YWCA Canberra

Jessica Abramovic

All articles

  • 2 July 2018: Partnerships that make a difference – Capital Chemist

    At YWCA Canberra, we are fortunate to have built strong partnerships with organisations that support gender equality and women’s leadership. Capital Chemist are a friend of the 2018 She Leads Conference. We had a chat to Samantha Kourtis, a pharmacist and owner of Charnwood Capital Chemist, to find out just what Capital Chemist do and […]

  • 27 June 2018: Partnerships that make a difference

    At YWCA Canberra, we are fortunate to have built strong partnerships with organisations that support gender equality and women’s leadership. Hays are a Champion of the 2018 She Leads Conference. We had a chat to Nicole Frawley, Government Account Manager at Hays, to find out just what Hays do and why our partnership is so […]

  • 19 June 2018: 2018 She Leads Conference: Meet Dr Vanessa Lee

    The 2018 She Leads Conference, happening 1 August 2018, brings together some of Australia’s biggest and brightest names from diverse industries and backgrounds to share practical advice and skills on learning to rise, lead, and take other women with you. One fantastic woman speaking at the Conference on the panel Leading and Lifting, is Dr […]

  • 23 May 2018: Intersectional perspectives on disability and LGBTIQ* identities and rights

    Our She Leads In-Conversation events provide Canberrans with the opportunity to hear from women leaders from different backgrounds and industries, in a conversational format, followed by a live Q&A session, book signing, and networking. On Tuesday 8 May, we welcomed Jax Jacki Brown and Yen Eriksen to share their thoughts and experiences on activism, disability, human rights, […]

  • 8 May 2018: Community transformation and creativity at the 2018 Great Ydeas Innovation Breakfast

    On Wednesday 2 May we hosted 120 people at QT Hotel for the 2018 Great Ydeas Innovation Breakfast. The Breakfast not only marks World YWCA Day, but also sees the announcement of the Great Ydeas Small Grants program recipients, and fundraises for the YWCA Canberra Clubhouse; a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) program […]

  • 2 May 2018: 5 quick questions with Yen Eriksen

    The She Leads In-Conversation Series provides Canberrans with the opportunity to hear from women leaders from different backgrounds and industries in a conversational format, followed by a live Q&A session, networking, and canapes. Our May In-Conversation event will feature Jax Jacki Brown and Yen Eriksen, centering around activism, disability, human rights, the LGBTIQ community, and equality. […]

  • 1 May 2018: 5 quick questions with Jax Jacki Brown

    The She Leads In-Conversation Series provides Canberrans with the opportunity to hear from women leaders from different backgrounds and industries in a conversational format, followed by a live Q&A session, networking, and canapes. Our May In-Conversation event will feature Jax Jacki Brown and Yen Eriksen, centering around activism, disability, human rights, the LGBTIQ community, and equality. […]

  • 28 March 2018: Inspiring the next generation of trailblazers at the 2018 She Leads College Conference

    On Thursday 22 March, we welcomed 80 young women from the ACT and Canberra region to the fourth She Leads College Conference, to uncover their inner trailblazer. The day was opened with a rousing Welcome to Country from Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan. Aunty Violet encouraged the attendees to imagine themselves as future leaders. Aunty […]

  • 21 March 2018: 2018 She Leads College – 5 Quick Questions with Lavanya Kala

    The She Leads College Conference, taking place on Thursday 22 March, is a one-day event for girls in years 11 and 12, equipping participants with the practical skills and knowledge they need to become confident leaders. This year, we have an amazing line-up of inspiring young women who will discuss their pathways as trailblazers. Today, we chat […]

  • 20 March 2018: 2018 She Leads College – 5 Quick Questions with Hannah Gissane

    The She Leads College Conference, taking place on Thursday 22 March, is a one-day event for girls in years 11 and 12, equipping participants with the practical skills and knowledge they need to become confident leaders. This year, we have an amazing line-up of inspiring young women who will discuss their pathways as trailblazers. Today, we chat […]

  • 20 March 2018: 2018 She Leads College – 5 Quick Questions with Karlie Noon

    The She Leads College Conference, taking place on Thursday 22 March, is a one-day event for girls in years 11 and 12, equipping participants with the practical skills and knowledge they need to become confident leaders. This year, we have an amazing line-up of inspiring young women who will discuss their pathways as trailblazers. Today, we chat […]

  • 14 March 2018: 2018 She Leads College – 5 Quick Questions with Ashley St George

    The She Leads College Conference, taking place on Thursday 22 March, is a one-day event for girls in years 11 and 12, equipping participants with the practical skills and knowledge they need to become confident leaders. This year, we have an amazing line-up of inspiring young women who will discuss their pathways as trailblazers. Today, we chat […]

