Alumni Stories
Raizing the Roof to Build a Future for Children
Sometimes the smallest roles can lead to career-changing moments. This was the case for University of Canberra graduate Danielle Dal Cortivo who, after working at a consulting company in Canberra as the ‘chief filing and hole punching officer’, decided to challenge herself in a new way: by forming a charity.
After studying Public Relations at UC, Danielle spent the next 10 years working in various public service roles covering everything from STD's and HIV to illicit drugs, population health and mental health policy and programs.
During this time, her passion for public health began to grow, but she set it aside to focus on developing her own consultancy firm covering strategic business planning, communications and business development.
"I absolutely believe every role has provided invaluable experience, knowledge and the opportunity to meet extraordinary people along the way," she said.
Resigning from the comforts of public service, she took the plunge and made the change to the not-for-profit sector, taking on the role of CEO of The Asthma Foundation and founding the ‘raize the roof’ charity.
Raizing the roof
‘raize the roof’ was an idea conceived by Danielle and her brother Lincoln, having both experienced the loss of friends to serious illness at a young age.
After taking a volunteering trip with a friend to Tanzania, Danielle saw first-hand the hardships children in developing countries faced. This, combined with her passion for public health, inspired Danielle to set up 'raize the roof'.
As a volunteer-led organisation that supports children who are less lucky than most, the charity is designed to ensure that disadvantaged children can reach their maximum potential.
"At first, people thought my brother and I were completely crazy but the more we authentically shared our vision and what we wanted to achieve, the more people were keen to jump on board," Danielle said.
Their main project involves building a Canberra community house. Built entirely with donated materials and labour, the house will be auctioned, with all proceeds going directly to the Starlight Children's Foundation in the ACT and SOS Children's Villages in Botswana.
To date, 'raize the roof' has more than 50 volunteers contributing to the Charity House project, it has secured land to build on through the ACT Government's Land Rent Scheme, and has raised $125,000 from fundraising, events and donations.
Managing a balancing act
For Danielle, the ability to work full-time while running a charity comes down to balancing work with communication, support and personal time.
"Communication is really important to ensure everyone stays up-to-date. We're lucky to have an extraordinary network of family and friends that are just as passionate about seeing the project completed," she said.
"However, it can't always be about work, so I'm conscious to ensure I make time for the things that bring me joy and really nourish me, like friends, family, fun and exercise."
Danielle explained that it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.
"I think the biggest challenge is working out all the things that you don't know you don't know!" she said.
The other challenge is maintaining momentum and never giving up, even when it seems the odds are stacked against you.
While there is still a way to go until the charity house is completed, Danielle already has her mind set on future goals.
She hopes to continue making a difference to the lives of children and working with the Starlight Children's Foundation. Not forgetting her dedication to the work of SOS Children's Villages in Botswana, she envisions herself eventually moving there to contribute to the implementation of projects and to transform the lives of orphaned children.
"I'm really committed to making a difference to the lives of children. We're keen to increase the ways seriously ill children and their families are supported, by increasing resources and program capacity, and by enabling more 'wishes' to be granted to these children."
Words by Stephanie Cossetto, images courtesy of Danielle Dal Cortivo