Industry Speaker Bank

"Sharing my experiences empowered young people to pursue their passions and explore unconventional paths. It shows them that they can achieve their goals, even if they are different from traditional careers."

Orianna’s journey into the world of business began when she was just 15 years old. What started as a simple experiment on her family farm has blossomed into a thriving business called Naturally Goat. The inspiration came from her family’s surplus goat milk, which she initially used to make cheese and other products.



However, the real turning point came when Orianna’s mother, who had sensitive skin, struggled to find suitable soap. This challenge sparked Orianna’s creativity, and she decided to create her own soap using goat's milk and basic ingredients. The result was a product so good that friends and family took notice, and soon enough, Orianna knew she was on to something special.

Today, Naturally Goat offers over 200 products, including goat milk soaps, moisturizers, body wash, and lotions—all crafted on her farm, where she now manages a herd of 65 goats.

One of Orianna’s proudest moments came last year when Naturally Goat won the Northern Businesses Awards Business of the Year, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Beyond her business, Orianna is passionate about giving back to the community. Her involvement in the Industry Speaker Bank allows her to share her experiences with young people, empowering them to pursue their passions and explore unconventional career paths. In June, she attended an Industry Speaker Bank event at Charles La Trobe College, where she engaged with students in Year 9 and 10 who find value in hearing from local businesses to generate ideas about their future careers. Orianna finds these interactions rewarding, as the students’ out-of-the-box questions often prompt her to think in new ways and reflect on her own journey.

Orianna’s advice to young people is simple yet powerful: don’t give up. She emphasises the importance of pushing through self-doubt and persevering in the face of challenges. Orianna’s story is a testament to the power of believing in one’s goals and working tirelessly to achieve them. Industry Speaker Bank creates a connection between students and industry professionals to share personal journeys and guide students to make informed decisions about their careers.

BNLLEN would like to acknowledge Orianna Edmonds for her admirable enthusiasm to work with young people in our local community. Thanks also go to Charles La Trobe College for hosting this Industry Speaker Bank Event.

---

Case Study: Olivia Salamone – Inspiring the Next Generation in Engineering and STEM

Olivia Salamone, Team Leader of Construction Engineering at Knox City Council, brings passion, expertise, and relatability to her role in the Industry Speaker Bank program. Leading a small team, Olivia manages a diverse range of infrastructure projects, including bridges, drainage systems, and road resurfacing. Her hands-on experience in construction, coupled with a genuine commitment to mentoring young people, makes her an engaging and inspiring speaker for high school students.




Olivia’s journey into engineering began early, influenced by her father, a civil engineer, who often took her to work sites. “That exposure sparked my interest in civil engineering and project management,” Olivia reflects. While studying at university, Olivia worked with Swinburne University, visiting schools to discuss STEM subjects and her transition into higher education. When that role ended, the Industry Speaker Bank provided the perfect opportunity to continue supporting students, particularly in encouraging women to pursue STEM careers.

Volunteering for the program is motivated by Olivia’s belief in the power of small experiences to spark curiosity. “Even a simple interaction or seeing a project can inspire a student to consider a career they hadn’t thought about,” she explains. She wants students to know that there isn’t a single pathway into university, apprenticeships, or careers in STEM. Representation and relatability are central to her approach, particularly for female students who might not see themselves reflected in engineering roles.

When presenting to students, Olivia focuses on relatable and practical insights. She shares her journey from high school through university, including the diverse subjects she took, demonstrating that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to a STEM career. Visual examples from her projects, such as bridge and road renewals, help students understand the scope and variety of her work.

Some of Olivia’s most rewarding moments come from student interactions. At one school, a student stayed after a session to ask several additional questions about university subjects and career pathways. “Even if just one student walks away with a better understanding of engineering or career options, that’s invaluable,” Olivia notes.

For professionals considering joining the Industry Speaker Bank, Olivia emphasises the mutual benefits. “It’s incredibly rewarding for students, and also for yourself. It’s a chance to develop communication and presentation skills, give back to the community, and expose students to diverse industries and pathways,” she says.

Through her involvement, Olivia not only shares her expertise but also reinforces her own passion for engineering and mentoring. Her commitment to inspiring the next generation demonstrates the impact professionals can have when they step into classrooms and share their stories.