Alumnae

My time at Mercy College shaped the person I am today by encouraging creativity, independence, confidence and a strong work ethic. During my time at Mercy, I developed a strong interest in Design Technology, which later led me to complete a Bachelor Degree in Fashion and Textile Merchandising at RMIT University. From there, my experience working in retail and customer service helped me develop strong communication, organisational and creative problem solving skills, all of which proved invaluable when building my own business. Today, I am a mother of three and the owner of The Raven Collections, a creative business specialising in luxury event stationery, personalised gifts and custom designs for weddings and special events. What started as a creative passion has grown into a successful business that allows me to combine creativity with entrepreneurship while balancing family life. Looking back, Mercy played an important role in giving me the confidence to pursue a career path that blends creativity, business and passion, while teaching me the importance of resilience, adaptability and believing in myself. I hope what I share shows you that you can have it all (motherhood & business) with passion and drive.

Sr. Cathy Solano is a Sister of Mercy whose life and ministry embody a profound commitment to education, advocacy, and global solidarity. Beginning her vocation as a school teacher in Australia, she soon extended her reach beyond national borders, serving communities around the world. Her international mission has included training teachers in Pakistan, advocating for justice and human rights in Uganda, and coordinating educational initiatives in Sudan. Sr. Cathy has also brought her voice to the global stage, representing critical causes as a delegate to the United Nations. Her work reflects a deep dedication to empowering others, interculturality and promoting compassion through action.

From an early age, Virginia knew she wanted to serve her country, and joined the Australian Army straight out of school. A celebrated career spanning 3 decades, Warrant Officer Class One Virginia Morris, OAM has been posted throughout Australia including operation Bushfire Assist and COVID19 Assist and deployed internationally to Bougainville as a peacekeeper, and Afghanistan where she coordinated over 3000 aeromedical evacuations. Virginia was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2021 for displaying outstanding leadership, inspirational mentorship, and relentless promotion of Army values. Appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of the 2nd Australian Division in 2026, Virginia has achieved the second highest Australian Army rank.

After obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from RMIT in 2000, Orietta Guerrera commenced her professional career in 2001 as a trainee journalist at The Age. Shortly after, she relocated to Canberra to join the masthead’s Parliament House Bureau, where she reported on federal politics. In 2008, she concluded a three-year tenure as a Rural Affairs Reporter. Since then, Orietta has held various editorial positions within Fairfax Media and now Nine Entertainment, including eight years as Federal Politics Editor and three as Reader Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald before assuming her current role as Deputy Editor at The Age in 2023. Orietta demonstrated exemplary leadership and a strong work ethic during her time as Mercy College Captain - qualities that have significantly contributed to her professional success.

An award-winning investigative journalist based in Los Angeles, Alessandra has written for The Baffler, In These Times, Harper’s Magazine, TheNewYorker.com, National Geographic, Washington Post and DAME Magazine, focussing on the intersection of environmental conflict and human rights on a global scale. After being awarded College Dux in 2007, Alessandra received a Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications), Diploma of Modern Languages (Italian) from Melbourne University and a Master of Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley. Supported by fellowships and grants she has reported on subjects including the impact of palm oil plantations on indigenous communities in Guatemala to the link between U.S. security assistance and violence against environmental defenders worldwide. Most recently, she wrote about the women survivors of India’s Bhopal Gas Disaster and the toxic legacy of corporate impunity.

A graduate of the Ballarat Academy of Performing Arts, Anna Francesca holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Music Theatre. She has worked in theatre and screen for over a decade in Australia and internationally. Anna Francesca was recently cast in the Hollywood feature film Anaconda, and the Sydney Opera House season of the musical, RENT. She has performed in Singapore, China, the Philippines, Japan, South Africa and New Zealand, and with leading companies such as Michael Cassel Group, Opera Australia, Melbourne Theatre Company and Universal Studios. Other credits include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Little Shop of Horrors, as well as several national television commercials. During her time at Mercy College, Anna Francesca topped the class in Music and Drama, so it comes as no surprise she has achieved success in the performing arts.

Krstel, a proud Kija and Jaru woman, is an Australian Rules footballer known for her strong presence in the midfield. She was first drafted by the Melbourne Demons in 2019 and later joined the West Coast Eagles. In 2023, she was honoured with the Best Club Person award. Krstel also showcased her cultural pride and creativity by designing the 2021 Indigenous guernseys for the Melbourne Demons AFLW team, and for the Melbourne Storm. Her dedication to sport, integrity, and fair play was evident early on - she was appointed as Sports Captain in her final year of school.

Annastasia’s interest in engineering began at Mercy College where her passion for STEM paved the way to a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours) at RMIT . After graduating, Annastasia commenced work as a Graduate Engineer at John Holland where she has gained valuable experience within the Rail Systems and Civil Delivery Teams on several projects including Victoria’s Level Crossing Removals. She will step into the role of Site Engineer at John Holland in 2026 and looks forward to pursuing senior and managerial roles in the future.