Lana McMirdo - Creating values-aligned careers
Finalist, Ministry of the Future Young Achiever Award
Small Business Founder Lana McMurdo is a Finalist for the Ministry of the Future Young Achiever Award at the King’s Trust Australia Awards 2025.
With a background in Human Resources and Recruitment, Lana helps people create values-aligned careers through her business Resumes by Lana.
After migrating to Australia in 2000 at the age of seven, Lana grew up driven by a deep desire for belonging, purpose, and impact - values shaped by her family's lived experiences in conflict zones and their pursuit of a better life.
Following the traditional path of education and climbing the corporate ladder, she excelled in her chosen career of HR. Yet something was missing and Lana found herself increasingly unfulfilled.
Her turning point came after relocating to Canberra with her ADF husband. She found herself in a new city with no networks or friends. Instead of viewing the challenge as a setback, Lana saw it as an opportunity. Encouraged by her husband, she decided to start her own business.
Drawing on her lived experience as a migrant, a defence spouse, and a woman navigating complex transitions, Lana now helps others do the same - including young people, veterans, and defence families - who are often navigating unique and complex career pathways. Her business is a way for her to give back, create meaningful impact, and finally find the sense of purpose and belonging.
This Award category is supported by Ministry of the Future.
Ministry of the Future is on a mission to amplify the voices of young Australians who are shaping the future through courage, creativity, and community leadership. As a youth-led climate storytelling initiative, they work with emerging changemakers to reframe narratives around agency, systems change, and belonging. The Young Achiever Award offers a powerful platform to celebrate young people rewriting what’s possible - not just in climate, but across education, enterprise, and social impact.
