About
The Women of the World Networking Series brings together students, young alumnae, and inspiring leaders for meaningful conversations that spark ideas, build confidence, and expand networks.
Featuring dynamic panellists from diverse industries and experiences, the series creates a space for insightful discussion, authentic connection, and shared learning. Each event is designed to empower the next generation of women with the knowledge, perspectives, and relationships to navigate their personal and professional journeys with confidence.
History
Note: the occupations listed for each participant below reflect information provided at the time of the event. Years denote residency at The Women's College.
2019 | Women in Medicine
Panellists:
- Sylvie Giguere (2013 – 2015) | Final-year medical student at The University of Queensland
- Dr Yasmin Harvey | Haematologist, Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology
- Dr Jacqueline Mills (2010 – 2012) | Senior House Officer, Children's Emergency Department, Prince Charles Hospital
- Dr Helen O'Toole | Consultant Anaesthetist, Gabba Anaesthetic Services
2020 | Women in Business, Commerce and Law
Panellists:
- Sophie Gibson (2005 – 2006) | Barrister, Level Twenty Seven Chambers
- Joanna Jenkins (1982 – 1984) | Retired Lawyer & Former Partner, Ashurst
- Jane Schmitt | CEO, AMA Queensland
- Frances Wright (1988 – 2001) | Executive Manager Business Lending Operations, Suncorp
2021 | Women in Allied Health
Panellists:
- Megan Dalton (1977 – 1979) | Physiotherapist and Deputy Head, School of Allied Health, ACU
- Dr Caroline Gee (2004 – 2006) | Clinical Supervisor, Relationships Australia Queensland
- Roxanne Innes (1981 – 1983) | Speech Pathologist, Hear and Say
- Tamara Robson (1996 – 1999) | Advanced Occupational Therapist, Rockhampton Hospital
- Dr Tina Skinner | Clinical Exercise Physiologist, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Scientists, UQ
2022 | Women in Design, Planning & Environment
Panellists:
- Suzanne Bosanquet (1994) | Architect, Suzanne Bosanquet Architect
- Medina Handley (1999 – 2001) | Integrated Planning Coordinator, Seqwater
- Kelsey Mundt (2010 – 2012) | Senior Engineer, Engeny
- Phoebe Thomas (2009 – 2011) | Senior Interior Designer, Conrad Gargett
2022 | Women in Economics & Law
Panellists:
- Carly Kind (2001 – 2003) | Human Rights Lawyer & Director, Ada Lovelace Institute London
- Dr Leonora Risse (1997 – 2000) | Economist & Senior Lecturer, RMIT University Melbourne
- Olivia Williamson (1999– 2003) | Town Planning and Environmental Lawyer & Senior Associate, HopgoodGanim Lawyers Brisbane
- Paula Wilton (1988 – 1990) | Health Economist Consultant, Private & Public Sectors Melbourne
2022 | Women in Education
Panellists:
- Alexandra Cochran (2009 – 2011) | Years 11 and 12 Culture & Engagement Coordinator, Whites Hill State College
- Briana Seibel | Acting Head of Technologies, Brisbane South State Secondary College
- Janet Stewart | Principal, Moreton Bay College
- Rebecca Sullivan (1999 – 2001) | Dean of Students, Ipswich Girls' Grammar School
2023 | Women in Healthcare
Panellists:
- Izzy Graham (2013 – 2014) | Flight Nurse and Midwife, Royal Flying Doctor Service
- Dr Rebecca Lyon (2002 – 2004) | Head, UQ Regional Training Hub Southern Queensland & Academic Lead, Toowoomba Regional Clinical Unit, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland
- Dr Nina Petroff (1992 – 1994) | Consultant Psychiatrist, Bellmount House
- Kaitlyn Spalding (2008 – 2010) | Occupational Therapy Lecturer, Griffith University & Advanced Occupational Therapist, STARS
- Felicity Storie (2009 – 2010) | Mental Health Social Worker & Counsellor, Calming Mind Counselling Brisbane
2023 | Women in STEM
Panellists:
- Medina Handley (1999 – 2001) | Integrated Planning Coordinator, Seqwater
- Dr Sally Shrapnel (1988 – 1990) | Quantum research scientist, data scientist, philosopher & medical practitioner
- Bianca Watt (2012 – 2014) | Senior Strategy & Operations Manager – Membership, Uber
- Bree Zannes (1999 – 2002) | Manager Engineering Quality, Airbus
2024 | Women in Leadership
Panellists:
- Juliet Alabaster (1998 – 2000) | Chief Operating Officer, Brisbane Economic Development Agency
- Jo Cope (1988 – 1990) | Managing Director & CEO, Providior
- Dr Alena Griffiths (1989 – 1991) | Director, RGB Assurance
- Edwina Kaupa (1999 – 2001) | Senior Associate / Senior Manager, EY Law
- Sally McPherson (1999 – 2002) | Founder & Non-Executive Director, Constructiv Technologies
- Dr Kay Strom (1981 – 1983) | Co-Founder / Director, Iris Education
Facilitator:
- Dr Leonora Risse (1997 – 2000) | Economist and Research Fellow with Women’s Leadership Institute Australia
2025 | Women in Government & Politics
Panellists:
- Sallyanne Atkinson AO (1960) | Former Lord Mayor of Brisbane
- Dr Donna Bennett (1979 – 1980) | Agriculture Counsellor – Middle East & North Africa | The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- Leigh McCready (1995 – 1997) | Senior Policy Advisor – Employment and Training | Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training
- Kerry Petersen | Chief Impact Officer, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee
- Dr Leonora Risse (1997 – 2000) | Economist & Program Director, Pathways to Politics for Women, University of Canberra
- Councillor Dr Rebecca Vonhoff (2001 – 2002) | Deputy Mayor, Toowoomba Regional Council
Facilitator:
- Georgina Robinson (2000) | Principal Consultant, Three Plus & former journalist
2026 | Women in Media
Panellists:
- Samantha Heathwood (2000 – 2002) | Newsreader & Journalist
- Bronte Langbroek (2011 – 2013) | Radio Announcer
- Nikki Parkinson (1985) | Former Journalist, turned Blogger
- Risa Utama (2018 – 2020) | Television News Reporter
Facilitator:
- Georgina Robinson (2000) | Former Sports Writer, turned Communications Consultant