Growth, Gratitude and the Power of Engagement

“This program came at just the right time.”

Angela Martin, Lifeline North Coast GM, shares how the Nurture Scholarship and IAP2 Australasia Certificate of Engagement helped deepen community impact and build leadership with empathy.

The Nurture Engagement Scholarship Program, established by the Engagement Institute (formerly IAP2 Australasia) Board, provides access to the IAP2 Australasia Certificate of Engagement for staff and directors of small not-for-profits. Through virtual delivery and fully funded support, the program helps strengthen leadership and engagement capability in organisations making a real difference on the ground—like Lifeline North Coast.

Here, the General Manager of Lifeline North Coast, NSW, shares how the program shaped her leadership and deepened her organisation’s impact:

As General Manager of Lifeline North Coast, NSW, I’ve always felt deeply connected to the communities we serve — especially those in high-need and remote areas. Our work in suicide prevention and postvention is both challenging and incredibly meaningful, and I’m constantly looking for ways to grow and better support our team and the people who rely on us.

That’s why I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in the Nurture Scholarship through Engagement Institute. This program came at just the right time, offering structure, tools, and guidance that helped me bring more clarity and purpose to our work. The IAP2 Australasia Certificate of Engagement gave me practical skills to plan thoughtful, inclusive events and initiatives — whether it’s community outreach, fundraising, crisis response, or memorial days that honour those we’ve lost.

Living in a regional area and managing a mostly volunteer team, I wouldn’t have been able to access this kind of training without the virtual format. It was flexible, well-paced, and incredibly supportive. I especially appreciated the chance to connect with other students from different organisations — sharing stories, learning from each other, and realising that we’re all working toward the same goal: making a difference by a positive social impact.

What stood out most was how the program fit around my work life. It took the stress out of studying and allowed me to learn in a way that felt natural and immediately useful. I now use what I’ve learned every day, and I feel more confident and equipped to lead with empathy and impact.

I’m sincerely thankful to Engagement Institute for making this opportunity possible. It’s helped me grow as a leader, and more importantly, it’s helped our organisation continue to serve our communities with care, compassion, and purpose.

Learn more about the Nurture Scholarship Program here.