Daniella Divissi

I believe in equality through equity. Everyone has potential, but not everyone has the same opportunity. Growing up in a family of migrants and refugees, I saw how systemic barriers limit chances. I am committed to increasing social impact while reducing environmental impact, using food as a tool for change.

After my partner’s tragic passing in 2022 ended our plan to open a restaurant, I found a new path at Stepping Stone Social Enterprise in mid-2023. This role sparked my involvement in social enterprise and sector-wide outreach.

As Operations Manager, I have mentored 30+ women in hospitality and leadership roles, many have transitioned into stable employment and taken on leadership roles. I have expanded our network through collaborations with organisations like Ainslie Urban Farm, where we are developing an urban farm grounded in circular economy principles, and Lids4Kids, where we operate as a community collection hub. I partner with community gardens and local egg farms on composting initiatives that exchange waste for fresh produce.

To increase public engagement, I coordinate and deliver monthly community events including cooking classes, fundraisers and dinners. I have eliminated single-use catering packaging and coffee cups collaborating with Good Cup, and minimised single-use baking materials by adopting compostable alternatives. Additionally, I lead a monthly For Purpose Market, which I am now transitioning to be run by a social enterprise collective. This market supports over 20 social enterprises and pilots a replicable precinct model.

I lead food product development, repurposing surplus café ingredients into pantry staples and fertilisers, and am developing accessible training in plant-based pastry, a field limited in Australia due to cost and skill barriers.

Through the Churchill Fellowship, I will explore food sustainability strategies and innovative pastry to strengthen and scale Work-Integrated Social Enterprises across Australia through toolkits, training models and applied practice.