OUR STORY
WE SUPPORT
OUR MEMBERS
It’s time we made a gender equal world a reality.
FW is an inclusive, member-led organisation committed to achieving gender equality in Australian workplaces. We support women and gender diverse people in their careers, training the men they work with and guiding the employers they work for.
"We offer a safe, respectful environment where debate, discussion and difference are celebrated."
—HELEN MCCABE, FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR
We launched, in 2018, with a promise to help women connect, learn and lead. Today we talk to millions of women every year, through our books, podcasts, essays, training and development programs, live interviews and in-person events.
FW members join as individuals or through a program purchased by their boss. We also work actively to support members who face disadvantage and discrimination, in particular First Nations women.
A FW membership offers a range of activities, from mentoring and job connections to intermediate and advanced leadership and media training. Members also attend our International Women’s Day Summit, one of the most significant events in our calendar, delivered in person and online.
Members are most likely to be among Australia's two million professional women. But we include men too. Since the beginning, men have joined and been welcome in our community. Today we work with dozens of public and private sector organisations, and support men to be better, and more gender inclusive leaders.
FW is a safe, respectful environment where debate, discussion and difference are celebrated. We are more interested in our members’ attitude than their age. We are inclusive, and proud of the fact our members care about one another’s personal and professional success.
It’s time to make a gender equal world, a reality. Will you join us?
IN THE NEWS
Read the latest press about FW - our programs, partnerships and exciting new projects.
WHO WE ARE
HELEN MCCABE
FOUNDER, MANAGING DIRECTOR
Journalist, magazine editor and digital media executive.
Helen was Editor-in-Chief of The Australian Women's Weekly, Deputy Editor of The Sunday Telegraph and spent more than a decade working in television before founding Future Women in 2018.
Helen also hosts FW's weekly Leadership Series podcast, featuring stories of influential women who lead.
JAMILA RIZVI
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR
Best-selling author, opinion columnist, podcast host and gender equality advocate.
Previously, Jamila advised the Rudd and Gillard Governments on gender equality, early childhood education, media and employment participation.
Jamila is also a board member of the Wheeler Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas, and an ambassador for PLAN International.
DYMPHNA JAMES SCOTT
HEAD OF COMMERCIAL
Dymphna’s extensive commercial background includes senior roles at media agencies Initiative & Mediacom and Commercial and Advertising roles at Time Warner, Seven West Media and Hoyts Group.
Dymphna's unique skills have consistently driven new business partnerships delivering growth, better-than-market performance and impressive management innovation.
KATE NERONI
CHIEF OF STAFF
Leader, key advisor and resident problem solver.
Kate thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments and is adept at high-level strategic thinking.
She brings expert cross-platform development and critical thinking to her work at FW, having launched her career as Executive Assistant and Office Coordinator at Bauer Media.
BECKY HANSEN
HEAD OF JOBS ACADEMY
Project lead, people manager and skilled community organiser, with more than 10 years' experience in the public and private sector.
Rebecca is dedicated to creating people-focussed programs with social value, like Jobs Academy which helps support women returning to work.
MAEVA DEDY
HEAD OF PROGRAM OPERATIONS AND PLANNING
A finance and commercial strategy leader, Maeva brings extensive experience from the construction and early learning sectors.
Known for her analytical, collaborative, and innovative approach, she is passionate about helping teams make sense of data and upskilling emerging leaders.
Maeva enjoys capturing candid moments with her camera during her beachside morning walks. She loves connecting with people, whether it's through live music events or a meal. She is an avid reader and podcast listener.
PATTI ANDREWS
HEAD OF BRAND, CREATIVE AND COMMUNICATIONS
Patti is known for her unique combination of logic and creativity, which she brings to FW and the Jobs Academy’s branding and content strategy.
Passionate about connecting with the audience, Patti excels at creating both written and visual content that resonates emotionally but is also clear and concise.
