Staff Snapshot – Sarah Whiting

12 September 2017

At YWCA Canberra, we’re really proud of the vibrancy and diversity of our staff team. We’ll be bringing you regular staff snapshots so you can meet our team and find out a bit more about the people behind our programs and services. Today, meet Sarah Whiting

Tell us about your role at YWCA Canberra.

I am the Communications and Policy Intern, which involves a range of tasks assisting our Communications, Advocacy and Fundraising team. My work is exciting and varies a lot including blogging, researching, social media & website updates, and assisting in preparing internal communications. I also work as an educator in our School Age Care services.

What’s on your playlist?

Always a lot of old Hollywood classics for the burlesque dance class I teach, plus a good mix of Melbourne DJ duo Teddy Cream for pump up tunes!

What is the most ‘out-there’ job you’ve ever had?

I work as a professional dancer in my Brazilian Samba Team at Kokoloco Dance Studio, which involves performing at an amazing variety of events in extravagant sparkly costumes!

What are you reading at the moment?

My income tax textbook for uni, but I always have Your Beauty Mark by Dita von Teese on my bedside.

When you’re not at work, what’s your relaxation activity of choice? 

Curling up on the couch with chocolate, movies and my husband!

What is the scariest thing you’ve done in the past year?

Planning my wedding while studying full time! And competing in my first national dance competition.

What’s an achievement that you’re proud of?

Balancing my uni, work, and dance commitments while working as a makeup artist! I love being able to use the power of makeup to give that something special to my clients, and it’s very rewarding work. Plus, finally making it to the final semester of my law degree!

How do you like to unwind?

I like to fiddle with my personal blog, and I take and teach dance classes each week which is a great way to keep moving and work out your brain too.

Who inspires you?

My family and friends.

People would be surprised if they knew…

I have an Instagram following over 19k! I run my personal blog – The Pale Pinup. I love sharing about my pinup and vintage passion, beauty and above all, body positivity and confidence!

What’s the best concert that you’ve ever been to?

Definitely Dita von Teese, closely followed by Adele, Madonna, ACDC, and The Wiggles when I was three!

What’s on your bucket list?

I would love to try living overseas and to see the Moulin Rouge in Paris.

What’s your favourite movie quote?

“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” (Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets).

If you got a free around the world ticket, where would you go?

Literally anywhere and everywhere! I’m going on my honeymoon to Eastern USA soon, but I’d love to travel all through Europe, and somewhere tropical like the Maldives.

Who is your celebrity doppelganger?

I don’t really know, but I’ve had a few people say Dita von Teese, which is the ultimate compliment.

Who is your feminist hero?

My Mum! She has always been the best role model for me and my sister. Incredibly hard working and always supportive of my endeavours, she has taught me that the only limits I have are the ones I set myself.

What makes you proud to work at the Y?

I am honoured to be able to work for such a prolific feminist organisation that has real impact on so many lives in our community. Its great to be in a workplace that is truly concerned with the welfare of staff and the wider community too.

Tags: staff snapshot, YWCA Canberra team