Chris Anca: Taking on the responsibility
As founder of social enterprise, Chris’ Kitchen, Cristiana Anca demonstrates a commitment to supporting anyone who has experienced disadvantage, misfortune and trauma, from providing financial security to women who have experienced domestic violence, to delivering food packages all over the world and raising funds for refugees in areas of conflict.
For her inspiring dedication to uplifting others, Chris was a WA Local Hero finalist in the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards. Now, she honestly shares more of her story with Auspire, full of challenges, resilience, impact and empowerment.
“My Australian story is one of hope, challenge, and community. I came here believing in the possibilities Australia offered, not just for me, but for the life I wanted to build. Yet early on, I faced a hard reality: the values Australia promotes of fairness, inclusion, equality weren’t reflected in how I was treated.
“I faced visa rejections again and again, not because of my character or contribution, but because of the passport I held. It was deeply painful to feel reduced to that. 13 years later, being named a finalist in the Australian of the Year Awards brought both pride and a quiet sort of sadness for the years I felt unseen.
“What carried me through was community. Everyday people who saw me when systems didn’t. Their support helped me grow Chris’ Kitchen, a place where food heals and people feel they belong.
“To me, being Australian means living by values like fairness, justice, and community. I’ve seen those values most clearly through everyday people, neighbours, colleagues, strangers, who showed up with kindness when I needed it.
“I’m also Romanian. I grew up under communism, where I learned resilience and courage. I’m a woman shaped by empathy and strength. I’m an immigrant who knows what exclusion feels like, and that’s what drives me to create spaces of belonging for others.
“As a social entrepreneur, I believe business should restore dignity. My time with the UN taught me that decisions should be guided by our shared humanity.
“All of this makes me a very global citizen. I believe compassion shouldn’t stop at borders, and our responsibility to others doesn’t begin or end with our postcode.
“Because we don’t live in isolation, our wellbeing is tied to each other. When people are left behind, society doesn’t just struggle, it loses part of its humanity.
“For me, community is where values become real. While systems can fail us, everyday people often don’t. They offer care, inclusion, and hope. That’s where I’ve found strength.
“Contributing to community isn’t about charity, it’s about shared responsibility. I know what exclusion feels like, which is why I’m committed to making others feel seen and valued.
“That’s what Chris’ Kitchen is built on. It’s not just a business, it’s a place where people are safe, respected, and supported to thrive.
“I’ve seen people rebuild their lives with dignity. Women who survived violence walk in quiet and unsure, and months later, step up as leaders. Young people gain the confidence to return to study. Food becomes a bridge, connecting our team, partners, and customers through shared purpose.
“Chris’ Kitchen isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place of belonging. We create visibility and space for people who’ve been pushed to the margins.
| A snapshot of Chris’ impact so far – Provided over 53,000 hours of safe employment – Paid $1.5 million in wages and super to people facing barriers – Delivered 100,000 fortified meals to children in East Africa – Funded four women-led businesses in the Philippines and Cambodia – Raised $15,000 for refugee medical aid in Ukraine and Palestine – More than 50% of every dollar spent goes directly to social impact. |
“But the most powerful change is still personal – a woman walking in unsure of her worth, and walking out knowing she matters.
“Since the Australian of the Year Awards’ ceremony [in November 2024], we’ve kept showing up, creating jobs, training new team members, donating meals, and advocating for those on the margins.
“Running any business right now is hard. Running a social enterprise without grants or government support is even harder. We prioritise inclusion, training, and dignity over profit, and that comes at a cost, financially and emotionally.
“But we’re still here. Still making food with purpose. Still offering a safe place for people who’ve been excluded elsewhere. In this climate, that alone feels worth celebrating.
“I’m not chasing big growth. What we’ve built works. It’s the right size to stay connected with our team, customers, and suppliers. That connection matters.
“If the chance comes to contribute to systemic change, especially around employment for women impacted by family and domestic violence, I’d welcome it. We carry stories and experience that could help shape better policies. And I believe those stories can drive real change.”
If you know someone who deserves to be recognised, nominate them for an Australian of the Year Award at australianoftheyear.org.au
Find out more about Chris’ Kitchen at chriskitchen.com.au