Read on to learn more about her experiences and insights into gender bias, the opportunities and challenges women face, her advice to young women just starting their careers and more.
What was your dream job as a young person?
I wanted to be an artist. I drew endlessly as a child. My grandmother was a painter. She did beautiful landscape paintings, and I now have many of them hanging in my house. Inspired by her, I found a lot of joy in the creativity of drawing and getting lost in my imagination.
What sparked your interest in working in the not-for-profit sector?
Since a young age, I’ve had a passion for helping children and young people facing any form of disadvantage. As a teenager, I used my meagre pocket money from my job to sponsor a child overseas through World Vision. Then, I did a lot of volunteering through community activities.
My move to the not-for-profit sector was after a career in fantastic corporate roles. I needed to find resonance with my deep passion for supporting young people in need. So, I looked for the opportunity to use the skills I’ve developed in my career to align with that interest.
Has there been a female figure in your life that inspired you?
My mum, whom I sadly lost four years ago, was a pioneer in her field. She was a doctor and was involved in bringing ultrasound to Australia for the first time. She was a very smart and capable woman, and she was always giving to others and putting others first. She exemplified perseverance and commitment.
Why is it essential to empower women in the workforce?
For years, our society has been influenced by both unconscious and conscious bias, which puts obstacles in the way of women living out their potential.
Not only is that unfair and deeply hurtful to women, but it also means that society misses out on all the strengths and gifts women have to offer.
That’s the same for many groups that face unconscious bias. Our society benefits from all people living to their potential.
What would you change about the assumptions of women in leadership?
Gender-based stereotypes. There is a stereotype that if women are emotional, that implies they are weak leaders. But I strongly believe that if women, all people, bring their intuition and heart to their work, they will be more effective leaders.
This year’s IWD campaign theme is ‘Invest in Women. Accelerate progress.’ How does Youth Off The Streets specifically invest in young women?
We offer a range of opportunities for young women receiving support from Youth Off The Streets to develop practical life and leadership skills. In our six independent high schools, for example, we run workshops and programs on these themes, as well as offering our young women the opportunity to attend the Fearless Futures summit and complete ‘non-traditional’ vocational training through courses like Carpentry and Construction for Women.
In our Youth Support Services, we facilitate several personal development, empowerment and work- readiness programs. And in our First Nations Services, there’s an investment in girls and young women from a cultural perspective, giving them access to the long history of wisdom from female Elders and First Nations leaders.
Initiatives like these help young women experiencing disadvantage overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
What’s the best advice you’ve received when it comes to leadership?
Create your own opportunities. As a young woman wanting to move into leadership roles, I put my hand up when I saw an opportunity rather than waiting to be picked. Often, that surprised my male bosses. I wasn’t necessarily given the first opportunity I put my hand up for, but another one came quickly after that because I was willing to have a go.
What advice would you give to young women just starting out?
Put your hand up and step into it, even if you feel afraid.
But also, never hesitate to ask for help, particularly in contexts where they might be overcoming the obstacles of gender bias. In my experience, women who’ve gone before are always eager to support younger women.