For many people, the question of how to find their calling and purpose in life remains a source of endless wonder. Yvonne Marie Sitko, renowned conservationist and founder of multiple Australian wildlife organizations, spent years navigating this question herself before discovering her true mission.
Through overcoming challenges, listening deeply to her inner voice, and persevering despite uncertainty, Yvonne found her own “Eagle Flight.” Now, she offers invaluable wisdom to help others discover their destined work.
A Winding Journey to Purpose
While always drawn to nature, Yvonne’s early career path saw her rise up the ranks in corporate retail throughout her 20s in Perth, Australia. But during a 1998 work trip, everything changed upon visiting a bird park in Singapore. “I saw the flying displays and educational work and knew that’s what I wanted to do,” Yvonne recalls.
Three Keys to Finding Your Calling
Having spent over a decade journeying toward her true vocation, Yvonne offers these three crucial pointers for anyone seeking their life’s work:
Listening to Your Inner Voice
Looking back, Yvonne recalls a pivotal moment in ’98 that could have gone either way. Witnessing birds in action sparked her soul, yet outside, she faced pressures telling her no. But as she says, somewhere deep, she knew. “I knew that’s what I wanted.” Her lesson: when destiny whispers, have the courage to listen – not the noise clouding your vision, but that still small voice within guiding your way.
Going All In
When the time came to chase her dream, Yvonne didn’t hold back. She sold what she had to fund the journey, fully committing her mind, body, and soul. Now, years down the road, her rewards are a testament to total buy-in. Yvonne’s message: half-steps won’t cut it. Go all in, or save that energy for the sidelines. Nothing opens doors like wholehearted devotion to your vision.
Letting Passion Power Your Progress
Starting in 2000 was no easy feat, as any founder can attest. But Yvonne’s gift drove her through doubts, and 24 years on her impact is clear. When passion lights your way, obstacles stand no chance. As Sitko affirms, “Believe in yourself…find ways to constantly grow.” Where passion drives, obstacles cannot defeat dreams becoming reality.
Starting Anew in Western Australia
Returning home to Perth after gaining extensive skills abroad, Yvonne Sitko was brimming with new ideas about how to continue to educate others on her love of raptors. In 2005, she boldly decided to take the leap from a paying job to working full time on her new business, the Western Australian Birds of Prey Center, as a fledgling mobile business, taking her feathered ambassadors out into local communities.
With nothing but her newfound expertise and deep well of passion, Yvonne began what would become a long crusade to spread environmental awareness through the charismatic birds. She tirelessly traveled across the state’s vast expanse, giving immersive presentations that taught people of all backgrounds to develop respect for the majestic raptors and their threatened habitats.
Through her engaging shows, Yvonne lit a flame within many to become a lifelong advocate for conservation. Though the work was challenging as a startup venture, the rewards of seeing eyes opened made all the effort worthwhile for the determined woman following her calling.
Ever ambitious, Yvonne expanded through Critters Up Close, creating more hands-on eco-learning. As chair of Auzzie’s Raptor Rehabilitation, she continues rescuing injured birds of prey. For Yvonne, living fully into purpose demands constantly sowing new seeds.
To learn more about Yvonne and her journey, visit her website here.
Published by: Khy Talara
