Zunilka is a purpose-driven leader with a compassionate heart. With a successful career spanning some of the world and Australia’s largest brands, she considers it a privilege to work for UNICEF, the largest children’s charity globally. Her role involves advocating for children’s rights and promoting social justice through innovative marketing campaigns and product launches. In recognition of her contribution, she was named UNICEF’s global innovation champion in 2022.
Z, as she is fondly known, approaches her work with a positive, collaborative attitude, leveraging her unique perspective as a neurodivergent to identify opportunities where others may not. Before joining UNICEF in 2019, Z spent 15 years working in large and complex media organisations such as Seven West Media, Bauer Media, Fairfax, and Network 10. In these roles, she delivered impressive revenue growth across her portfolios, earning her numerous accolades throughout her career.
Some of Z’s career highlights include winning the FIA “Fundraising Impact Through Creativity” award for the COVAX “Give the World a Shot” campaign raising $2 million for the equitable access to vaccines, conceptualising and launching; UNICEF Australia’s first crypto marketing channel that supports the world’s most vulnerable children in places like Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan, and the first UNICEF global interactive video game fundraising brand that will rally the gaming community around emergencies such as Ukraine.
Z draws inspiration from her family, including her two young children, Scarlett (7) and Arlo (2). Motherhood served as a catalyst for her to establish and manage the first inter-generational volunteer playgroup, Rugrats & Residents, in Sydney’s northern beaches. Through this initiative, Z brought children and the elderly in aged care homes together, creating a space for laughter, joy, and meaningful connections. Outside of this, she has also rekindled her affection for running and takes every opportunity to plunge into the ocean.