Patti recently joined the Board of Directors at Health Voyage Ltd, an NFP dedicated to the health and mental health of women and young people
EMILY JOYCE
HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS
Writer and digital advertising specialist, Emily started her career with some of Australia's leading ad agencies.
When she's not wrangling her kids, she's finding time to recharge with the beloved women in her life, running to very loud music, or searching for the nearest quiet corner.
RUBY LEAHY GATFIELD
HEAD OF STRATEGIC PROJECTS
Researcher, evaluator, and facilitator whose skills lie in driving gender equality through research and evidence.
Prior to joining FW Ruby was a senior adviser at the federal Workplace Gender Equality Agency, building on a career in public policy consulting.
Ruby is committed to ensuring diverse communities have a voice in the programs and policies that affect their lives.
MELISSA WELLHAM
HEAD OF ONLINE LEARNING
An experienced digital and communications professional with a background in social change organisations, Melissa specialises in creating data-driven, customer-first programs and campaigns.
With postgraduate qualifications in communications, data analytics, and education design – she tries to practice what she preaches when it comes to the power of lifelong learning.
CHRISTINE ELLEM
HEAD OF PLATINUM+ EMERGING LEADER
Christine has a focus on higher education, including academic and equity program development and delivery.
Christine has 14 years’ experience working in the tertiary education industry and brings considerable skills in teaching, research and publication to the Project Return team.
LAUREN BECKMAN
HEAD OF CANBERRA LEARNING PROGRAM
Lauren joined FW after more than a decade in the Australian Public Service to lead on all things Canberra.
A specialist in stakeholder engagement, strategic policy and project management, Lauren also brings her experience as a content creator talking about politics and social issues through a feminist lens.
BRIANA BLACKETT
HEAD OF CONTENT
An award-winning communicator and a seasoned journalist with extensive global news experience.
She was a founding member of AI Jazeera English in Qatar, which followed a successful career working for Associated Press Television, based at its headquarters in London. She has also worked for Greenpeace International in Europe, and in federal politics and broadcast news in Australia. Briana is passionate about diversity and inclusion, and is a keen campaigner for greater media representation of all Australians.
MEL LEE
HEAD OF DIGITAL
Mel Lee is a seasoned digital leader with a diverse background spanning engineering, UX design, marketing, and entrepreneurship. With a wealth of experience in leading cross-functional teams, Mel brings a unique blend of technical expertise, marketing capability, and business acumen to her role as Head of Digital at FW.
Prior to joining FW, Mel founded and successfully ran her own business for the past 12 years, where she honed her skills in strategic planning, team management, and customer engagement. In her spare time... well, she's a mum of two under four- so she doesn't have any!
MADDEN BURNS
HEAD OF LEARNING DEVELOPMENT
Project management and stakeholder engagement specialist, with experience across public and private sectors.
Madden specialises in gender equality and social impact, having worked as a senior adviser to the federal Workplace Gender Equality Agency.
In 2020, Madden was selected to sit on the UN Women Sydney Committee.
AMANDA ADDERLEY
HEAD OF IMPLEMENTATION
Amanda is known for her passion for people and community. She is excited to bring to FW all that she has learnt in over 18 years in the banking industry and believes that strong relationships are key to a successful partnerhship.
MEISHA HILL
DEPUTY HEAD OF JOBS ACADEMY
Operations and management specialist, Meisha has significant experience in advertising and media across Australia and the United States. Meisha excels in solving complex business problems and has worked at oOh! Media, Junkee Media and The New York Times.
Meisha is committed to helping women excel in their chosen careers. When she’s not in the Jobs Academy, you’ll find her somewhere outdoors with her family.
SUSAN WARBY
ACTING EXECUTIVE ADVISOR
Business all-rounder, who strives to improve customer experience, relationships, and processes.
In varied roles, across many industries, Susan has led small and large teams in operations, sales, marketing, customer service, event management, finance, strategic planning, and product development.
Susan also enjoys volunteering as a way of connecting with people and contributing to her local community.
SALLY SPICER
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Journalist, award-winning podcast producer and content specialist.
