Gem Spotlight - Steffi Chang
Meet Steffi, Director of Philanthropic Partnerships at World Vision Australia. She is a passionate fundraising leader whose work is driven by a deep belief in the power of opportunity to transform lives. With more than 16 years’ experience and millions raised for causes spanning gender equality, climate justice, international development and medical research, she has helped launch initiatives that will create lasting impact for generations to come.
In this Spotlight, Steffi talks about the projects that have defined her career, the realities that keep her motivated, and her thoughts on how fundraising must evolve to engage the next generation of changemakers.
What’s the best thing about your current role?
Being a small part of transformative change in the world's most vulnerable communities. Knowing that somewhere out there, another child is being fed, another community accessing water, another girl is being educated. Because my mom has been that girl - from a poor family, with few prospects - and our family has come so far in a single generation because of the opportunities afforded to us.
What is your proudest accomplishment or career highlight?
I have 3. First, launching the Girls Education and Empowerment Fund at Plan International. Second, mobilising our sector behind the Gender Compass. And most recently, launching World Vision's GROW Campaign at Global Impact Summit as the Founding Charity Partner. All three were behemoths to accomplish, but the impact they will have will outlive me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You should always be "earning", "learning" or "leaving". But in the NFP sector, I'd like to add "impacting" at the very front.
What first inspired you to get into fundraising or the nonprofit sector?
In my high school years, I was part of a trip to a rural orphanage in Northern Thailand where we spent a week supporting the work of an NGO to rebuild their facilities and mentor young children. That was life-changing for me and sent me down the road of wanting to work with children and INGOs.
Fundraising can be challenging. What keeps you focused, motivated, and committed to giving back, even when it’s tough?
Remembering that in South Sudan, a girl is more likely to die in childbirth than graduate from secondary school. When you live in a world where that is true, its easy to compartmentalise daily stresses and continue persevering.
What do you think the future of fundraising looks like?
Those who will continue to succeed will be those who innovate models of income generation beyond traditional fundraising. Whether that is through impact investment, blended finance, venture philanthropy and so forth. Younger generations see charitable giving differently and we need to adapt to meet this new era.
What’s a skill or quality that you think every great fundraiser should have?
Perseverance. Know that almost nothing cannot be achieved without a little resilience and resourcefulness.
What’s something surprising or little-known about you?
I grew up in international schools across Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand.
What’s your favourite holiday destination, and why?
Malaysia, to see my family. The older I get, the closer I want to be to my parents.
If you could do anything for a day, with no limits, what would it be?
Put in charge of Jeff Bezos' or Elon Musk's fortune and donate it all to great causes.
How do you unwind or recharge after a long day?
Cuddles with my toddler.
What’s your favourite movie or book, and what makes it special to you?
I cant think of a single favourite, but an important one I'm currently reading is Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez. It exposes the "gender data gap"—the systemic failure to collect data on women—and shows how treating the male body and experience as the default puts women at a disadvantage, harms their health, and endangers their lives. Compulsory reading for everyone.
If you could invite any three guests, living or from history, to dinner, who would they be, and what would you serve?
Zohran Mamdani, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Ali Wong. Mainly because they seem like smart, cool people and we'd have a lot of fun. I'd serve my hometown specialty, Kuching Laksa. I hope they like spicy food.