She Leads College Conference – 5 quick questions with Amelia Telford

19 July 2016

The She Leads College Conference, taking place on Tuesday 26 July, 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 share their leadership journeys with participants. We’ll be featuring 5 quick questions with each speaker in the lead up to the Conference. Today, we chat to Amelia Telford, who will feature as 
keynote speaker.

Describe yourself in 30 words or less:
I’m a young and proud Aboriginal and South Sea Islander woman from Bundjalung country (Northern NSW). My family and my home country make me who I am.

What’s one thing about your life now that you never would have predicted when you were at school?
I’m living in Melbourne and working with deadly young people who are passionate about creating positive change for our people – I always thought I’d be studying Medicine in Sydney right now!

What is a book that has influenced your leadership journey?
A book I read last year by Brene Brown has really inspired me to approach many situations in life differently, it’s called ‘Daring Greatly’ and it’s about How the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent and lead. I’d highly recommend it!

Why are you excited to be a part of the She Leads College Conference?
The energy and the strength of young women really inspires me! At 22 years old, high school seems like it was just yesterday and I remember the importance of having other women to look up to, so I’m really looking forward to sharing some time with aspiring, young women.

What piece of advice would you most like to give to young women just starting their leadership journeys?
Embrace discomfort! It’s that feeling you often get when you’re challenged, when you challenge others, or when you’re doing something outside of your comfort zone that allows you to learn, grow, make friends and be a part of creating change!

Tags: gender equality, Leadership, she leads, She Leads 2016