Sally brings a wealth of experience in commercial radio news and podcast production to her work - whether it's overseeing FW's social media channels, communications or producing FW podcasts like There's No Place Like Home, Drive, Shortlisted and Too Much.
She is an expert at crafting effective and impactful content.
LUISA GIDARO
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Luisa is an experienced Business Development and Account Manager with over 10 years global experience in US, Australia and New Zealand and managing clients across several industries including Professional Services, FinTech, Financial Services, SaaS and more.
She’s a habitual tea drinker, self-confessed F1 fan, and avid book lover.
SOPHIE HUNTER
ART DIRECTOR
Designer and artist, Sophie began her career with advertising heavyweights Guihen Jones Creative Agency.
Having worked on publications like Mother & Baby, DOLLY and ELLE, Sophie brings a fresh perspective to her creations and loves to see FW's artwork ‘out in the wild’.
She lives for outdoor adventures and is often on a wave or a mountain when not designing.
TISHYA DESAI
LEARNING DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Program and learning designer who aims to use education as a tool for good.
Tishya comes from the non-profit sector working with social enterprises and newly arrived migrants and refugees in Australia and is also pursuing a post-graduate degree in education and social change.
NIDHI KALAIYA
SPECIAL PROJECTS DELIVERY SPECIALIST
Nidhi is a systems-thinking consultant, change maker, and a lover of good chai.
Working in the intersections of tech, social justice and education, she has over 15 years of experience in shaping purpose-driven organisations.
She is an extremely curious individual who loves solving complex problems, building community and challenging existing systems of oppression.
BETHANY WHITE
SENIOR MANAGER, EMPLOYER PARTNERSHIPS
Beth is a customer experience professional with a diverse background in continuous improvement, member engagement, and event management.
With extensive experience globally and in senior management positions across local government and not-for-profit she excels in collaborative project management and crafting engaging customer experience journeys.
Outside of work, you'll often find Beth down at the beach during whale season, armed with binoculars and a cup of coffee, or getting creative in the kitchen, baking up gluten-free treats.
ASTRID EDWARDS
LEARNING DESIGN SPECIALIST
Bibliophile, educator and interviewer. Astrid is an expert at creating learning materials and delivering professional development experiences.
She is a cross-disciplinary PhD candidate in Journalism and Publishing at the University of Melbourne. She writes literary criticism and sometimes judges literary prizes, including the Stella Prize.
Astrid taught in the Associate Degree of Professional Writing and Editing at RMIT University for seven years. Prior to that, she was an economics and policy consultant specialising in social and climate policy.
She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
LUCY HOLT
PRODUCT SPECIALIST
Lucy has devoted 15 years to product, striving to create experiences that customers love.
Her career highlights include working at Electronic Arts, Air New Zealand and TVNZ.
Outside of work she enjoys exploring the beautiful outdoors, and sharing food with family and friends.
TENIOLA KOMOLAFE
SENIOR MANAGER, CHANGE MAKERS
A citizen of three countries, Teniola is passionate about people and the unique stories they share. She has proclaimed herself to be the people's cheerleader and loves to encourage those around her to be the best they can be.
In addition to that, she also has a diverse skill set gained through her creative background in media, communication and entrepreneurship as she ran her own business successfully for 6+ years prior to working at Future Women.
Above all, it's her honest devotion towards a flourishing team culture that she brings to not only FW but to those who come to Change Makers to better themselves.
ELLENI TSAKETAS
SENIOR MEMBERSHIPS MANAGER
A passionate marketing specialist who loves helping people grow and achieve their goals.
Elleni is experienced in creating personalised campaigns, supporting individuals’ ability to learn and develop their careers.
When she’s not working, she’s probably painting or arranging flowers.
KATALIN KARA
SENIOR DATA AND REPORTING MANAGER
Driven by a desire to tackle challenges head-on, Kata is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in marketing, project management, data analysis, risk management and more across Europe and Australia.
