2025 ANU Alumni Awards: extraordinary alumni shaping a better world

Ian Wishart is a transformative leader in international humanitarian development, currently serving as CEO of The Fred Hollows Foundation. Guiding operations across 30 countries, Ian has been key to advancing the foundation’s mission to restore sight for disadvantaged communities.

He has held leadership roles at Plan International and World Vision Australia, championing child rights and expanding vital aid programs. An ANU science graduate, Ian has spearheaded critical emergency relief efforts in Ethiopia, Cambodia, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Indonesia – including during the devastating Boxing Day tsunami. Recognised for his impact, Ian has been appointed a Knight Commander in Cambodia for social work, highlighting his dedication to global development and aid.

Terri Janke, a Wuthathi, Yadhaigana, and Meriam woman, is a trailblazing authority on Indigenous cultural and intellectual property, and the Solicitor Director of Terri Janke and Company – a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned law firm. Through her pioneering publication True Tracks: Respecting Indigenous Knowledge and Culture, and groundbreaking legal work, she has established frameworks to protect and promote Indigenous cultural expression globally.

An advocate, mentor and community leader, Terri’s accolades include the NAIDOC Person of the Year (2011) and Indigenous Business Leader of the Year (2019). Her dedication to volunteering and activism, both professionally and personally, serves as an inspiration, achieving substantial positive outcomes for Indigenous communities across Australia.

Dr Carmen Robledo is a distinguished diplomat who has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing international diplomacy and fostering global cooperation. As Mexico's Middle East Expert at the UN Security Council (2021–2022), she led critical negotiations on issues including the Middle East Peace Process (Israel-Palestine), Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, culminating in the adoption of pivotal UN Security Council statements that advanced humanitarian initiatives despite the ongoing conflict. Her PhD at ANU, focusing on middle powers in global governance, shaped her strategic insights and commitment to multilateralism. A mentor and active participant in ANU alumni initiatives, Dr Robledo exemplifies the University’s values of excellence and global impact.

Lee Constable is a trailblazer in science communication and advocacy. The first of her family to graduate university, she went on to host the children’s science show Scope on Network 10, reaching tens of thousands of families nationwide. Lee’s initiative, Co-Lab: Science Meets Street Art, bridges science and art through public murals, and her children’s books inspire young readers to tackle environmental challenges. A champion for equity in STEM, Lee mentors regional students, advocates for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and amplifies diverse voices through media and education. Her enduring connection to ANU highlights her dedication to empowering future change-makers.

Hannah Wood is an esteemed Indigenous alum of ANU, and a trailblazer in cultural awareness in medical science and Indigenous ophthalmology. Transitioning from politics to medicine, Hannah’s passion for serving marginalised communities inspired her focus on ophthalmology, where she actively addresses treatable eye conditions in rural and remote areas. 

Currently training in Geelong, she is on track to become the first Indigenous female ophthalmologist. Her work with Lions Outback Vision and The Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association’s Going Home project exemplifies her dedication to community care. Hannah’s advocacy for cultural sensitivity in medicine continues to shape better outcomes for patients and inspire the next generation at ANU.

Sonali Varma is a dedicated ANU student and community volunteer who has transformed her lived experience with mental health challenges into impactful advocacy and research. An accredited Lifeline Telephone Crisis Supporter and ReachOut peer mentor, she provides critical support to vulnerable Australians. Her contributions extend to advisory roles with the Matilda Centre, Headspace, and the ACT Government, shaping mental health initiatives through 
her unique perspective. At ANU, Sonali fosters inclusivity as a Peer Educator and a member of the Mental Health Review Taskforce. Pursuing Honours in mental health research, her academic and volunteer efforts have garnered recognition, including the Love Prize at ANU, and other accolades for her leadership.