  • 12 March 2018: 2018 She Leads College – 5 Quick Questions with Laura Piscopo

    The She Leads College Conference, taking place on Thursday 22 March, is a one-day event for girls in years 11 and 12, equipping participants with the practical skills and knowledge they need to become confident leaders. This year, we have an amazing line-up of inspiring young women who will discuss their pathways as trailblazers. Today, we chat […]

  • 9 March 2018: 2018 She Leads College – 5 Quick Questions with Ashleigh Streeter

    The She Leads College Conference, taking place on Thursday 22 March, is a one-day event for girls in years 11 and 12, equipping participants with the practical skills and knowledge they need to become confident leaders. This year, we have an amazing line-up of inspiring young women who will discuss their pathways as trailblazers. Today, we chat […]

  • 7 March 2018: 2018 She Leads College – 5 Quick Questions with Engy Salah Abdelsalam

    The She Leads College Conference, taking place on Thursday 22 March, is a one-day event for girls in years 11 and 12, equipping participants with the practical skills and knowledge they need to become confident leaders. This year, we have an amazing line-up of inspiring young women who will discuss their pathways as trailblazers. Today, we chat […]

  • 5 March 2018: Strategic planning for your future

    On Tuesday 27 February, we hosted 25 women for our first She Leads workshop for the year, on Setting and Meeting goals, facilitated by the founder of The Makers Co, the owner of Danvers Creative, and graphic design lecturer at University of Canberra, Mikaela Danvers. The workshop assisted us to define our future goals and […]

  • 5 March 2018: 2018 She Leads College – 5 Quick Questions with Joanna Richards

    The She Leads College Conference, taking place on Thursday 22 March, is a one-day event for girls in years 11 and 12, equipping participants with the practical skills and knowledge they need to become confident leaders. This year, we have an amazing line-up of inspiring young women who will discuss their pathways as trailblazers. Today, we chat […]

  • 2 March 2018: 2018 She Leads College – 5 Quick Questions with Tahlia-Rose Vanissum

    The She Leads College Conference, taking place on Thursday 22 March, is a one-day event for girls in years 11 and 12, equipping participants with the practical skills and knowledge they need to become confident leaders. This year, we have an amazing line-up of inspiring young women who will discuss their pathways as trailblazers. Today, we chat […]

  • 26 February 2018: 2018 She Leads College – 5 Quick Questions with Hannah Mouncey

    The She Leads College Conference, taking place on Thursday 22 March, is a one-day event for girls in years 11 and 12, equipping participants with the practical skills and knowledge they need to become confident leaders. This year, we have an amazing line-up of inspiring young women who will discuss their pathways as trailblazers. Today, we chat […]

  • 23 February 2018: 2018 She Leads College – 5 Quick Questions with Hani Abdile

    The She Leads College Conference, taking place on Thursday 22 March, is a one-day event for girls in years 11 and 12, equipping participants with the practical skills and knowledge they need to become confident leaders. This year, we have an amazing line-up of inspiring young women who will discuss their pathways as trailblazers. Today, we chat […]

  • 19 February 2018: 2018 She Leads College – 5 Quick Questions with Codie Bell

    The She Leads College Conference, taking place on Thursday 22 March, is a one-day event for girls in years 11 and 12, equipping participants with the practical skills and knowledge they need to become confident leaders. This year, we have an amazing line-up of inspiring young women who will discuss their pathways as trailblazers. Today, we chat […]

  • 19 February 2018: Survival, humour, and leadership with Nayuka Gorrie at the She Leads In-Conversation

    Our She Leads In-Conversation events provide Canberrans with the opportunity to hear from women leaders from different backgrounds and industries, in a conversational format, followed by a live Q&A session, book signing, and networking. On Tuesday 13 February, we welcomed Nayuka Gorrie and Laura Burr to discuss current issues as they relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait […]

  • 6 February 2018: The importance of workshops and planning to get ahead with Mikaela Danvers

    In this interview, we talk with Mikaela Danvers, the She Leads Workshop facilitator for Setting and Meeting Goals, to learn the importance of having workshops for women, and to discover some key details of planning, vision boards, and the Reticular Activating System. Mikaela Danvers is an accomplished and leading graphic designer, the founder of The […]

  • 6 February 2018: 5 quick questions with Nayuka Gorrie

    The She Leads In-Conversation Series provides Canberrans with the opportunity to hear from women leaders from different backgrounds and industries in a conversational format, followed by a live Q&A session, networking, and canapes. Our February In-Conversation event will feature Nayuka Gorrie and Laura Burr, centering around the challenges faced by young women and Aboriginal and […]

