7 Women that Inspire Me
There’s a lot of hype around International Women’s Day and often some cupcakes and events to mark the occasion. I prefer to celebrate the women in my life everyday, and this IWD I want to share 7 women who inspire me and why…
Alanna Ball
Alanna is the Founder of Women in Safety, which is a community dedicated to connecting professional women in the health and safety field. Women are under represented in safety, and Alanna is leading the way and empowering women to transform the industry.
I’m part of the Women in Safety membership, where I have connected with incredible like-minded individuals to discuss our challenges, help each other overcome barriers, and talk about important safety topics.
Alanna is hosting an International Women's Day Panel discussion with women from across the world as to discuss their challenges, success stories and advice for others working in health and safety.
Alanna is also the host of the Women in Safety podcast, which is designed to connect the safety profession through conversation and inspiration.
Dr Donna Stemmer
Donna is the Founder of WorkRight23, which helps organisations have bully-free environments. I met Donna 18 months ago and we immediately connected through our aligned values and vision. Donna is now a mentor and friend, and we are working together to reduce psychosocial hazards for organisations in Australia through the Workplace Support Program.
Donna has spent the last 30 years creating the formula for organisations to measure and report on intangibles and show them how they can accelerate their success and bottom line by investing in their people.
Donna has spent 3 decades diving into the content I’ve been working in for half that time, and her results are incredible, helping organisations reduce bullying and harassment by up to 90% and creating a win/win for everyone.
Donna and I attended the 23rd World Congress on Safety & Health at Work together and presented to a packed out room, where I was able to spend quality time learning more from her.
I’m excited to work together and leverage our skills to improve the psychosocial health organisations and individuals at work.
Xanthe Addison
Xanthe is the Founder of Tribe Hunter and is one of my favourite people. She is the most inclusive person I know. People are drawn to her because of her kind heart and open mind. She is always looking at the big picture and how connecting the right people will benefit them and the wider community.
Xanthe is a soul sister and someone I’m incredibly proud to call a friend.
Dr Caroline Howe
Caroline is the CEO of My Social Support Network, which is Australia’s first social inclusion program aimed at connecting and supporting people with injury, illness or disability who are isolated and lonely.
Caroline is dedicated to her community and supporting people return to life. Caroline created MSSN with injured workers, for injured workers and provides a safe space where people can be themselves, get access to support tools and helps them feel like themselves again.
It's is a place where you be with people who can meet you where you are at and help you move forward. This is the ultimate definition of inclusion, and I highly recommend that anyone who’s in the workers compensation system reach out to MSSN.
Blyde Neser
Blyde is the Chief Engagement Officer and Founder of Professional Coaching Solutions, helping teams and executives thrive so they can have a greater social impact.
Blyde is passionate about supporting women in her region (and beyond) and actively collaborates and lifts other women up everyday.
Blyde and I connected through LinkedIn, and it only took one conversation to realise that our goals and values aligned, and we wanted to work together to make a bigger impact for organisations. We’re excited to be doing that this month!
Jo Boyle (Dixon)
I was lucky enough to connect with Jo during the Female Founders Program with I2N at The University of Newcastle. Jo has an incredible story of strength and achievement, and her passion is infectious. Jo has such a strategic mindset and I love seeing where our conversations flow.
Jo has a passion for disability support and inclusion, and her vision for the future will change the world for so many.
Dr Pat Ferris
Pat is a therapist, researcher, coach and trainer and has been working in the area of workplace bullying for over 25 years. Pat’s kindness warms my heart whenever I speak with her.
Hear for yourself in the podcast I did with Pat about belonging and compassion below, and see her research and interview alongside another amazing woman Evelyn M Field OAM, FAPS in the Lived Experience Summit here.
I’m grateful to be connected to these women, and others I haven’t mentioned here.
Who inspires you this International Women’s Day?
#InspireInclusion #IWD #IWD2024 #InternationalWomensDay