Pam Okada
Supporter Engagement - Retention Coordinator, Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)
Pam is a highly focused deadline-driven natural planner. She loves nothing more than managing projects and campaigns from ideation to execution. She thrives in high pressure environment and is results oriented. Pam started her not-for-profit journey 11 years ago as a Campaign Advisor for yourtown/Kids Helpline in the charitable lotteries team. She was responsible in developing and implementing supporter acquisition and retention strategies to achieve growth targets. After 11 years of selling lottery tickets and making dreams come true, it was time for a new chapter. Pam is now in the Supporter Engagement team at Royal Flying Doctor Service, fundraising to ensure all Queenslanders have access to medical aid, emergency services and other vital health care services, whenever wherever.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
Having been in a not-for-profit organisation for the last 11 years has inspired me to continue doing work in the not-for-profit sector. Working for an NFP is a fulfilling experience that inspires me every day. Knowing that my efforts are contributing to a greater cause beyond myself, and that my work is helping to improve the lives of others, is deeply rewarding. Every day, I’m reminded of the impact that our work (RFDS) has on the communities we serve, and it’s a privilege to be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference.
Could you tell us a bit about your professional background and where you are headed in your career right now?
I have recently started a new role in the Supporter Engagement team at Royal Flying Doctor Services early this year. Previous to this, I was working as a Campaign Advisor for yourtown/Kids Helpline in the charitable lotteries team. I was responsible in developing and implementing supporter acquisition and retention strategies to achieve growth targets.
After raising funds by selling lottery tickets for the last 11 years, I wanted to take on a new challenge. I wanted to find my next cause and explore other opportunities within the NFP sector. Working for the RFDS allows me to make a positive impact on Australia and to contribute to a cause that I truly believe in. It gives me a sense of purpose and a strong commitment to helping others, AND I get to use my fundraising/ marketing/ creative and campaign management skills to do good!
Your favourite food for thought
Books
- Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
- The high 5 habit by Mel Robbins
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
- Brene Brown
- Mel Robbins
- I also like Meghan Markle’s Archetypes at the moment!
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Compassion
- Making a difference
- Optimism
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is all the female leaders that can juggle both motherhood and their career. Having two young kids myself and working, I know it can be challenging. So, I take my hat off to all female leaders who have been able to successfully do both and thrive at it! I want to meet you ALL – you’re an inspiration!
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
I’d like to give back to the community and hopefully make a positive difference to someone who needs it by sharing my experience, knowledge and expertise. I’d also like to learn from my mentee and the Assisterhood network and gain new perspective on the challenges and opportunities we face.
What are the top 5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Collaborative
- Empathic
- Open
- Optimistic
- Supportive
Ready to be a part of Assisterhood as a Mentee?
We are now up and running in QLD, VIC & NSW – and we’re only just getting started! Let’s shoot for the stars – together!