She Leads Diploma – Five quick questions with Sonia Di Mezza

8 November 2019

Sonia Di Mezza is the Deputy CEO of the ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS). She holds a Masters of International Law majoring in human rights, is a solicitor and has worked for the past twenty years as a human rights lawyer, both internationally and in Australia. Below Sonia reflects on her experience undertaking the She Leads Diploma of Leadership and Management, a nationally accredited qualification for women delivered by YWCA Canberra. To find out more about the She Leads Diploma enrol in our upcoming information sessions.

Why did you choose to undertake the She Leads Diploma of Leadership and Management?

I chose to undertake this course of study because, while I have been managing and leading staff for twenty years, I felt I wanted to take the step to formalise my qualifications in management, as well as to expand on management theory, practice, and procedures in the work place. The added element of learning about the skills of leadership both on professional and personal levels really interested me.

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?

The course content was excellent, and there were particular subjects that I really enjoyed such as Emotional Intelligence. I found all the presenters to be motivating, experienced, approachable and supportive during our learning journey. The best part for me was meeting, networking and sharing with other students who were in my course. I feel that we really supported one another in our respective journeys and made it fun along the way.

How has the course contributed to your personal and professional career development?

Absolutely. Each month we would cover a new topic and I would spend that month refining and applying the skills and knowledge I had learned in the workplace.

What advice would you give to women who are considering the course/want to build their leadership and management skills?

You will get out of the course what you bring to it. Come to each workshop ready to learn and share with your fellow students, which will optimise your ability to absorb and learn. Make sure that you stay on top of your assessments so that they don’t overwhelm and accumulate and so that you are ready to take on the next topic.

Any other words of wisdom?

Enrol in the course. It will be a decision that you will never regret and will come out at the other end with a renewed vision and sense of purpose in the workplace.

Find out more about the She Leads Diploma of Leadership and Management or contact our education and training team to enrol at training@ywca-canberra.org.au.