Standing up for change: How one Monash alum is confronting hate

3 June 2025

Monash Business School alum Michael Zervos traded the corporate ladder for the fight against prejudice. Now CEO of Courage to Care, he is arming young Victorians with the courage to be ‘Upstanders’ in the face of racism.

As the world grapples with a troubling surge in racism, one organisation is equipping young people with the tools to confront hate head-on.

Courage to Care is a national not-for-profit organisation that educates students about the dangers of prejudice, racism and bullying.

Backed by more than 150 volunteers, it runs workshops that have reached almost 200,000 Australian students, using survivor stories and real-world examples to highlight the dangers of discrimination.

At its Victorian helm is Monash University alum Michael Zervos.

“We show young people that their voices matter and their actions can create meaningful change,” Mr Zervos said.

“We teach them that each and every one of us, in our own way, can make a difference.”

Combating prejudice in troubled times

For Mr Zervos, recent incidents of antisemitism in Australia have underscored the importance of the organisation’s work.

“I work with many volunteers who are deeply impacted, and the fear is palpable - they have armed guards outside schools, their places of worship are being fire-bombed,” he said.

“All of us deserve decency, respect and safety.”

He said Courage to Care’s message that ordinary people have the power to make a positive difference as ‘Upstanders’, rather than being bystanders, was simple and universal.

“Our role is to challenge young people’s behaviour and help them to think about what they can do to make a difference,” he said.

This year, the organisation will spread that message to 20,000 Victorian students.

“The work we do has a profound impact,” he said.

A career shift with purpose

Mr Zervos hasn’t always worked in the world of social justice.

After graduating, he built a dynamic corporate career as an auditor before advancing to international financial leadership roles at Cadbury Schweppes and Repco.

But in 2002, the opportunity to take on a short-term project at the Make-A-Wish Foundation set him on a new career path.

What began as a three-week stint soon turned into four years.

“That was my first foray into the not-for-profit sector and I fell in love with it - it had immediate alignment with my values,” he said.

This was followed by a decade-long role at the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, where he was drawn to the organisation’s strong focus on education and advocacy.

“If we can educate school children, we can make a long-term difference," he said.

A foundation built at Monash

Awarded an OAM in the 2023 King’s Birthday honours, and the Monash Business School Alumni Impact Award in 2024, Mr Zervos is quick to downplay his scholastic achievements.

“I certainly didn’t win any academic awards at Monash, but I learned a lot about myself - about my strengths and abilities and the importance of self-discipline and accountability,” he said.

“I’ve never made an important discovery or been a major entrepreneur, I have just kept going, and you can build a very successful life and career around that concept.”

Now 70, the seasoned runner who will tackle his 20^th Melbourne Marathon this year says his hobby is an apt metaphor for his life.

“Just like my academic career, there are no photos of me on the podium, but I just keep on going and never give up,” he said.

It’s the advice he wants to share with current students hoping to make a meaningful social impact.

“Back yourself,” he said. “If you have the passion and belief, then have the confidence to pursue it.”

Learn more about our annual Dean’s Alumni Awards.