Building stronger connections through care
Co-founders of Ability Matters, Mary Zheng and Iana Ismael, share a vision built on compassion, collaboration and empowerment. Since establishing their NDIA-registered service in 2018, the pair have focused on providing tailored support coordination that places clients’ needs, goals and choices at the centre. Drawing on their hands-on experience as support workers and team leaders, Mary and Iana understand the importance of trust and connection, helping individuals navigate the NDIS with confidence and creating pathways toward greater independence and quality of life.
Tell us about your organisation, how long you have been there and your role within it.
Ability Matters has been an NDIA-registered service provider since 2018. As co-founders, we specialise in support coordination, focusing on listening to and tailoring our services to each participant’s needs. We take pride in linking clients with the supports they choose and prioritising “choice and control” in every aspect of their care.
Can you share your career journey so far and how it brought you to your current role?
We both began our careers as support workers and later progressed to team leader positions before establishing our own business. These experiences gave us a deep understanding of client needs and the importance of collaboration with both clients and stakeholders, which continues to guide how we operate today.
What advice do you have for the next generation of women in business?
Running a business while managing a family is a monumental undertaking. We encourage women to design a business model and work schedule that aligns with their faith, family’s needs and personal energy levels. Success isn’t just about financial gain; it’s about fulfilment, impact and creating a life that truly works for you.