  • 30 January 2018: 5 quick questions with Laura Burr

    The She Leads In-Conversation Series provides Canberrans with the opportunity to hear from women leaders from different backgrounds and industries in a conversational format, followed by a live Q&A session, networking, and canapes. Our February In-Conversation event will feature Nayuka Gorrie and Laura Burr, centering around the challenges faced by young women and Aboriginal and […]

  • 21 December 2017: Sex Ed @ the Polo

    Australia has one of the highest levels of reported sexual assault in the world, with young women aged between 10 and 24 the most likely victims. In this year alone, 42 women have been killed due to gendered violence. Further, in 2016 half of all university students were sexually harassed, as discovered through the release […]

  • 15 December 2017: Your recommended holiday reading list

    If you are looking for a feminist summer reading list, to transport and inspire you, look no further than YWCA Canberra’s curated holiday reading list. It also doubles a handy list of potential gifts for your friends and family. We have curated 21 of the greatest books that Y Canberra members, speakers, and staff have […]

  • 1 December 2017: Leadership, positivity, and feminism 101 at the inaugural She Leads High Conference

    The inaugural She Leads High Conference was a one-day leadership event for young women, including female and non-binary people, in years 9 and 10. The event engaged young women with concepts of leadership, confidence, developing positive relationships, and provided a safe space to discuss school, careers, body image, language, and sexuality and gender. On Tuesday […]

  • 24 November 2017: 2017 She Leads High – 5 Quick Questions with Tomasina Purcell

    The inaugural She Leads High Conference is a one-day leadership event for young women, including female identifying and non-binary people, in years 9 and 10. The event will take place at the University of Canberra’s Ann Harding Conference Centre on 28 November 2017. In this interview, we talk to Tomasina Purcell, one of our speed […]

  • 22 November 2017: 2017 She Leads High – 5 Quick Questions with Nip Wijewickrema

    The inaugural She Leads High Conference is a one-day leadership event for young women, including female identifying and non-binary people, in years 9 and 10. The event will take place at the University of Canberra’s Ann Harding Conference Centre on 28 November 2017. In this interview, we talk to Nip Wijewickrema, a keynote at the upcoming […]

  • 20 November 2017: 2017 She Leads High – 5 Quick Questions with Julia Faragher

    The inaugural She Leads High Conference is a one-day leadership event for young women, including female identifying and non-binary people, in years 9 and 10. The event will take place at the University of Canberra’s Ann Harding Conference Centre on 28 November 2017. In this interview, we talk to Julia Faragher, one of our speed […]

  • 14 November 2017: 2017 She Leads High – 5 Quick Questions with Sophie Hope

    The inaugural She Leads High Conference is a one-day leadership event for young women, including female identifying and non-binary people, in years 9 and 10. The event will take place at the University of Canberra’s Ann Harding Conference Centre on 28 November 2017. In this interview, we talk to Sophie Hope, one of our speed […]

  • 7 November 2017: Negotiating, communicating, and gaining back your power with Vanessa Vanderhoek

    On Tuesday 31 October, we hosted 16 Canberra women for a She Leads Workshop on Negotiation Skills, facilitated by professional mentor and coach, Vanessa Vanderhoek. The workshop helped attendees to identify some of the common mistakes that are made during a negotiation, and taught a number of specialist skills to complement their existing personalities and […]

  • 7 November 2017: 5 quick questions with Jane Alver

    The She Leads In-Conversation Series provides Canberrans with the opportunity to hear from women leaders from different backgrounds and industries in a conversational format, followed by a live Q&A session, networking, and canapes. Our November In-Conversation event will be with Virginia Haussegger AM and Jane Alver, discussing gender equality and equity as it relates to […]

  • 7 November 2017: 2017 She Leads High – 5 Quick Questions with Sam Launt

    The inaugural She Leads High Conference is a one-day leadership event for young women, including female identifying and non-binary people, in years 9 and 10. The event will take place at the University of Canberra’s Ann Harding Conference Centre on 28 November 2017. In this interview, we talk to Sam Launt, one of our speed […]

  • 31 October 2017: 2017 She Leads High – 5 Quick Questions with Staycee Charles

    The inaugural She Leads High Conference is a one-day leadership event for young women, including female and non-binary people, in years 9 and 10. The event will take place at the University of Canberra’s Ann Harding Conference Centre on 28 November 2017. In this interview, we talk to Staycee Charles, one of our speed networkers […]

