Bridging Cultures Through Language: Kristie Ivone’s Vision for a Multilingual Australia
Kristie Ivone, the founder of Boas Language Academy, is on a mission to shift language from a barrier to a connector
Through migrant-led language classes, Boas is helping adults and children learn to love languages, and migrants to feel a sense of belonging in Australia.
DID YOU KNOW…
Kristie Ivone recently won the 2026 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
Discover how Kristie Ivone is transforming the landscape of language education through a social enterprise model that treats language as a human right, proving that encouraging curiosity and preserving cultural heritage is the key to building more resilient and inclusive communities.
From Concern to Action
The journey of Boas Language Academy began with a deep observation of the linguistic gaps within the Australian education system and the lived experience of migrant families. Kristie Ivone recognised that for many children of migrants, the heritage language of their parents was often relegated to the background, eventually fading away under the pressure of English-only environments.
This loss was not merely about words or grammar; it represented a profound disconnect from family history, elder generations, and personal identity. Kristie saw that without a formalised way to support these languages, the "poverty of identity" would continue to affect the wellbeing of young Australians.
Equally, for those interested in learning languages and culture, there were very few in-person opportunities, particularly in regional communities.
“Language is one of the deepest ways we connect with our identity, our communities, and each other”, Kristie has reflected when discussing her motivations. She understood that the "monolingual mindset" often prevalent in mainstream systems was a barrier to true social inclusion.
This concern drove her to move beyond the traditional classroom setting and create a social enterprise that elevated local migrants in the community into language teacher roles. By participating in the AMP Foundation Tomorrow Makers Spark program, she was able to refine this vision. With the recent addition of Sanna Lundmark as co-Founder, Kristie is now excited to be part of the AMP Foundation Tomorrow Makers Ignite program.
The Power of Boas Language Academy
The Boas model is built on the power of language education in cultural context, and who better to deliver this than migrants? Unlike traditional language schools that may focus solely on basic conversation, Boas Language Academy emphasises connection to the cultural nuances of the language.
This approach ensures that students do not just speak a language, but truly inhabit it.
The social enterprise model is critical to this mission because it allows for a focus on impact over mere profit. By creating a curriculum that is accessible and engaging, Kristie has ensured that the academy serves as a bridge between the home and the wider world.
"We are not just teaching a language; we are preserving heritage and building community connections," Kristie notes.
Navigating Challenges
Building a social enterprise in the education sector is rarely a smooth path, and Kristie has faced significant hurdles in shifting public perception. One of the primary obstacles is the persistent myth that maintaining a heritage language will somehow hinder a child’s English proficiency.
Navigating these misconceptions requires constant advocacy and a commitment to evidence-based education. Kristie has had to work tirelessly to demonstrate that bilingualism actually enhances cognitive flexibility and academic performance, rather than detracting from it.
Beyond the cultural shifts, the logistical and financial challenges of starting a social enterprise are substantial. Securing the necessary funding to scale and ensuring that the academy remains accessible to the families who need it most has required immense persistence.
"Entrepreneurship is a journey of constant learning and pivot," she explains.
Whether it is navigating the bureaucracy of the education sector or managing the complexities of a growing team, Kristie’s approach has been one of "quiet determination." She has navigated these obstacles by staying rooted in her "why," ensuring that every challenge is met with a solution that keeps the community’s needs at the forefront.
Building Community Resilience
The ripple effect of Kristie’s work extends far beyond the students enrolled in her academy. By fostering heritage languages, BOAS Language Academy is actively building community resilience by strengthening the bonds between different generations.
When a child can communicate fluently with their grandparents in their native tongue, the transfer of wisdom, stories, and cultural values becomes possible again.
This intergenerational connection is a vital component of social cohesion, particularly in a multicultural society like Australia where isolation can be a significant risk for older migrants.
This work also creates a sense of collective pride within diverse communities. By elevating heritage languages to a professional and academic standard, Kristie is challenging the hierarchies that often place English at the top. This shift empowers parents and community leaders to take an active role in their children’s education, fostering a sense of agency and belonging.
Leading by Example
Kristie Ivone represents a new wave of social entrepreneurs who lead with empathy, intellectual rigour, and a long-term vision. Her leadership style is characterised by a commitment to collaboration and a refusal to settle for the status quo.
She does not just run an academy; she advocates for a systemic change in how Australia views its linguistic diversity. By being a "Tomorrow Maker," she has shown other emerging founders that it is possible to take a niche passion and turn it into a movement for social good.
Looking to the future, Kristie’s vision is to see the Boas model expanded. She leads by showing that persistence, combined with a clear moral compass, can break down even the most entrenched barriers.
"The goal is to create a future where every language is seen as a gift," she reflects. Her leadership serves as a reminder that the most effective social changes often start with the simple act of listening to a community and providing the tools they need to flourish. Through Boas, Kristie is cultivating a more linguistically rich and inclusive Australia for everyone.
To learn more about BOAS Language Academy and their work, visit boaslanguageacademy.com.au or connect with Kristie on LinkedIn.
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