Teanna Ramsamy champions opportunity, authenticity and community
What began as a Year 10 school program at CQ TAFE has evolved into a career dedicated to creating opportunities for others, with CQUniversity alumna Teanna Ramsamy building a reputation as a leader who puts people, community and purpose at the centre of everything she does.
The proud Torres Strait Islander woman, born and raised in Mackay, describes herself as an "accidental leader" whose career has never followed a traditional path.
Instead, it has taken her across education, training, health, manufacturing, workforce development and community services, with each step helping shape the leader she is today.
"I was actually lost in my own career path for a long time," Teanna said.
"I didn't have a clear picture of what I wanted to do or where I would eventually end up. My career has developed because I took opportunities that were put in front of me."
Teanna's connection with CQUniversity stretches back more than two decades. As a high school student, she participated in a school program through what was then CQ TAFE, becoming familiar with the campus environment and seeing education as an accessible pathway for her future.
Years later, she returned to study, completing a Diploma of Business before continuing to a Bachelor of Business, graduating in 2019.
The journey wasn't easy. While studying, Teanna was also working full-time and raising her two children, on top of a full-time study load during the final year of her degree.
"There were definitely times that I wanted to give up," she said.
"One of the things I remember most is simply pushing through and learning that I could keep going even when things were difficult.”
"Completing the degree became about more than the qualification; it demonstrated to me what I was capable of."
That lesson would prove valuable as her career continued to evolve. After graduation, Teanna worked across a range of sectors, applying the skills she gained through her studies in diverse and unexpected ways.
"The qualification didn't prepare me for one particular job; it gave me a foundation that allowed me to move between industries and continue growing," she said.
"Working across very different sectors has probably been an advantage because I've been able to take ideas, systems and ways of working from one environment and apply them somewhere completely different."
Although her roles have varied, Teanna said a common thread has connected each chapter of her career.
"I get a lot of satisfaction from watching someone master a new skill, gain confidence and then use that to move forward in their career," she said.
"I've always been drawn to work where I can help create opportunities for other people rather than success being solely about my own career progression."
Among her proudest achievements was her work with Mackay Hospital and Health Service, helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students access vocational education pathways into health careers.
"That work was particularly meaningful because it combined education, health, First Nations opportunities and creating genuine career pathways," she said.
Today, Teanna is Acting Operations Manager at the Mackay and Regional Aboriginal and Islander Development Association (MARABISDA), a community-controlled, not-for-profit organisation that advocates for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander families and children.
"What excites me isn't operations for its own sake, it's what good operations make possible for community," she said.
"Supporting community is the purpose; operations is one of the ways I can contribute to that."
For Teanna, the role brings together many of the experiences she has gained throughout her career, from business and workforce development to education, leadership and community engagement.
"The most exciting part is the potential," she said.
"Strengthening systems, developing people, building leadership capability and creating an organisation that can continue to grow and improve."
Teanna credits much of her leadership approach to life's experiences, which have reinforced the importance of empathy, kindness and understanding.
"Empathetic leadership starts with understanding that every person who sits across from you has arrived at that point through a different life," she said.
"People may need different things from a leader in order to succeed and develop.”
"The differences between people aren't something an organisation needs to overcome; they're one of its greatest strengths."
Reflecting on personal challenges and growth, Teanna said she has learned the importance of authenticity and staying true to her values; fairness, authenticity, kindness and courage.
"I've learned that the only way to live your life is exactly as yourself," she said.
"Courage has been particularly important throughout my own career because many of my biggest opportunities have required me to step forward while still unsure of myself.”
As a lifelong learner who continues to embrace new challenges, Teanna hopes her story encourages others to be open to opportunities, even when the destination is unclear. Her career, built on curiosity, courage and community, is proof that success isn't always found in carefully mapped plans.
"I want other people to recognise that where you start doesn't determine where you can finish," she said.
"A big part of my work has been about creating that first opportunity, whether that's education, training, employment, or simply someone saying, 'I think you can do this'."
"Sometimes you just need to take the next step rather than knowing the final destination."
Take your first step into the world of business like Teanna with a Diploma or Bachelor of Business.
