By Georgia Smith, 20 October, 2025
For Camilla Marshall, marketing is more than strategy and storytelling—it’s a way to connect people with purpose and drive meaningful change. As the Director of Marketing at Mater Foundation, Camilla uses her expertise to inspire generosity and improve communities across Queensland.
In this Q&A, Camilla reflects on her career journey, discusses how her QUT degree set her up for success, and offers advice for students who want to make a difference in their industries and communities.
Can you tell us a little about your current role and the impact you’re striving to create?
As the Director of Marketing at the Mater Foundation, I lead a passionate and talented team dedicated to connecting purpose with performance. Our work centres on inspiring generosity and harnessing the power of community to support improving outcomes for patients in the areas of cancer, premature babies and chronic conditions, to name just a few, through compassionate care, pioneering equipment and world-leading research.
My role is about more than just campaigns and communications; it’s about building bridges between strategic marketing and executive leadership to ensure our efforts visibly contribute to meaningful outcomes. I’m deeply committed to using my skills to amplify the impact of philanthropy, helping make our communities stronger, healthier and more compassionate.
What inspired you to focus your career on nonprofit organisations?
I began my career in large corporate organisations, which gave me a strong foundation in commercial strategy and the importance of a performance-driven mindset. But as I progressed, I felt a growing desire to use those skills for something more meaningful.
That’s what led me to the for-purpose sector. I wanted to apply my experience in a way that directly contributes to the well-being of our communities. Working with organisations like Endeavour Foundation and now Mater Foundation has allowed me to align my professional strengths with my personal values, creating impact where it truly matters.
How does your current role allow you to create impact or influence change?
As a senior leader at the Mater Foundation, I have the privilege of influencing strategy at the highest level, shaping how we engage with our community and drive support for those who need it most.
Having a seat at the leadership table allows me to influence decision-making and create impact. Working with my peers, I translate market research and data into meaningful insights that shape our business strategy and guide decisions, supporting our overarching goal of funding better health outcomes for Queenslanders.
Why did you choose to study a Bachelor of Business at QUT?
I knew early on that I wanted to pursue a career in marketing, and QUT stood out for having one of the most respected business schools in Queensland. Its real-world reputation was a big draw card, and they absolutely delivered on that during my time there. My lecturers worked in industry and provided real-life examples of the theory they were teaching. This hands-on approach gave me the confidence and capability to step into the workforce ready to make an impact.
In what ways has your QUT Bachelor of Business equipped you to create impact or drive meaningful change?
It gave me more than just a degree—it gave me the mindset and tools to lead with purpose. I developed critical thinking skills and learned how to approach problems from multiple perspectives, which has been invaluable throughout my career. These skills have been essential in my leadership journey, especially when working across diverse teams and navigating complex organisational challenges.
QUT’s real-world learning approach meant I wasn’t just absorbing theory, I was applying it through hands-on projects, live case studies, and industry engagement. It helped me build confidence, adaptability, and a results-driven mindset — all of which have been crucial in driving meaningful change in both corporate and for-purpose environments.
Were there any experiences during your QUT studies that helped shape your career?
Absolutely, QUT opened doors that helped shape my career. Through QUT, I had the opportunity to apply for the graduate program at Virgin Australia (then Virgin Blue), and from over 1500 applicants, I was offered one of just three places. This was a pivotal moment in my career, giving me early exposure to high-level commercial thinking and setting the foundation for my leadership journey. It’s a powerful example of how QUT’s industry connections and reputation can create real-world opportunities that launch careers.
What advice would you give to current or future QUT students who want to make a difference in their industry or community?
Back yourself and be intentional about the impact you want to create. Your time at QUT is more than just study; it’s a chance to build the mindset, skills and relationships that will shape your career.
Stay curious, ask questions, and seek out opportunities that stretch you. Whether you’re aiming to lead change in your industry or make a difference in your community, it starts with understanding people, thinking critically and staying connected to your purpose.
And most importantly, you don’t need to be a senior leader to make an impact. Influence starts with how you show up, collaborate, and contribute every day – the best ideas and the hardest work often come from the teams around us.
Camilla Marshall’s journey from QUT graduate to Director of Marketing at Mater Foundation is a powerful example of how purpose and performance can go hand in hand. With the right mindset, skills and ambition, it’s possible to build a career that not only drives results but also makes a real difference.