with progress, what drives you to keep pushing for reform?
If I am consistently hitting road blocks with progress (which feels to be the case this past year!), switching off and re-strategising allows me to take a breath and figure out what’s not working and what needs to be done to be more effective. I am persistent but I try to be smarter and consistently improve in pursuit of progress which means more strength and grit to create change when things are tough.
Who is a woman that you want to shine a light on this International Women’s Day?
One of our beautiful employees who since working at Ground+Co, has transitioned to permanent employment and has saved up enough money to enter the private rental market where she now has her own apartment! She has broken the cycle of homelessness and an incredible inspiration to not only myself but to so many, especially if they have found themselves in similar situations.
To learn more about the work that Katie is leading, head to:
The Underground Collaborative.