Our sixth annual She Leads College Conference was held on 12 March at the Ann Harding Centre, thanks to the support of our ongoing Venue Partnership with the University of Canberra. This year there was a record breaking 120 young women and non-binary students in attendance, with students from Canberra, the surrounding regions and rural NSW.

The Conference was themed  Unstoppable, inspired by the 2019 International Day of the Girl Child theme — GirlForce: Unscripted and Unstoppable. 

Attendees left the Conference with a greater understanding of leadership, how to effect meaningful change, how to identify positive and negative situations in their homes and communities, and gained new skills and tools to manage the myriad of issues that they face each day. Attendees were exposed to a range of post-school career options through the diverse speaker line-up, providing them with an opportunity to explore their future options, and define their interests and aspirations. They learned how to communicate effectively through the art of improv and had the ability to network with key young women leaders in the community.

The program included  the return of College favourite, local MC and comedian, Maddy Weeks, keynote speeches from Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts and Han Worsley, a panel featuring Vendulka, Mariam Mohammed, Gina Zheng and Taylor Fitzgerald and two workshops, one on self-care and mindfulness hosted by YWCA Canberra Youth Engagement team members, Annie-Lea Rowley and Ciara Duggan, and  an improv session hosted by Lightbulb Improv.

Feedback about the Conference was overwhelmingly positive. Of the 115 evaluation surveys received from students:

• 98 per cent of students were more motivated to pursue their leadership goals
• 98 per cent strongly agreed or agreed that they would recommend the Conference to other young women
• 99 per cent of respondents rated the College Conference as either excellent good

Of the 12 evaluation surveys received from teachers:

• 100 per cent believed it was a worthwhile excursion to take students on
• 100 per cents of teachers rated the overall conference as either good or excellent
• 100 per cent of teachers stated that they would want to bring students again next year

Of the Conference, attendees stated:

• I thought the whole experience was great and very beneficial for young teenage women!
• I thought this space provided for a safe way for young women to connect and learn from each other and others. Amazing day, thank you.
• All of the speakers were incredible and very motivating. Great range of speakers with very different backgrounds and life advice
• I loved Vanessa’s presentation, as it gave me insight in to injustices still occurring in todays society. I really enjoyed the workshops and the keynotes that were delivered by very powerful women

Of the Conference, teachers stated:

• I was pleasantly surprised to see my students actively choose to network with the panellists over lunch rather than to just eat. I think this is a huge reflection of their approachability and relevance to the students interests.
• The day was superb. It was certainly at the right pitch for the young women and it provided some great opportunities to network/have your say in a safe place and ‘try out’ your ideas with others.
• A privilege to attend an event that is so inspiring and so thoughtfully organised.
• I think it’s a valuable day for them to network with other students as well as build on their own understanding of skills surrounding leadership and the benefits/ struggles or being a female in society

To learn more about the 2020 She Leads College Conference, see the following:

• YWCA Canberra event-wrap-up
• Flickr album

Our fifth annual She Leads College Conference was held on 20 March at the Ann Harding Centre, thanks to the support of our ongoing Venue Partnership with the University of Canberra. This year there was over 100 young women and non-binary students in attendance, with students from Canberra, the surrounding regions and rural NSW.

The Conference was themed  Innovators – (You)th Can Change the World, which paid homage to the global political and social action demonstrated by Gen Z within the past year. Further, it honoured the drive of young women and non-binary people, aiming to cultivate their drive and provide them with the skillset to become innovators.

Attendees left the Conference with a greater understanding of leadership, how to effect meaningful change, how to identify positive and negative situations in their homes and communities, and gained new skills and tools to manage the myriad of issues that they face each day. Attendees were exposed to a range of post-school career options through the diverse speaker line-up, providing them with an opportunity to explore their future options, and define their interests and aspirations. Through a facilitated peer networking session, the attendees were able to identify key social issues, actively listen to alternative opinions and respectfully create discussion.

The program included local MC and comedian, Maddy Weeks, a keynote speech from Emma Byrne, a panel featuring Georgia Maq, Renee Songoro, Tina Dixson and Kemiso Matlho, a networking activity facilitated by Ashleigh Streeter and two workshops: You Can Be An Innovator hosted by YWCA Canberra Youth Engagement team members, Annie-Lea Rowley and Ciara Duggan, and What YOU have to offer hosted by Defence Force Recruiting team members.

