Christiana Antonio has long been driven by a deep rooted commitment to supporting others. This passion has shaped her professional path leading her to become a dual- qualified intellectual disability nurse.

Q & A with Christiana Antonio

Tell us a bit about yourself and your professional background.

I am an Angolan National who came to Ireland at the age of 7 with my parents. I have always had the passion for helping others from a young age.

I am currently a dual quailified intellectual disability and paediatric nurse. Working as a clinical nurse manager 2. My work involves promoting social inclusion and advocating for people with disabilities  and their rights. Including assisting them with their medical and mental health needs.

How did you first hear about APNI, and what has your experience been like as part of the community?

I heard about APNI through IG when someone I follow reposted the careers day post. I initially thought it would have not been beneficial for me as I am from a healthcare background. However, I was completely wrong. Since I have attended APNI careers day event.  I have gained extensive knowledge in how to network, importance of mentors and building my own personal branding.

You attended our Career Fair and won a UCD professional course—congratulations! How did that moment feel, and how has the course influenced your career journey so far?

The moment soo unreal, because I have never won anything before. It was an amazing experience meeting the CEO Sue Duke, she gave me tips in how to be an efficient leader which helped me because I was moving from managing a team of 10 to managing a staff team of 30 people. The course helped me understand my role in leadership but most importantly I was able to reflect on how to better improve myself in how to manage conflict and have difficult conversations

What’s something exciting or meaningful that you're currently working on?

I am currently working on building my personal brand. Prior to attending APNI careers day I never had a LinkedIn account, post the event I created an account and I am currently looking at promoting social inclusion for people with disabilities in the society.

Quick Fire Questions

• Coffee or tea: Coffee 

• Dream destination: Senegal

• A book or podcast you’d recommend: Mans impossibility, Gods possibility