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OHA LIFE
OHA Life
Where are they now Ellen Russell (OH 2014)
Claire Brown (OH 2013)
Ellen completed a Bachelor of Communication (Professional Communications) at RMIT, focusing on advertising as she hoped to work in a big ad agency. After multiple internships, she landed a job in marketing for an Aussie burger brand, and quickly found her area of interest—social media.
Claire is Senior Campaign Manager at Birchal, Australia’s leading equity crowdfunding platform. Claire joined the company back in early 2019 as their second hire, six months after it acquired its intermediary licence. Since then, Birchal has raised over $50 million for more than 97 Australian companies, where every day Australians can buy shares in private and unlisted public companies.
Almost two years later, Ellen was contacted by the Marketing Manager at Smiling Mind and made the move to the rapidly growing not-for-profit tech startup at the end of 2019. Ellen is passionate about her role as Social and Communities Manager at Smiling Mind, and manages all social channels including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and, more recently, TikTok. “It has been incredibly rewarding working in the mental health space at a time where people need our services the most! I’m proud to have played a role in helping support 2.2 million Aussies in the last year alone and look forward to extending our impact as Smiling Mind continues to grow”. Thanks, Ellen, for your outstanding contribution to the mental health arena!
Originally undertaking an undergraduate degree in Film and Television, Claire continues to be passionate about sharing the inspiring stories of companies she works with and to help break down the knowledge barriers for investors who are making their first foray into the world of business. Managing people, relationships, being incredibly organised and relishing in project-based tasks are her key strengths. Claire continues to love her job, is thriving in the team environment and is excited to be a part of this rapidly expanding startup. Claire’s path prior to this role included taking a gap year to work in Poland in 2014, travelling overseas, completing her undergraduate studies at Swinburne, living in Germany, interning at Matchbox Pictures and completing a Masters of Entrepreneurship at the University of Melbourne. Outside of work, Claire wanted to take on a new challenge and is engaging her
entrepreneurial skills to launch her ‘sidehustle’ as a marriage celebrant. Already getting booked for 2022, she’ll be complete with her studies by the end of 2021. In her words, what nicer way to spend your time than helping two people celebrate their love with their family and friends? If Claire was to give advice to her younger self leaving school today, it would be: > Work out what you are good at—not in terms of school subjects, but ways of thinking. Are you a people person? Do you like working in teams? Do you like tackling problems or are you happy to follow the rules? Your career might change, but your core strengths will always serve you, so look inwards and have a think about what they are! > Some people work to live or live to work. You can be either and be successful— and yes, Dad, there are other professions out there over medicine! > Be ok that your skills, dreams, ambitions may change throughout your life. Who cares? It’s your life, never feel like you’re letting someone else’s expectations down. As long as you’re happy and wake up pumped for the day ahead you’re winning! > People recognise when you’ve tried to do the right thing and produce the best work you can. Always try to be your best and doors will open for you! > Fortune favours the optimists! Be happy, treat people well and say YES to the opportunities that pop up in your path!
