Empowering the next generation of young women to succeed

The inaugural ‘Educate & Equip Young Women’ series presented by the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award started off with great energy held at the award winning Swanston Academic Building. Facilitated by the College of Business Industry Engagement Group, the program is designed to empower young people across the globe to explore their potential.

Over 70 high school students from across Victoria attended the industry thought leaders panel session, which explored current issues surrounding the themes of youth, gender and social enterprise.

Coinciding with International Women’s Day in March, the event was led by Anoushka Gungadin, CEO, Duke of Edinburgh Victoria, a thought leader for social entrepreneurship and NFP sector.

Gungadin said, “How refreshing it was to see diversity in the panel, the crowd, in opinions & values. There was authenticity, honesty and courage displayed and I acknowledge each and every one who was part of this.”

Tiffany Cherry best known as AFL’s first female boundary rider on the original Fox Footy MC’d the ‘Women in Leadership’ panel which included:

• Dr Lynda Ford – CEO Enterprising Partnerships
• Vicki Macdermid, Partner/Executive Director - Private Business - Pitcher Partners
• Claire Merquita – PR Manager Pozible
• Bareetu Aba-Bulgu – Winner ‘Empowering Monash Women Awards 2012

Fiona Sullivan, Project Manager Industry Engagement said “The event ties with RMIT’s vision of being connected and providing a platform for future entrepreneurs to engage with industry and share their thoughts. It’s a fantastic opportunity also to continue - working with industry partners from the 2015 RMIT Global Futures Forum, a feature event for the City of Melbourne’s Knowledge Week last November.”