Feedback about the Conference was overwhelmingly positive. Of the 85 evaluation surveys received from students:

• 98 per cent of students were more motivated to pursue their leadership goals
• 97 per cent strongly agreed or agreed that they would recommend the Conference to other young women
• 98 per cent of respondents rated the College Conference as either excellent good

Of the 16 evaluation surveys received from teachers:

• 100 per cent believed it was a worthwhile excursion to take students on
• 100 per cents of teachers rated the overall conference as either good or excellent
• 100 per cent of teachers stated that they would want to bring students again next year

Of the Conference, attendees stated:

• I loved the range of the engaging activities, the food was amazing, I loved the diversity of the panel, really interesting!
• I learned that you’re never too young to lead one small thing can have a big impact and change in the long run
• I now know to make time for myself and my voice to be heard, don’t police people for speaking up against injustices and stirring the pot
• Women are powerful!
• Don’t be afraid to take up space, it’s inspiring to know that other people do share values to me
• I will definitely take into consideration the tips given out today, to further improve my leadership skills

To learn more about the 2019 She Leads College Conference, see the following:

• YWCA Canberra event-wrap-up
• Flickr album

Our fourth She Leads College Conference was again held at the Ann Harding Centre, thanks to our ongoing Venue Partnership with the University of Canberra. The Conference was held on Thursday 22 March, and welcomed 80 young women from 10 ACT and Canberra-region schools in years 11 and 12.

The Conference theme, Trailblazer, drove the design and outcomes of the event, with attendees being exposed to a deeper understanding of leadership that extends to the change leaders have the potential to make in their homes, schools, communities, and workplaces.

Attendees left the Conference with a greater understanding of leadership, how to effect change, how to identify positive and negative situations in their homes and communities, and gained new skills and tools to manage the myriad of issues that they face each day. Attendees were also exposed to a range of post-school career options through the speed networking session, providing them with an opportunity to explore their future options, and define their interests and aspirations.

Through our evaluation process, the 2018 Conference changed format slightly, with more activities for shorter duration’s, and more of the day being hosted by YWCA Canberra staff, including the Youth Engagement team, and more local and accomplished young women.

The program included local MC, Codie Bell, two keynote speeches from Hani Abdile and Karlie Noon, a panel featuring Hannah Gissane, Laura Piscopo, and FLTLT Esther Suh, a speed networking session including Engy Salah, Tahlia-Rose Vanissum, Ashleigh Streeter, Lavanya Kala, Ashley St George, Tomasina Purcell, Joanna Richards, and Elizabeth Bowler, and two workshops: Making Positive Change hosted by YWCA Canberra Youth Engagement team members, Annie-Lea Rowley and Aoife Herrick, and Leading Together to Achieve as One hosted by Defence Force Recruiting team members FLTLT Esther Suh and PO Alee-Marie Scarfone.

Feedback about the Conference was overwhelmingly positive. Of the 48 evaluation surveys received:

• 100 per cent strongly agreed (56.25) or agreed (43.75) that the Conference provided a safe space for women to discuss leadership
• 99 per cent strongly agreed (76.60) or agreed (21.28) that they would recommend the Conference to other young women
• 100 per cent of respondents rated the College Conference as excellent (75.00) or good (25.00)

Of the Conference, attendees stated:

• Firstly, to believe in myself and be an active bystander! Secondly, to remember this quote – “the standard you walk past is the standard you accept”.
• I should push myself to my full capabilities – I CAN be a leader. Follow what I enjoy.
  
• There is no one path to success. If you are meant to do something, you will. Support other trailblazers and in turn, they will support you.
• State your opinion with confidence with respect to other’s opinions. Be unapologetically you!
• It is so important, as women, to not only lead and break the stereotype, but also help our sisters to lead too. Don’t be afraid to blaze a new trail or follow a trailblazer.
• My favourite part of the day is learning and seeing people that are open and vocal about the rights that everyone deserves.
• Favourite was seeing how successful these young speakers are, and least favourite was hurting my voice cheering in a workshop.

To learn more about the 2018 She Leads College Conference, see the following:

• YWCA Canberra event-wrap-up
• Flickr album

The event was designed to provide a safe space for girls in year 11 and 12 to be inspired by young women leaders and gain the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to kick-start their leadership journeys.

As well as providing an engaging, interesting experience, our objectives were that as a result of the Conference, young women would walk away with:

• a greater understanding of leadership
• practical tools that they could apply to accelerate their leadership journey
• greater awareness of the impact of gender bias on women’s leadership opportunities
• more confidence to be a leader.

Building on the success of the 2016 program, our program for 2017 included plenary sessions (including keynote presentation), two workshops, and an afternoon networking session. The Conference was emceed by yLead’s Bel Yorston, was opened by Madalein Tier, and included a keynote presentation by Sarah Moran. The networking session included eight young inspiring women from a range of sectors that discussed their leadership journey with attendees, and included Sarah Moran, Alice Workman, Alex Schumann-Gillet, Ciara Duggan, Codie Bell, Elise Pirotta, Sally Moylan, Cathy Pecotz, and Esther Suh. Workshops were facilitated by Bel Yorston and Esther Suh, and focused on leadership, confidence, and communication skills.

Feedback about the Conference was overwhelmingly positive, with 98 per cent strongly agreeing or agreeing that they would recommend the Conference to other young women, and 98 per cent of respondents rating the College Conference as excellent or good.