Kata thrives in analytical roles where she can translate data into actionable strategies.
If she’s not knee deep in a spreadsheet, you’ll find her on the tennis court, at the gym, or engrossed in the latest live theatre show, cherishing moments spent with friends or volunteering in the community.
EMMA PEI YIN
SENIOR CONTENT MANAGER
Emma is a British-born Hong Kong-Chinese writer. She contributes to The Mekong Review, The Hong Kong Review, Being Asian Australian, HerCanberra, Aniko Press, and Books + Publishing.
She is devoted to amplifying Asian voices within the Australian literary landscape and is passionate about advocacy work in the migrant women's space.
AMY MCCABE
SENIOR MENTORING MANAGER
As Mentoring Manager, Amy loves linking Future Women members with experts and leaders to help them thrive. Hailing from a farm in South Australia where she grew up with three brothers, Amy isn’t afraid of a hard day’s work.
Amy is highly analytical and loves to solve difficult problems - a skill that her colleagues are endlessly grateful for. If she’s not working, she’s probably doing something sporty.
SAKURA MCCORKELL
SENIOR DATA AND REPORTING MANAGER
Project coordinator with a knack for creating meaningful experiences for participants in the Change Makers program, and wider online learning programs at Future Women.
Sakura takes a data-focused approach in streamlining CRM and reporting process, and outside of work spends her time completing her Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne or playing Aussie rules football.
KIRSTY DIXON
EMPLOYER PARTNERSHIPS SPECIALIST
Partnership and program manager, with a passion for fostering growth and helping people overcome barriers through meaningful connections.
Kirsty brings extensive experience leading industry partnerships and employability initiatives in the university sector, as well as perspectives from the technology, not-for-profit and broadcasting industries.
An avid music and theatre lover, Kirsty finds joy in a good cup of coffee and embracing the chaos of her young family.
CANDICE CLERICI
DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR
Candice is a data driven digital marketer with over 14 years experience.
Over her career she has worked for organisations including the ABC and Foxtel, as well as working for national and international clients at leading marketing agencies. During this time she has utilised her understanding of digital trends and opportunities to deliver insight-led strategic campaigns across a variety of marketing platforms.
Away from the screen you'll find her wandering her local farmers market or walking along the water.
NIDHI KALAIYA
SPECIAL PROJECTS DELIVERY SPECIALIST
Nidhi is a systems-thinking consultant, change maker, and a lover of good chai.
Working in the intersections of tech, social justice and education, she has over 15 years of experience in shaping purpose-driven organisations. She is an extremely curious individual who loves solving complex problems, building community and challenging existing systems of oppression. Through co-creation and collaboration, Nidhi has worked on projects that centre racial and gender equity, the environment and economic justice, with organisations such as Go1, Kind Enterprises, Beyond Blue and The Sharing Stories Foundation.
Additionally, Nidhi is an occasional writer, podcast host and the visionary behind zuka, a holistic consulting agency committed to an anti-colonial and intersectional approach for organisational change.
MIKAELEWA AMBERBER
SENIOR MANAGER, PROGRAM DELIVERY AND REPORTING
Project coordinator with a knack for creating meaningful experiences for participants in the Change Makers program, and wider online learning programs at Future Women.
Sakura takes a data-focused approach in streamlining CRM and reporting process, and outside of work spends her time completing her Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne or playing Aussie rules football.
EMILY LIENERT
COMMUNITY AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
A proud Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Yaegl woman, Emily is a tireless advocate for First Nations right and intersectional feminism. Emily is deeply passionate about social justice and equity, which serve as the driving forces behind her many ventures.
As a manager at FW Jobs Academy, Emily supports women to gain the skills, confidence and connections they need to return to the workforce. Alongside this, Emily advocates for First Nations Elders and artists through her artist management business and facilitates creative learning programs through her role as an artist educator.
IREMIDE AYONRINDE
PLATINUM+: EMERGING LEADERS COORDINATOR
A strong advocate for gender equality, human rights and community development.
