Profile
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
Sabrina Li’s 14-year career is defined by a clear passion for education and cross-cultural connections, enriched by opportunities she encountered along her journey. Her affinity for learning and teaching was cultivated in China, where she was raised.
Those early experiences sparked a desire to broaden her horizons and gain a global perspective on education, leading her to Australia in 2007, where she enrolled as an international student in a Master of Education program at Monash University.
Inspired by the innovative teaching methods at Monash and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Sabrina carved out a career focused on Chinese language instruction and international student coordination. Her exceptional accomplishments in this area garnered her distinction as one of The Educator’s Most Influential Educators of 2024.
As the international students coordinator and senior Chinese language teacher at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar, Sabrina has earned a reputation for integrating international families into the school community, supporting new migrant families and building a diverse and inclusive environment.
“My strategy as a leader and changemaker is built on leveraging real-life experiences, fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, actively engaging with the community and valuing mentorship and support,” she says. “The key area where I believe I have made the most significant impact is fostering cross-cultural understanding and providing comprehensive support for international students and migrant families.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of her career includes developing and leading programs that bridge the gap between different educational systems and cultures. For example, International Students’ Study Tours, which she initiated, has facilitated meaningful exchanges between Chinese and Australian students and educators.
In recent years, Sabrina has also ventured into educational technology. As the founder of Qeeri, an AI-driven ed-tech platform, she has been able to combine her passion for teaching with her interest in leveraging technology to enhance educational outcomes.
She considers being honoured by Asialink with the 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian Award in the education category in 2022 among her most cherished accolades as she strives to inspire more migrants and women to pursue careers in education with creativity and an innovative mindset.
“Asians are well represented in the tech and financial industries, but it is rare to see many Asian educators in schools here,” Sabrina says. “As a first-generation migrant, I have faced numerous challenges, such as language barriers, a lack of social contacts and financial constraints. However, my persistence and dedication have paid off, highlighting the opportunities for success in a country that values diversity, equal opportunity and access for hardworking and driven individuals.”
Recognition as an influential educator has reinforced Sabrina’s commitment to education and community service. Her philosophy centres around continuous innovation, lifelong learning, engaging deeply with the community and mentoring the next generation of educators and leaders.
Her achievements will have a lasting and transformative impact on future students by enhancing cultural understanding, fostering curiosity, embracing technology and encouraging collaboration.
Sabrina notes that her success as one of the Most Influential Educators results from individual efforts and collaborative teamwork, highlighting the importance of working together to make a lasting impact in education.
Melbourne Southbank
0413 176 754
lis@smbg.vic.edu.au
linkedin.com/in/sabrinalixiaoxiao1984
stmargarets.vic.edu.au
Sabrina Li
International Students Coordinator, St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar
Founder, Qeeri.ai
Ambassador, Upschool.co
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Milestones
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
2017–2018
2018–present
2023–present
Present
Present
Head of Chinese/International Students’ Coordinator at Lauriston Girls’ School
2017–
2018
International Students Coordinator/Language Teacher at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar
2018–
present
Founder at Qeeri.ai
Ambassador at Upschool.co
2023–
present
Accredited Lecturer at the University of Melbourne since 2014
Principal at Ravenswood School for Girls since 2016
Chair of the International Positive Education Network
Chair of the Association of Independent Schools of NSW
2024 Excellence Award, Principal of the Year, Australian Education Awards
Present
Co-Founder and Creator at The Future of Education Summit since 2023
Deputy Principal at Canterbury College since 2023
Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
• Gold award for Magazine or Newspaper Advertisement
• Silver award for Promotional Email
• Silver award for Most Out-of-the-Box Idea
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying,” adds Phillips Topping.
“Marketing is a very busy space. The challenge is to keep it fresh and keep it new. There’s so much out there. You have to think about how to break through.”
Since joining the firm in 2015, Ryan Specialty has:
• completed 28 acquisitions
• launched 10 companies
“With each acquisition and de novo formation, a large branding component is involved,” says Phillips Topping.
Speaking on the importance of spotlighting marketing professionals, Phillips Topping says, “It’s imperative to shine a light on those who aren’t necessarily brokers or underwriters. There are so many different aspects of the industry. It’s nice to show all the great work that’s being done behind the scenes.”
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