Join us for a delightful morning celebrating women's achievements at our International Women's Day Breakfast!
We have a panel of inspiring women lined up to engage in a Q&A discussion, led by Rachael Parsons, Art Museum Director of the New England Regional Art Museum.
These women hail from different industries and have collectively spent decades going against the grain, following their instinct, and disrupting traditional work structures and social bias.
We encourage you to join us and hear about how each of them are forging women's economic and social empowerment and and are inspiring inclusion (the theme of this year's IWD), in all they do.
A delicious menu featuring brioche, croissants, french toast and frittata has been crafted by Enora and Nathan who own and operate the Cafe Patisserie here in Armidale. Coffee, as always, will be served.
However you identify, this is a gender inclusive event and everyone is invited.
#inspireinclusion #IWD2024
Panel Host
Rachael Parsons, Art Museum Director, New England Regional Art Museum
Rachael, an accomplished Australian curator, educator, and academic, currently serves as the Art Museum Director at the New England Regional Art Museum. With over 15 years of experience, she has curated exhibitions in various settings, including universities, commercial galleries, public institutions, and artist-run spaces.
At the New England Regional Art Museum, Rachael excelled as the Manager of Exhibitions and Curatorial, notably curating the esteemed "HINTON: Treasures of Australian Art" exhibition from the Howard Hinton Collection. Prior to her tenure at NERAM, Rachael held the position of Curator for Digital Media at QUT Precincts, where she curated groundbreaking exhibitions showcasing contemporary digital and new media artwork.
Rachael's commitment to fostering artistic talent is evident in her involvement with initiatives like Side Gallery and Vegas Spray, where she provided platforms for emerging and established artists to showcase their work. Additionally, Rachael has been an influential arts educator, tutoring in art theory and Creative Industries units at Queensland University of Technology since 2008. Her diverse background and dedication to the arts continue to enrich the cultural landscape of Brisbane and beyond.
Panellists
Steph Wanless, Co-founder and Editorial Director of FOUND Regional
Steph Wanless is the co-founder and editorial director of FOUND Regional. She enjoys good grammar, good gin and good times. A self-confessed perfectionist with a penchant for Saturday night lounge room discos, when she's not writing a story, interviewing someone for a story or editing a story, she's usually staring into space planning her next 10 stories. By creating FOUND Regional magazine and website, Steph's on a mission to celebrate the humans, businesses and creativity that collide to tell the true story of regional NSW.
Emily McOrist, Director of Development at The Armidale School
Emily McOrist boasts a versatile career spanning diverse industries, from IT software to pharmaceuticals to sports. Currently serving as the Director of Development at The Armidale School, she orchestrates marketing, communications, and fundraising efforts with strategic prowess. Previously, as the Chief Commercial Officer at Rowing Australia, Emily spearheaded business operations, sponsorship endeavors, and global promotion of Australian rowing, notably during Olympic and Paralympic events.
Prior to her role with Rowing Australia, Emily founded a successful venture aimed at enhancing national sports membership programs through global collaborations. Her leadership journey began as the Head of Membership at British Rowing, marked by significant achievements such as completing a Diploma in Marketing and being selected for the Women's Sport Leadership Academy by World Rowing.
Emily's passion for rowing, starting from her youth and leading to national success and academic achievements, has equipped her with transferable skills crucial for her ascent into leadership roles. Outside work, Emily enjoys family time with her husband Jock and staying active through cycling.
Charlotte Murray, Strategy and Transformation Expert
Charlotte Murray specialises in Transformation, Strategy, and People Experience, she is driven by a passion for fostering organisational cultures that thrive. She began her career as a management consultant in London, and has since held roles for some of Australia's largest companies since relocating a decade ago. Currently Charlotte is the Head of Transformation at Woolworths Group.
Having moved to Armidale two years ago, Charlotte has immersed herself in the local community and recently embraced a mentoring role at the SRI (Startup Regional Incubator). Charlotte's dedication to empowering organisations and driving positive change extends beyond the corporate realm and into the local community of New England.