Of the Conference, attendees stated:

• I feel a bit more motivated to make a difference following today. Advice/possible pathways – having some greater direction on ways in which I could be more effective.
• That fellowship is also a type of leadership. To not be scared to take all the chances
• Taking the opportunity/ the initiative highly essential. Say NO TO FEARS!
• That mistakes are normal and natural. It is a way to improve and strengthen your weaknesses next time you partake in a challenging situation. There are opportunities everywhere and to be able to participate in this conference, the motivation and inspiration will always lead me to the path that I would love in terms of future career and goals.
• Take every opportunity that you can. Be open-minded and confident within yourself. Make social connections.

To learn more about the 2017 She Leads College Conference, see the following:

• YWCA Canberra event wrap-up
• Flickr album

The 2016 Conference was built around dismantling the traditional definition of leadership, which is one that has seeped into our collective consciousness, and contributes in making the identity of a ‘leader’ inaccessible to many young people – especially young women. To combat this idea of traditional and inaccessible leadership, the Conference included a wealth of young women leaders to discuss their leadership journey and offer advice to the next generation of young women.

The event was emceed by yLead’s Bel Yorston, opening remarks were delivered by Caitlin Sandercock, and the Keynote speaker was Amelia Telford. The networking session allowed participants the opportunity to learn the value of networking while interacting with young women from the Canberra community who are leading and creating change. The networking sessions speakers included Farz Edraki, Caitlin Figueiredo, Erica Hediger, Emma Pocock, Ange Reakes, Rachael Stevens, Annabel Szekely, and Hannah Wandel, and workshops were facilitated by Bel Yorston, Annabel Szekely, Esther Suh, Kylie McGuinness, and Kirsty Bird.

Event feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 94 per cent agreeing that as a result of attending the She Leads College Conference they now have a greater understanding of leadership, 95 per cent agreeing that the Conference provided them with practical tools that they will be able to apply, and 100 per cent rating the Conference as excellent or good overall.

Of the Conference, attendees stated:

• I’ve been encouraged to join my school leadership team. Personal sustainability is crucial.
• It’s okay not to know your path yet. To be an effective leader you need to love and appreciate yourself first before trying to help others do the same.
• Learning that I need to have confidence in myself and my skills and to use them to help me to support others. Hearing ways to manage my team – goal setting, planning, and taking time out for myself.
• I am capable of anything and everything I want to do. To do this I need goals, focus, help, ambition, passion, perseverance and self-acceptance.
• Tell yourself you’re capable – don’t undermine your talent. A degree doesn’t end in greatness – don’t be afraid to take risks.
• Being a leader is not about dominance, it is about listening, guiding, imparting values and inspiring. There’s nowhere you can’t get with lots of passion and determination – you are strong.
• Don’t let being a woman disadvantage you. Being a woman doesn’t make you inferior.

To learn more about the 2016 She Leads College Conference, see the following:

• YWCA Canberra event wrap-up
• Flickr album
• Her Canberra event overview
• The Chronicle event article

The theme for the 2015 Conference was – Discover. Connect. Ignite. The event was designed to provide a safe space for girls in year 11 and 12 to be inspired by young women leaders, and gain the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to kick-start their leadership journeys.

The overarching theme of the Conference covered topics such as leadership myths and realities – what does is really mean to be a leader?, awareness of gender stereotypes, supporting positive body image, self-confidence, unconventional leadership/career paths, and learning to deal with failure and building resilience.

The Conference was emceed by Zoya Patel, and saw speakers and panellists from various industries including Carly Findlay, Sally Moylan, Ashleigh Grogan, Haylee Collins, Annabel Szekely, and Meredith. Workshops were run by Heather Dawson and independent magazine Young Vegabond, and focused on finding a leadership identity and identifying that there are many types of successful leadership styles, and engaging attendees to think critically about how constructs of gender affect their lives.

Of the Conference, attendees stated:

• Today was an inspiring day there were great stories on how women achieved becoming a leader. It inspires me in to accomplishing my goals making sure to make right choices, and controlling my life and path.
• This conference was so interesting and engaging. I walk away incredibly enlightened about all the different topics discussed here today. I would love to come again.
• That I don’t have to jump up and yell “I’m a leader” from the rooftops – sometimes leading just means being yourself.
• I think it helps to know that there is a big support group out there for women who want to excel in their ambitions and break down gender stereotypes.
• That leadership is not a position it is an action, most of all its having a positive impact and being female shouldn’t hold you back. I learnt how to become a good role model and overcome obstacles such as gender stereotypes etc.
• Being a leader doesn’t mean you have to be the boss. Leadership is something you define.
• What’s stopping me is myself. I keep doubting myself and so don’t try so hard but I need to push past that.

To learn more about the 2015 She Leads College Conference, see the following:

• YWCA Canberra event wrap-up
• Flickr album
• 2015 event – live stream