Setty Ferdousian is drawing on her own experiences to make a difference in the lives of other women.
Setty, from SF Collective, is the founder of the SavVy program, a personal branding program designed to empower young women with the skills and confidence to present themselves authentically, harness their unique strengths and passions, and navigate personal and professional growth with clarity and purpose.
“The SavVy program was inspired by my own journey as a young woman navigating career challenges without access to essential skills often missing from traditional education,” Setty said. “SavVy is more than just a program to me – it’s a movement. It represents growth, strength and sisterhood. Watching young women step into their power, find clarity and lift one another up reminds me why I started this. It’s a constant reminder that real change often starts small and ripples outward.”
The program has since expanded to support women of all ages and was also implemented through the Somerset Local Jobs Plan, supported by Workforce Australia, to help women gain employment. SavVy covers key areas like self-presentation, communication, goal-setting, managing anxiety and building confidence to embrace new opportunities.
Connection Across Generations
The Y Vocational School at North Lakes recently partnered with Setty to take part in the SavVy program. A standout element was the final module, ‘Walk In Her Shoes’ – an immersive intergenerational experience held at Seasons Living Retirement Community in Mango Hill.
During this visit, the students engaged with residents through heartfelt conversations, shared songs and stories that highlighted the lives of women through the decades – from the 1950s to the present day. On the same day, the students also celebrated their graduation from the SavVy program.
The Y Vocational School senior youth worker Helica Sales said “it was truly heart-warming to see our young girls form such genuine bonds with the women at Seasons Living.”
“The laughter, the stories – it was more than just a learning experience; it was a reminder of how much we all gain from connection,” Helica said. “The girls walked away feeling empowered and they had so much fun along the way.”
Setty said knowing she’s making a difference to others through the program was a humbling experience.
“Every time I hear how SavVy has helped someone feel more confident or make a decision they were once scared to make, it reminds me that we’re doing something real,” she said. “It fills me with pride, but also with responsibility, to keep showing up and evolving the program to meet the needs of those it serves.”
Find more information about the SavVy program here.
Read more stories from The North Lakes Guide print magazine here:
- In the North Lakes Loop: Updates from the Community
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Eco Eve: Living a More Environmentally Friendly Life!
- Podcast Review: The Imperfects
- British Cinema Comes to Brisbane
- Grass Emperor – Lethrinus laticaudis
- Organic Gardening in November
- Art of Banksy Chapter 2 Premieres in Brisbane
- New Stage Comedy Redefines the Aussie Bloke
- Brendale VIEW Club Hosts Festive Christmas Dinner Event
- From Fishing to Floods
- North Lakes’ Dads Building Connection Through Futsal
- Smart Meal Prep Tips for the Busy Season
- Eco Fest Returns
- North Lakes Set for New Resort Dubbed ‘Mini James Street’
- North Lakes Christmas Carols
- Stylish Exhibition Wears Its History on Its Sleeve
- Pine Rivers Municipal Brass Band: Three Decades of Community Music
- Plan Your Next Chapter at Retirement Living and Senior Lifestyle Expo
- Set Sail for a Fun Family Day at Lake Samsonvale
