Nina Ellingsen
Brand and Marketing Advisor, Orange Sky Australia
Nina is an experienced strategic marketing and communications professional with a passion for developing and executing creative campaigns to drive strategic objectives. Her career spans over 16 years working within integrated marketing agencies, including founding and managing her own marketing consultancy in 2011 which she then went on to merge with one of Queensland’s largest independently owns agencies in 2017.
Her skills span strategic marketing, campaign strategy and execution, corporate communications, media relations and stakeholder and community engagement. Currently, Nina heads up a small team of marketing and communications specialists at Orange Sky, a not-for-profit that supports people experiencing homelessness with free laundry, warm showers and genuine non-judgemental conversation. Nina leads the team to deliver on fundraising and partnership campaigns and drive brand awareness across Australia and New Zealand.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
I wanted to put my passion and drive into a good cause.
Could you tell us a bit about your professional background and where you are headed in your career right now?
I’ve spent 16 years in integrated marketing and communications agencies, including founding and running my own for seven of those years. I decided I needed a sea change after a year of Covid and wanted to put my passion to a good cause. My current focus is on building a highly recognisable, resilient and reputable brand for Orange Sky Australia and New Zealand.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
I’m more of a podcast listener – have enjoyed listening to Squiggly Careers.
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
I’m a self confessed health podcast junkie. I listen to these on my morning walks and before I go to bed to see what small incremental tweaks I can make to my health and lifestyle to always be a better version of myself for my family, and my work.
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Family
- Risk-taking
- Vision
- Health would be my next one – if you don’t have your health you don’t have anything.
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I find Jacinda Ardern very inspiring. I always take my hat off to anyone that manages the mum juggle with a professional career.
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
I think giving back to younger generations is one of the best things you can do – and I’m sure I’ll learn a lot and take away a lot from it in the process too.
What are the top 5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Collaborative
- Direct
- Looking for potential
- Patient
- Supportive
Ready to be a part of Assisterhood as a Mentee?
We are now up and running in QLD and VIC – and we’re only just getting started! Let’s shoot for the stars – together!