Maria Whitford

Friends with Dignity

https://www.friendswithdignity.org.au/

Biographical Abstracts

After immigrating to Australia in 2010 with her family, Maria Manuela Whitford secured a job as a clinical nurse with Queensland Health within the correctional services. This is where her passion and vision to help people impacted by domestic violence took root.

In 2012, Whitford founded the nonprofit Assist A Sista, which in 2015 evolved to become Friends with Dignity.

She is no stranger to violence, having experienced a horrific event while in South Africa, prompting her immigration. Working full-time as a clinical nurse in the Addictions and Mental Health sector  “broadened my knowledge and experience on how resilient people really are!” she wrote.

“Through collaboration and community engagement, I know collectively we can make such a difference. I proudly Stand Up and Speak Out against domestic and family violence,” she continued. “I proudly lead, and jointly work with, equally passionate volunteers to make a difference to the lives of so many individuals. I am constantly inspired by people and in awe of their resilience.”

She has been recognized with many awards and received acknowledgements from local members of council and government, which she sees as a testament to how engaging a community can bring on positive change. “I constantly reflect on what I have created has been life changing, not only for the people we assist and support, but also for the volunteers, my family, and the community,” she wrote.

One of her favorite African proverbs is: "Alone you go faster, together you go further."

Areas of Expertise

• Domestic and family violence
• Environmental sustainability
• Mediation