  • 26 October 2017: Master your negotiation skills with Vanessa Vanderhoek

    In this interview, we talk with Vanessa Vanderhoek, the She Leads Workshop facilitator for Negotiation Skills, to learn key aspects of mastering the art of negotiation, and discover what other practical advice we can expect to learn on the night.   Vanessa Vanderhoek is the founder of Flexible Working Day, a Founding Director of Career […]

  • 16 October 2017: 2017 She Leads High – 5 Quick Questions with Isabel Mudford

    The inaugural She Leads High Conference is a one-day leadership event for young women, including female identifying and non-binary people, in years 9 and 10. The event will take place at the University of Canberra’s Ann Harding Conference Centre on 28 November 2017. In this interview, we talk to Isabel Mudford, a keynote at the […]

  • 9 October 2017: 2017 She Leads High – 5 Quick Questions with Laura Campbell

    The inaugural She Leads High Conference is a one-day leadership event for young women, including female identifying and non-binary people, in years 9 and 10. The event will take place at the University of Canberra’s Ann Harding Conference Centre on 28 November 2017. In this interview, we talk to Laura Campbell, the MC at the […]

  • 3 October 2017: 2017 She Leads High – 5 Quick Questions with Francesca Maclean

    The inaugural She Leads High Conference is a one-day leadership event for young women, including female identifying and non-binary people, in years 9 and 10. The event will take place at the University of Canberra’s Ann Harding Conference Centre on 28 November 2017. In this interview, we talk to Francesca Maclean, a keynote at the […]

  • 27 September 2017: Five reasons we’re excited for She Leads High

    The inaugural She Leads High Conference is a one-day leadership event for young women, including female identifying and non-binary people, in years 9 and 10. The event will take place at the University of Canberra’s Ann Harding Conference Centre on 28 November 2017. As the date for She Leads High edges closer and anticipation in […]

  • 5 September 2017: How to be an effective board director and other lessons from the She Leads Board Governance Workshop

    On Tuesday 29 August, She Leads hosted 30 women for our Board Governance Workshop, facilitated by YWCA Canberra board directors, Caitlin Sandercock and Carina Zeccola. The Board Governance Workshop taught practical skills required by board directors. On top of this, it gave an overview of boards and aimed to provide the women who attended with […]

  • 25 August 2017: Board Governance – Our Board Directors discuss the importance of effective leadership and skills

    In this Q&A, we talk to the She Leads Workshop facilitators of Board Governance, to understand the importance of effective board governance. In our upcoming She Leads Workshop – Board Governance, attendees will gain practical skills to prepare for taking on board directorships. This workshop is aimed at providing participants with a practical overview of […]

  • 22 August 2017: Acknowledging the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women – Celeste Liddle at the August She Leads In-Conversation event

    Our She Leads In-Conversation events provide Canberrans with the opportunity to hear from women leaders from different backgrounds and industries, in a conversational format, followed by a live Q&A session, book signing, and networking. On Wednesday 16 August, we featured Celeste Liddle in-Conversation with Sarah Burr, where issues related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, […]

  • 31 July 2017: 5 quick questions with Celeste Liddle

    The She Leads In-Conversation Series provides Canberrans with the opportunity to hear from women leaders from different backgrounds and industries in a conversational format, followed by a live Q&A session, and networking. Our August In-Conversation event will be with Celeste Liddle and Sarah Burr, centering around the challenges faced by women and Aboriginal women alike, […]

  • 18 July 2017: 5 quick questions with Sarah Burr

    The She Leads In-Conversation Series provides Canberrans with the opportunity to hear from women leaders from different backgrounds and industries in a conversational format, followed by a live Q&A session, and networking. Our August In-Conversation event will be with Celeste Liddle and Sarah Burr, centering around the challenges faced by women and Aboriginal women alike, […]

  • 13 July 2017: My time as a YWCA Canberra Board Trainee – Caitlin Figueiredo

    YWCA Canberra is committed to fostering the growth and development of young women leaders. Each year, our Board of Directors conducts the Board Traineeship Program, which provides women with the opportunity to gain experience in governance, finance and strategic management without the legal and financial responsibilities of being a Board Director.  We caught up with […]

  • 6 July 2017: My time as a YWCA Canberra Board Trainee – Georgina Horsburgh

    YWCA Canberra is committed to fostering the growth and development of young women leaders. Each year, our Board of Directors conducts the Board Traineeship Program, which provides women with the opportunity to gain experience in governance, finance and strategic management without the legal and financial responsibilities of being a Board Director.  We caught up with […]

  • 4 July 2017: The Golden Rule: “Yes, and…” and other lessons from the She Leads & Lightbulb Improv Workshop

