Thirteen years ago, Alessia’s life changed forever. After having had lunch together with her mum, Alessandra, she returned to her studies, leaving her mum in the kitchen having a lively conversation on the phone.

Suddenly there was a silence. Alessia immediately knew that something wasn’t right and followed her gut feelings; she walked into the kitchen and found her mother unconscious at the table. In that terrifying moment, the first aid training she had received as a St John volunteer during her university years, became her greatest strength. With steady hands and a determined heart, she performed CPR until the firefighters arrived on the scene; actions that gave her mother ten more precious years of life.

Today, Alessia is a Customer Development Executive at St John Ambulance Victoria, driven by a mission that is deeply personal.

“I joined St John Ambulance because the cause is very close to my heart,” she says. “I know firsthand the power of first aid. It can mean the difference between life and death. My training helped me save my mother, and I am forever grateful.”

Her story shows to the importance of learning life-saving skills.

“You never know when an emergency will happen. The more people are trained in first aid and CPR, the more lives can be saved. That’s why my work at St John is so rewarding; I know I’m helping to equip others with the same skills that saved my mum.”

Alessia’s passion extends beyond her own experience. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, she emphasises the importance of empowering women with first aid knowledge.

“Women are caregivers, leaders, and changemakers. About 75% of the healthcare workforce is made up of women, many of whom are looking after the most vulnerable in our society. Knowing first aid is not just an individual skill; it’s a way for women to support their families, their communities, and themselves.”

For Alessia, International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on progress while continuing to push for equality. “It’s a time to celebrate our contributions in the workplace, in our families, and in society. But it’s also about using our voices, supporting each other, and inspiring future generations of women to pursue work that aligns with their values and their desire to make a difference.”

Her advice to women wondering how they can contribute to the world? “Find work that is meaningful to you. When you align your career with your core values, the impact is incredible, not just for you, but for those around you.”

Alessia’s journey is proof that one person, armed with the right skills, can change a life. And when more people learn first aid, the ripple effect of saving lives only grows stronger. It could even be another mum, returning home to her children, whose life is saved when more of us learn and use our first aid skills.

As she continues her work at St John, Alessia is not just helping others learn CPR; she’s inspiring them to be ready, to be confident, and to be the difference when it matters most.