Growing up, scribbled on my blackboard bedroom wall read the quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world - Mahatma Ghandi”
Hi, I’m Athena Savvas - a passionate advocate for purpose-driven business, inclusive leadership, and empowering people to drive positive change.
My journey began with a deep curiosity about people, place and purpose. I was drawn to projects that put human connection and community at the centre. That curiosity, combined with a desire to make a tangible difference, led me to humanitarian work in rural Cambodia. Over six years, I worked alongside local communities on grassroots development initiatives and led Australian volunteer groups through immersive, on-the-ground experiences. These years showed me the power of collaboration and community-led change.
Guiding volunteers on a community house build in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Community Outreach in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Visiting Kingston Farm and partnered methane-reduced wool trial in Tasmania, Australia
Back in Australia, I channelled my passion for equity into founding a social enterprise aimed at closing the gender gap in the workforce. Through mentorship programs and upskilling workshops, I supported young women in the early stages of their careers - helping them build confidence, gain practical career insight, and develop meaningful industry connections.
As my career evolved, I saw the potential for business to be a powerful lever for change. I stepped into the sustainability space in the fashion industry - a sector ripe for transformation. As Sustainability and Projects Manage at M.J. Bale, I led key initiatives that helped the brand become B Corp certified, transition to renewable energy, and achieve Climate Active certification as Australia’s first carbon-neutral fashion brand (for both products and operations). It was an exciting and pivotal time to be shaping strategy, measuring impact, and embedding sustainability into core business operations.
Today, I’m the Sustainability and Impact Manager at DISSH, where I continue to lead sustainability initiatives to drive positive social and environmental impact across the business through embedding practices across design, sourcing, operations, and storytelling. My focus is always on aligning business with values, and making a tangible impact feel not only achievable, but essential.
With a background in psychology and politics, I’ve always been fascinated by the intention-action gap - the space between what people want to do and what they actually do. That curiosity continues to inform my work in sustainability, where driving meaningful change often depends on shifting behaviour, building trust, and meeting people where they are. Whether I’m crafting a strategy, pitching an initiative, or fostering internal buy-in, I draw on a deep understanding of motivation, values, and stakeholder dynamics to design proposals that resonate - and deliver impact.
Through every chapter of my journey, one belief has remained constant: business can and should be a force for good, and each of us has the power to drive meaningful change. Whether through strategic leadership, community engagement, or reimagining systems, I’m committed to creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable world.
