The Sarina Russo Group is proud to celebrate the induction of our Founder and Managing Director, Dr Sarina Russo AM, into the 2026 Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.
This prestigious recognition honours Sarina's extraordinary contribution to business, education, employment and the Queensland community over nearly five decades. It also celebrates a remarkable entrepreneurial journey that has transformed countless lives through opportunity, learning and meaningful employment.
Born in a small village in Sicily, Italy, Sarina migrated to Australia with her family at the age of five. Arriving with limited English and facing significant challenges adapting to a new country, she developed the resilience, determination and belief in possibility that would later define her career.
"I was dreaming about my independence. All I wanted in my life was freedom," Sarina said.
Adjusting to life in Australia was not easy, with English presenting a significant barrier.
"Comprehension was really one of the biggest challenges. I failed my Grade 10 English, and they said that I would never be able to make it to Grade 12," she said.
Determined to prove otherwise, she completed night classes and went on to pass, a breakthrough that transformed her life and helped establish the resilience, discipline and drive that would become hallmarks of her remarkable career.
In 1979, with just $2,600 in savings and a vision to help people build better futures through education, Sarina established a small training business in Brisbane. From those humble beginnings, the organisation grew into what is now the Sarina Russo Group, a diverse and internationally recognised enterprise spanning employment services, education, training and community programs.
Over the past 47 years, the Sarina Russo Group has helped tens of thousands of people gain skills, secure employment, pursue education and achieve their goals. Under Sarina's leadership, the organisation has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of individuals, businesses and communities, both in Australia and internationally.
"In life, you've got to keep believing in yourself and that's what I did. I also worked 17 hours a day in the beginning," she said.
Her entrepreneurial vision extended well beyond the classroom. Always alert to new opportunities, she built a distinctive personal brand that captured public attention and helped make her a household name.
"I created a jingle called How to Get That Job, which then became a TV show I hosted for more than 20 years," she said.
A defining characteristic of Sarina's leadership has been her unwavering belief in people and their potential.
"I believe everyone has a diamond within, and our job is to find that diamond."
This philosophy continues to guide the work of the Sarina Russo Group today and remains at the heart of everything we do.
The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame induction is the latest in a series of significant honours recognising Sarina's impact and leadership. In recent years, she has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Commerce by James Cook University, appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), and recognised as a Queensland Great.
For our staff, students, participants, clients and partners, this recognition celebrates a leader whose vision, determination and commitment to opportunity have created lasting impact for generations of Australians and people around the world.
We congratulate Sarina on this well-deserved honour and thank her for the inspiration, leadership and belief in human potential that continue to shape our organisation every day.
We also congratulate fellow 2026 Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame inductees; Endeavour Foundation, Bevan Slattery, Cathie Reid and Stuart Giles, Ludo Studio and TechnologyOne. Their achievements, alongside Sarina’s, reflect the innovation, perseverance and leadership that have made a lasting contribution to Queensland's business community.
We also acknowledge the organisations behind this prestigious recognition. The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame was established in 2009 by QUT Business School, the State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Library Foundation to recognise business leaders whose contributions have enhanced Queensland's reputation and supported the state's economic and social development. Through the ongoing partnership between QUT and the State Library of Queensland, the Hall of Fame preserves the stories and achievements of Queensland's most distinguished business leaders in a permanent digital archive and exhibition space, creating a lasting legacy to inspire future generations.
WATCH SARINA’S STORY
https://leaders.slq.qld.gov.au/inductees/sarina-russo-am
Image (Main and 2) and Video Credit: leaders.slq.qld.gov.au