Iremide divides her time between her roles as our Platinum+: Emerging Leaders Coordinator, a Youth Activist with Plan International Australia, and the Community Engagement Coordinator for the United African Farm, here in Melbourne.
Committed to education, she is also currently undertaking a Bachelor of Arts - with double majors in International Relations & Middle Eastern Politics, whilst also pursuing a minor in Arabic.
EDEN TIMBERY
NEWSLETTERS MANAGER
Storyteller and creative who always loves to learn new things.
Eden approaches work and life with an efficient and adaptable mindset, always striving to keep themselves and those around them on their toes. They enjoy discovering new ways to bring different ideas, experiences and people together, particularly when it comes to the content they create at FW and beyond.
When they're not working, they'll probably have their nose buried in a book with a freshly brewed cup of tea in hand.
BIANCA KENDRICK
LIVE DELIVERY MANAGER
Bianca is devoted to empowering communities through impactful campaigns and projects, a fervour demonstrated through her experience across gender equity organisations.
Currently pursuing a Masters in Public Policy, she is focused on translating the pragmatic and innovative skills she learns into tangible and meaningful change.
Beyond the classroom and workspace, you will find Bianca unwinding at the park or beach.
MARCHELLA RUSCIANO-BARROW
CONTENT AND COMMUNITY ASSISTANT
A creative worker, with a keen eye for detail.
Marchella has experience in the film industry as a production assistant and runner, as well as a social media managing for the podcast, Emsolation.
Marchella has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne, where she majored in Creative Writing and Gender Studies.
In her downtime she loves to paint, read and head to the theatre to see the latest musical.
ISABELLE CUMMANE
JOBS ACADEMY ASSISTANT
A team-focused and goal driven with an avid commitment to leading authentically and inclusively.
Isabelle is an international studies and psychology student, and plays an active role in university leadership. In 2023, she is excited to create a Safe & Sexy week with the women’s committee on campus.
In her spare time she coaches cricket, plays guitar and loves exploring waterfalls.
ANNELIESE DUURSMA
CONTENT AND COMMUNITY ASSISTANT
A creative force with a flair for innovation, Anneliese is a digital enthusiast with a dynamic background in radio and publishing.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Anneliese channels her love for all things creative by crafting mesmerising cakes and engaging in various craft projects. During her leisure moments, you can catch her immersed in the creation and enjoyment of cake decorating TikToks and Insta reels.
LUCY MCCABE
LEARNING DELIVERY ASSISTANT
Learning delivery assistant with a knack for all things organisational who is happiest when working in a team.
Lucy is studying a bachelor of business majoring in HR and Marketing at the University of South Australia. She is most excited to hone her leadership skills.
When she’s not working you’ll find Lucy studying, playing netball or taking a walk.
SOPHIE KING
ONLINE LEARNING DELIVERY INTERN
Sophie is a student, a disability support worker and a personal development workshop facilitator who brings a demonstrated knowledge of supporting her community to her work at FW.
She’s also currently undertaking an arts degree majoring in Media and English as well as Theatre Studies and understands the power of storytelling in affecting real-world change.
When she’s not hitting the books or running a workshop you’ll find Sophie in the sun with a good book or at the theatre.
IONA BULFORD
JOBS ACADEMY INTERN
An enthusiastic team-player, with a strong focus on communication and connection.
In addition to her role at FW, Iona is a post-graduate psychology student who enjoys applying her research in mental health and gender to her work.
When not working or studying, Iona can be found playing football (AFL), at the movies or going hiking with her friends.
GABRIELLE BURRELL
LEARNING DELIVERY INTERN
Gabrielle is a university student undertaking Actuarial Studies with a love of learning that ranges from maths to social justice, women’s rights and climate change.
She brings a collaborative spirit to everything she does and serves as Charity Convenor at her residential college, coordinating events and raising funds for worthy causes.
When she’s not in the midst of work or study you’ll find Gabrielle with her friends, family or a bar of chocolate.
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