❤️ An International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐Jan Ajduk, Variety WA Midwest Regional Coordinator, has spent over 20 years helping children in need across regional WA. A proud mother, her passion is driven by her daughter Kaitlin, an independent young woman with Down Syndrome. Through Variety – the Children’s Charity, Jan runs fundraising events and the fantastic Kids Christmas Party, creating inclusive spaces for children and families. She works with schools and community groups to support families through the grant process, making a tangible difference in children’s’ lives. Jan is a regional champion who is dedicated to our communities ⭐
An interview with Jan
Tell us about you?
I am the Variety WA Midwest Regional Coordinator, I have been an active member of Variety for 20 years and encompassed all aspects of Variety, including roles on the Committee and also President and also of I have lived in Geraldton for the past 22 years, after spending 20 years moving around from town to town with my husband in the banking industry. I have 2 adult children, Kaitlin 38, who lives at home with us as an independent young lady with Down Syndrome and my son Mitchell who lives in Melbourne for the past 10 years, working in the business industry. My passion it to make help a difference in Midwest WA Region which includes Gascoyne, Meekatharra & North Midlands Regions and Rural kids’ lives through Variety – the children’s charity. We all need to be positivity, changing the lives of children. All children deserve the right to have all the opportunities that life has to offer. My role as Regional Coordinator encompasses coordinator fundraising events. Coordinate the annual Kids Christmas Party, bringing Variety kids and their families together for a fun, action-packed party atmosphere for one special morning, where there is no judgment, where kids can be kids and families can relax in a safe and accepting environment. I work closely with local therapy services, schools, and community service organizations to assist families throughout the Variety grant application process.
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
I would tell myself to always be kind and to make sure you listen to people and hear between the words. Be strong, confident, determined, independent and know you are capable of handling anything life throws at you. Then take these skills into all your leadership roles, don’t let anyone distract you from your path, if you believe that path is the right path.
What word/s describe your leadership style?
My leadership style is happy, friendly, strong, confident, determined, independent and able to pivot obstacles. I ask and take advice from people around me, sometimes it pays to listen to get the best outcome. My leadership decisions are always what is best for the charity and enhancing the charity within the community I like to make sure everyone is informed about what the charity is doing and why.
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
As a woman living in regional, rural and remote WA, you need to be informed and prepared to share your knowledge, knowledge is power. You cannot help yourself and others, if you don’t know what is available. I network with others in like professions that will enhance my and the charity’s reputation to help others is critical.
Who are the role models who have inspired you?
My role models in life have always been my mother who has shown me strength and taught me independence, my mentors are my sisters. They shared their life experiences, they have been my first stop as a sounding board, to give me advice with common sense and direction.
We thank you Jan, for what you achieve for your community and regional Durack 💙