Women across Australia are leading significant change in all areas of life, including business, science, tech, climate and health.
Their efforts and critically important work were recognised at the 2024 Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards at a ceremony in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
Renowned human rights lawyer and barrister Jennifer Robinson gave a powerful keynote speech at the event, addressing the need for systems and structures to support women in leadership and in the legal system.
When it comes to “imposter syndrome”, Robinson said “this is not that there’s something wrong with me or that I don’t feel like I belong. I’m in places where we traditionally have not belonged but we’re still not treated with the respect that we deserve and we continually have to take up space and be unapologetic about it”.
The 2024 Agenda Setter of the Year, Larisha Jerome also delivered a powerful acceptance speech, saying:
“True liberation begins when we recognize our inherent worth and power, setting ourselves free from societal expectations and historical injustices.”
Here are the winners of the 2024 Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards.
Emerging Small Business Leader of the Year: Frances Bilbao
Frances Bilbao is the visionary founder of Mums Matter Psychology, delivering extraordinary expansion to serve 3,400 women nationwide and save the economy $49.5 million this year alone. Through her innovative bulk-billing model, Frances provides free perinatal mental health care to mothers across Australia. Mums Matter continues to flourish under her leadership, using technology and community partnerships to reshape the industry and make vital psychological support accessible to all families in need.
Frances impressed the judges with her passion, dedication, and work ethic, showcasing her leadership in a unique and impactful manner. The judges recognised her emerging influence through her ability to build and nurture ecosystems within her industry, as well as her commitment to identifying opportunities that elevate those around her. Frances is dedicated to creating meaningful connections and projects that drive progress, particularly for women in her field. Her vision, coupled with her collaborative spirit, positions her to make a significant impact not only in her sector but also on the next generation of leaders. For these reasons, the judges are proud to name Frances as the Emerging Small Business Leader for 2024.
Emerging Leader in the Private Sector: Izzy Jensen
Izzy Jensen is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Kakariki Capital, where she spearheads efforts to channel investment capital into nature-based climate solutions. With over a decade of expertise in carbon markets, Izzy played a key role in establishing a $100 million carbon development platform in Australia. She is now dedicated to transforming the carbon and environmental markets by making them more accessible and transparent, through education and the development of innovative investment products.
Izzy demonstrates courage, vulnerability, and integrity as she continues to show up and drive positive change in a challenging industry. The judges were impressed by her belief in the cause and her ability to navigate tough conversations with poise. Izzy is contributing to widespread impact, through her authentic and passionate voice.
Employer Initiative of the Year: Jetts Fitness
Jetts Fitness is dedicated to empowering women in the workplace through its THRIVE framework, which focuses on holistic team support. THRIVE encompasses key areas: Team Member Development, Health and Wellbeing, Recognition, Impact & Support, Values and Culture, and Engagement and Celebration. The framework includes initiatives like an unlimited learning and development budget, free Audible memberships, and an employee assistance program through MindFit. Jetts also fosters flexibility with benefits like early finishes on Fridays, ‘Santa Hours’ for holiday shopping, and free gym memberships.
Jetts Fitness has demonstrated exceptional leadership and raised workplace standards with their THRIVE framework, which is deeply integrated into their core business strategy. Jetts empowers its employees, particularly women, to thrive both personally and professionally. Their carefully crafted and strategically designed framework is not only a reflection of their commitment to fostering a positive work culture but also a key element in their broader retention strategy. By empowering employees and producing tangible outcomes with a focus on happiness, Jetts Fitness has set a new standard for workplace initiatives that truly drive both personal and business success.
Emerging Leader in Tech: Ghislaine Entwisle
Ghislaine is a Technology Consulting Managing Director and the National Diversity, Equity and Inclusion lead at Protiviti. She leads a diverse team and has championed events in allyship, indigenous awareness, gender transition and intersectionality. She has delivered thought leadership presentations on data governance, technology optimisation, innovation, inclusive leadership and leading diversity teams. She has advanced inclusivity beyond Protiviti through advocacy, amplification, activism and collaboration. She lifts women and women of colour to thrive in technology.
Ghislaine impressed the judges with her background as a management consultant, demonstrating a level of confidence and poise that sets her apart. Her ability to effectively manage a team of 350 people has been a transformative factor in her career, showcasing her readiness to tackle high-impact, challenging roles. The judges acknowledged that what she accomplishes in a week is nothing short of remarkable, and her career has already had a significant impact on the tech landscape. With a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, Ghislaine advocates tirelessly for underrepresented groups, particularly women of colour in tech. Her commitment to lifting others and creating opportunities is commendable, as evidenced by her willingness to elevate others in the industry, including providing key opportunities for speakers who reflect diverse voices. While the judges considered the impact of her work over the past 18 months, they unanimously agreed that Ghislaine is well-positioned to create lasting change and inspire the next generation of leaders in technology.
