Reflections on Progress and Purpose
Last night, my friend and fellow leader Jeanne Zweck sparked a thought-provoking speech about gratitude.
It reminded me of an article I wrote earlier this year, Voices Silenced, reflecting on the challenges women still face in having their voices heard. Despite the strides we’ve made, women’s equality remains an unfulfilled promise in many parts of the world.
The numbers tell a sobering story. In 2024, no country has achieved gender equality. Alarmingly, one in three countries has made no progress since 2015, and in 18 nations—including Venezuela, Afghanistan, and South Africa—the situation for women has deteriorated. At the current rate, it will take 131 more years to achieve gender equality worldwide.
Yet, I am grateful for the significant progress we have made here in Australia, where initiatives like the National Strategy for Gender Equality are paving the way for a fairer and more inclusive society. This progress reflects a commitment to balance and equity—principles that underpin everything I stand for as a leader.
But as we celebrate these milestones, I believe we must also acknowledge the work still to be done. True equity isn’t about exclusion or competition; it’s about inclusion and collaboration. It’s about women supporting women, lifting each other up, and ensuring that every voice has a chance to be heard.
I think back to my own journey—growing up in challenging circumstances, living in foster care, and navigating life as a teenage mother. My early years were marked by instability. Born in Tuntable Falls, I grew up in an environment shaped by my mother’s struggles with addiction. My childhood was filled with uncertainty and hardship, moving between homes and, eventually, a refuge. By the time I was 17, I was a young mother myself, thrust into adulthood with little more than determination and hope for a brighter future.
Those years were undeniably tough. There were times when I felt invisible, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to move forward. Yet, amid the adversity, there were moments of incredible support—often from women who believed in me when I didn’t yet believe in myself.
I remember a high school teacher who took the time to encourage me, planting seeds of confidence that I would draw on years later. My Aunty & Grandmother who treated me with kindness and showed me what stability could feel like & who saw potential in me, even when I couldn’t. These women didn’t have to support me, but they did. A little belief lit a spark that drove me to persevere and ultimately thrive.
These experiences taught me the transformative power of women supporting women. It’s a lesson I carry with me every day, and one that shapes the way I approach leadership.
As I moved into leadership roles, I am committed to paying that support forward. At every stage of my career—whether as a Councillor, CEO, First Female Sutherland Shire Football Association President or advocate—I have sought to create opportunities for others, especially for women who, like me, might not yet see their own potential. I will continue the work of building a world where every woman feels empowered to step into her leadership and create meaningful change.
Leadership, I’ve learned, is not about power; it’s about purpose. It’s about using your position to lift others, to amplify voices, and to cultivate environments where everyone can thrive. It’s about creating spaces where equity, inclusion, and balance aren’t just ideals but lived realities.
This is why supporting women isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic one. Diverse leadership teams are more innovative, resilient, and effective. When women are empowered, entire communities benefit.
But empowerment doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires intentional action: mentoring younger women, advocating for inclusive policies, and challenging systemic barriers. It also means celebrating each other’s successes and recognising that there is room at the table for all of us.
As we approach the holiday season, I am filled with gratitude for the women who have walked this journey with me—friends like Jeanne, colleagues who inspire me, and the countless women I see making a difference every day. Their courage, resilience, and generosity remind me why I do what I do.
Looking ahead to 2025, my hope is for a world where women’s voices are not just heard but valued, where progress is accelerated, and where gratitude fuels action. That’s why I am working with the other Transform Hope Thru Action Directors on a Forum for Women. This forum will be an empowering event where we come together to lift each other higher, embrace equitable approaches, and make space for every woman to lead in her own way. It’s a space to remind ourselves that true leadership transcends gender—it’s about the strength of your vision, the boldness of your courage, and your ability to inspire action.
I’ll be shouting loud and proud about the dates for this incredible event on my socials soon, so keep an eye out!
