East Perth businesswoman shares story of life as ward of the state

EAST Perth businesswoman Vida Carlino spent most of her young life as a ward of the state and attended about 13 different schools.

But her experience shaped the work she does now as an author and inspirer.

Ms Carlino runs her own business called Inspiration Source and works to empower people.

She will share her story at an Inspirational Women’s event at the Royal Perth Yacht Club on Thursday, May 9 from 6.30pm to raise money for MercyCare’s First Time Ever Fund for children in out-of-home care.

Ms Carlino was one of seven children and became a ward of the state at age four.

A year later her dad died in a work accident.

She spent the next decade moving between group homes, boarding school and living with her mum.

But when she was about to finish Year 10 at Sacred Heart in Highgate – at a time when most young people left school – she was determined to graduate from Year 12.

“I knew I had to go on and get an education,” Ms Carlino said.

“My friend and I caught a bus to Servite College and had an interview with the principal that we lied through but they took us.

“In some ways I was luckier than all the other kids because I went to school and could make things happen.”

Ms Carlino married her high school sweetheart a year after leaving school, bought a house in Mt Lawley and went on to have four children, however one tragically died of SIDS when he was just four months old.

Forensic scientist Paola Magni and foster mum Katheryn Johnson will also speak at the event that will include cuisine from Spain, Italy and Australia to reflect the nationality of the three speakers.

Tickets are available at www.businesswomenaustralia.com.au.