Emerging Leader in Science: Dr Vanessa Pirotta
Dr Vanessa Pirotta is a wildlife scientist, woman in STEMM/STEAM, science communicator, author and vessel operator. Vanessa’s research uses innovative technologies for wildlife conservation. Vanessa works collaboratively across both marine and terrestrial environments merging cutting edge tech to access animals in unique ways. Most notable works include drones to collect whale snot and the use of computer algorithms and AI for the detection of illegal wildlife trafficking.
Dr Vanessa Pirotta demonstrated to the judges her passion, dedication and work ethic in her field, showcasing her leadership in a distinctive way. The judges recognised that she is emerging through her work on a grassroots level in marine science, building community projects and elevating opportunities for women in the pacific region. Dr Pirotta has potential to make a huge impact on Australian marine science, and on the next generation of scientists, which is why the judges are naming her as the Emerging Leader in Science for 2024.
Emerging Leader in Climate & Sustainability: Victoria McKenzie-McHarg
Victoria is the CEO of Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA), Australia’s fastest growing community of women and gender-diverse environmental and climate leaders. In the last 12 months, her team has lifted the lid on the gendered nature of climate and environmental impacts in Australia. WELA’s groundbreaking new research report has spotlighted the benefits of diverse leadership in driving climate solutions, attracting mainstream media attention and sparking important discussions across the sector.
Victoria demonstrates exceptional leadership alongside an inspiring degree of personal commitment and vision for furthering women’s leadership in the climate and environmental sector. The judges were impressed by Victoria’s significant growth over her decade’s long career, working to bring large numbers of women into impact leadership roles in Australia where it’s really needed. It’s clear that winning this award will help Victoria to continue her critical mission within the climate and broader environmental field and inspire more women to do the same.
Emerging Leader in Health: Naba Alfayadh
Naba is a medical doctor, serial social entrepreneur and International Health Advisor. She is the Founder of Rahma Health, an organisation that supports refugee and migrant families to enjoy the magic of the first 5 years of a child’s life. Naba is reinventing global health access, helping re-write National and State guidelines to reflect the needs of Australian Multicultural Communities and ensuring equitable access to all. Rahma’s resources have helped families more than 0.5 million times. Naba studied Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Stanford University. Naba’s passion for refugee health is fueled by her own personal experience as a former refugee, fleeing the Iraq war in 2003.
The judges were blown away with Naba Alfayadh and her leadership within her health organisation, Rahma Health. Naba demonstrated a tenacious, purpose-led leadership style, engaging with governments and decision-making bodies whilst also doing work on the frontline. Her courage and inspired vision for the future is why the judges have selected Naba as the Emerging Leader in Health for 2024.
Emerging Leader in the NFP Sector: Naba Alfayadh
Naba is a powerful thought leader and clear visionary who has transformed global health access for refugee and migrant families through her organisation, Rahma Health. The judges were impressed by Naba’s passion, her profound understanding of the issue at hand, and her ability to manage the demands of full-time work while still funding and relentlessly driving her charity’s mission forward. Her timely and forward-thinking leadership positions her a trailblazer with great impact.
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year: Dr Angela Kwong
Dr. Angela Kwong is a General Practitioner with a special interest in medically supervised weight loss. She’s the creator of Enlighten Me, a medically supervised weight loss program that provides individualised medical care, and specific nutritional advice, alongside support, coaching and understanding.
Angela captivated the judges with her clear business model and innovative approach to addressing complex health challenges. They recognised her substantial vision and the potential of her venture to create a meaningful impact in a large market. Angela’s strategy for tackling these health issues is emerging as a promising solution. The judges noted that while Angela has confidently found her footing, her journey is marked by a wonderful blend of intentionality and adaptability. Her commitment to the greater good and inclusivity shines through, demonstrating her passion for making a positive difference. Angela is clearly making strides in her field, and for these reasons, the judges are delighted to name her as the Emerging Entrepreneur for 2024.
Agenda Setter of the Year: Larisha Jerome
Larisha Jerome is a proud Jarowair, Wakka Wakka and Wulli Wulli woman. She is an Economic Justice Advocate, Founder of Liberate with Larisha, Board Director of Jarowair Aboriginal Corporation, Host of the Rich Blak Women Podcast and an accomplished Speaker. Her aim is to redress the economic injustice that First Nations people face and to decolonise western money concepts. Her unique approach is centred in her lived experience and leverages the power of community, relational reciprocity, authenticity, and meaningful connections.
Larisha epitomised collaborative leadership and a clear, culturally inclusive approach to wealth building. Larisha’s pursuit to level the playing field for Indigenous Australians and break down barriers of economic injustice has been, and will continue to be, truly transformative.
Larisha closed the night with a powerful speech, dedicating her award “for the ancestors before us, for the First Nations girls that look up to us and the rich Blak women ahead of us”.