Behind the Scenes – Biljana Nikolova

A conversation with Biljana Nikolova, Executive Director of Social Impact Initiatives

In this new series, we step behind the scenes at SVA to meet the people shaping the work across our teams.

Biljana took on the role of Executive Director of Social Impact Initiatives last year. We caught up with her to hear what excites her most about the opportunities ahead, and how her team is tackling some of our communities’ toughest challenges.

If you had to describe the work of Social Impact Initiatives to a friend over dinner, how would you explain what your team is trying to achieve?

Biljana: SII is the innovation engine of SVA. We draw on deep industry knowledge, technical expertise, networks and creativity to develop solutions to complex social challenges. Our role is to incubate, advise and influence outcomes that shift the dial on disadvantage and help build a better Australia for current and future generations.

Your team brings together expertise across Impact Investing, Early Years, Education, Employment, and draws on Policy & Advocacy and Innovation from within SVA. What happens when those perspectives unite to tackle a problem? Can you give us an example?

Biljana: Our deep industry knowledge and technical expertise across impact investing, capital advisory, capital raising, innovation and government relations enable us to deliver customised and forward-looking end to end solutions which deliver positive and lasting impact. We not only design solutions to complex problems but also have the capability to execute and scale them.

One example is our work on a holistic housing solution for women over 55, currently being developed and piloted in Perth, WA. The project combines accessible design to support ageing in place, tailored wellbeing supports, and innovative funding models that bring together the public, private, and philanthropic sectors. The aim is to scale nationally in partnership with state and federal governments.

We are also delivering innovative solutions across Early Years, Education, Employment and First Nations economic empowerment. This includes a strong focus on family hubs in Early Years; the deployment of a progressive UK‑based EdTech platform in Education to improve student engagement and wellbeing; and Employment initiatives that help employers address workforce challenges while creating pathways for young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. In First Nations communities, we are supporting the economic empowerment of a significant Indigenous Corporation through place‑based, on‑Country work to establish feasible, sustainable businesses owned and led by the community.

When you think about the work of Social Impact Initiatives right now, what opportunity feels most important to get right?

Biljana: Against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical, environmental and climate challenges, it is more important than ever that we work in a more unified, focused and coordinated way to deliver meaningful solutions. While there is significant effort across the public, private and philanthropic sectors, there is a clear opportunity to increase impact by reducing silos, better coordinating resources, removing barriers to accessing capital, and more efficiently structuring blended finance. Doing so can unlock greater flows of capital to the areas of greatest need.

What’s the kind of challenge that makes you think: ‘This is exactly why SVA exists?’

Biljana: SVA exists to shift the dial on disadvantage, and that purpose sits at the heart of everything we do. The chance to design, test and embed solutions to systemic challenges, to support social sector organisations to deepen their impact, and to spark change through advocacy and shared insights is what truly motivates us and keeps us going.

We hear you’re a dedicated karate practitioner. Does that discipline influence the way you approach leadership or problem-solving?

Biljana: I took up karate only about three years ago, after I lost my mother. It was a good emotional outlet at the time and a good form of self‑care. What started as a way to look after myself has grown into something much more. Karate is a great form of exercise at any age with a meditative quality that helps me stay grounded and present. The discipline, focus and self‑awareness it builds doesn’t stop in the dojo – they carry into everyday life, helping me show up as a more centered, patient and intentional person, whether that’s as a mother, partner, friend, colleague or leader.