For Regina Concepcion, working at Lutheran Care is about more than balancing the books — it’s about being part of a community where care, compassion and support are lived out every day.
Regina, our Assistant Accountant, shares the following reflections as part of our series on Lutheran Care women for International Women’s Day.
1. What motivates you to work at Lutheran Care?
When I applied for the Assistant Accountant role, I did what most applicants would do: I went straight to Lutheran Care’s website. The vision, “God’s love in action: care, compassion and social justice for all,” really stood out to me. It reflected values that resonate deeply with me, and I felt an immediate connection to the organisation’s purpose.
More than two years later, I still feel inspired to come to work, largely because of the people. I’m grateful not only for our Finance team, but for the broader community I work alongside every day. Over the past two years, my husband and I have experienced multiple miscarriages, which has been one of the most challenging seasons of our lives. During that time, coming to work became a place of comfort and support. The kindness, empathy and quiet encouragement from colleagues meant more than I can express.
I feel very fortunate to work in an environment where care is not just part of the mission statement, but something genuinely lived out in everyday interactions.
2. Can you tell us a bit about your journey to reaching this point in your career?
Looking back, my interest in finance started quite early. As a child, I loved role-playing games with friends, and I almost always chose the role of the cashier or the one “in charge” of the money! We would even cut paper into rectangles to use as pretend cash. I didn’t realise it at the time, but that playful curiosity eventually became a career path.
During my college years in the Philippines, I was fortunate to receive an academic scholarship. At the same time, I worked to support my studies, as student loans are not widely accessible there. I also sold homemade goods and other items on consignment to help cover expenses. That season taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of building strong relationships – skills that have been just as valuable as any technical training.
I worked in the banking industry for seven years before moving to Australia almost six years ago. Starting again in a new country came with challenges, adapting to a different workplace culture, communication style, and professional expectations. Like many migrants, I faced several rejections due to a lack of “local experience”. Eventually, I chose to take an unpaid internship to gain that experience. That decision opened doors, built confidence, and led me to where I am today.
Each step, even the difficult ones, has shaped my journey in meaningful ways.
3. How do this year’s International Women’s Day themes, “Give to Gain” and/or “Balance the Scales” resonate with you?
Both themes resonate with me through personal experience.
“Give to Gain” reflects how I’ve experienced growth through giving my time and energy to others. I come from a close-knit family, and supporting one another, emotionally, practically and financially has always been part of our culture. Here in Australia, I spend time bonding with and looking after my nieces and nephews, which brings me immense joy. In giving my time to them, I gain special bond, perspective, and a sense of belonging that eases the “home-sick” feeling from my friends and family overseas.
I also volunteer in children’s ministry at church, where I learn just as much from the children as they learn from me. Their honesty and curiosity offer refreshing perspectives on everyday life.
“Balance the Scales” resonates with our decision to move to Australia. We initially moved believing it would create broader opportunities for my husband. While that has certainly been true, the move also opened unexpected doors for me, personally and professionally. It reminded me that when one person in a partnership grows, it creates space for the other to grow as well. Balance, to me, is about shared opportunity, mutual support, and recognising that growth can happen in ways we don’t always anticipate.
4. Which woman inspires you and why?
Definitely my mum. She came from a very poor family, and life didn’t give her the opportunities or education that so many people take for granted. In our country, education is everything: without it, your chances in life are painfully limited. But my mum never let that stop her. She refused to let her circumstances dictate her future.
Even without a proper education, she worked incredibly hard alongside my dad to give us the life she never had. She poured every bit of her strength, love, and determination into making sure we grew up with dignity, comfort, and opportunities she could only dream of. She wanted our world to be bigger than hers ever was.
Because of her sacrifices, her resilience, and her unwavering hope, she has become my greatest inspiration. She taught me that no matter how difficult life gets—whether emotionally, physically, financially, or mentally, there is always a way forward. Hard times don’t last, and misery is never permanent.
A big part of who I am today is because of the values she instilled in me: strength, perseverance, hope, and the courage to dream beyond my circumstances. My mum didn’t just raise me, she shaped me. And I carry her lessons with me every single day.
5. What is the best piece of advice you have received from a woman in your life?
One piece of advice that has stayed with me is: Stand up for yourself when you know your intentions are right but always lead with kindness.
I’ve also been reminded not to judge too quickly. Everyone carries unseen challenges, and often what we see on the surface is only a small part of someone’s story. That perspective has helped me approach both work and life with greater empathy.
6. What are your hopes for young women today?
My hope is that young women feel confident to pursue their aspirations without limiting themselves. Growth is lifelong, and discovering your strengths takes time but that process is part of the journey.
I also hope they value their worth not in comparison to others, but in recognition of their unique contributions. Each person brings something meaningful to the communities they are part of.
Most of all, I hope they continue to support one another. When we encourage and uplift those around us, we help create environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.