    On Tuesday 27 June, 20 women came together to learn how to apply improvisation techniques to their workplaces. Improv is about the ability to react, respond, and adapt quickly with confidence. The workshop, run as a part of the She Leads program in conjunction with local organisation Lightbulb Improv, taught attendees new leadership and management […]

  • 29 June 2017: My time as a YWCA Canberra Board Trainee – Tara Willoughby

    YWCA Canberra is committed to fostering the growth and development of young women leaders. Each year, our Board of Directors conducts the Board Traineeship Program, which provides women with the opportunity to gain experience in governance, finance and strategic management without the legal and financial responsibilities of being a Board Director.  We caught up with […]

  • 22 June 2017: My time as a YWCA Canberra Board Trainee – Sophie Fisher

    YWCA Canberra is committed to fostering the growth and development of young women leaders. Each year, our Board of Directors conducts the Board Traineeship Program, which provides women with the opportunity to gain experience in governance, finance and strategic management without the legal and financial responsibilities of being a Board Director.  We caught up with […]

  • 8 June 2017: The value of improvisation in leadership – Amy Crawford

    The June She Leads Workshop is presented by Lightbulb Improv, and is designed to explore how improvisation skills build confidence in presentation and performance in the workplace. The workshop will be run by Lou Maconachie and Amy Crawford, both of whom are co-founders of Lightbulb Improv, along with Merriden Varrall. We interviewed Amy Crawford ahead […]

  • 26 May 2017: Partnerships that make a difference – National Australia Day Council

    At YWCA Canberra, we are fortunate to have built strong partnerships with organisations that support gender equality and women’s leadership. National Australia Day Council are a friend of the She Leads Conference 2017. We had a chat to Carolyn Ludovici, General Manager of Programs and Operations, to find out just what the Australia Day Council […]

  • 22 May 2017: 2017 She Leads Conference – 5 Quick Questions with Clementine Ford

    The 2017 She Leads Conference will be held on Thursday 1 June at QT Canberra, with the She Leads Cocktail and Networking function to be held the night before, on May 31. Tickets and program details are now available at 2017.sheleads.org.au. Open to all, the She Leads Conference brings women from a range of sectors, at all stages of their […]

  • 18 May 2017: 2017 She Leads Conference – 5 Quick Questions with Myfanwy Galloway

    The 2017 She Leads Conference will be held on Thursday 1 June at QT Canberra, with the She Leads Cocktail and Networking function to be held the night before, on May 31. Tickets and program details are now available at 2017.sheleads.org.au. Open to all, the She Leads Conference brings women from a range of sectors, at all stages of their […]

  • 17 May 2017: Partnerships that make a difference – HAYS

    At YWCA Canberra, we are fortunate to have built strong partnerships with organisations that support gender equality and women’s leadership. HAYS are a Champion Partner for the She Leads Conference 2017. We had a chat to Ellie Fraser, Senior Recruitment Consultant at Hays, about her leadership journey through HAYS, the opportunities it has afforded her, and […]

  • 12 May 2017: The continuing fight for equal rights with Dr Anne Summers AO at the May She Leads In-Conversation event

    Our She Leads In-Conversation events provide Canberrans with the opportunity to hear from women leaders from different backgrounds and industries, in a conversational format, followed by a live Q&A session, book signing, and networking. On Wednesday 10 May, we featured Dr Anne Summers AO In-Conversation with Dr Skye Saunders, discussing the barriers women continue to face […]

  • 11 May 2017: 2017 She Leads Conference – 5 Quick Questions with Tracey Spicer

    The 2017 She Leads Conference will be held on Thursday 1 June at QT Canberra, with the She Leads Cocktail and Networking function to be held the night before, on May 31. Tickets and program details are now available at 2017.sheleads.org.au. Open to all, the She Leads Conference brings women from a range of sectors, at all stages of their […]

  • 4 May 2017: 2017 She Leads Conference – 5 Quick Questions with Drisana Levitzke-Gray

    The 2017 She Leads Conference will be held on Thursday 1 June at QT Canberra, with the She Leads Cocktail and Networking function to be held the night before, on May 31. Tickets and program details are now available at 2017.sheleads.org.au. Open to all, the She Leads Conference brings women from a range of sectors, at all stages of their […]

  • 3 May 2017: Partnerships that make a difference – Capital Chemist

    At YWCA Canberra, we are fortunate to have built strong partnerships with organisations that support gender equality and women’s leadership. Capital Chemist are a partner for the She Leads Conference 2017. We had a chat to Stacey Fuller, Managing Partner of Capital Chemist Southlands, about her leadership journey through Capital Chemist, the opportunities it has afforded her, […]