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Woman
of the Month
Katarina Throssell
Meet Katarina Throssell, a Senior Investment Associate at Giant Leap, an Australian venture capital fund investing in mission-driven companies tackling global challenges in climate, health, empowerment, and education.
Katarina brings a rich background in commercial litigation, policy work, and the non-profit sector, allowing her to navigate the complexities of impact investing with a unique perspective. Her journey has spanned roles in litigation, climate policy initiatives, and not-for-profit leadership, reflecting her commitment to creating positive change. At Giant Leap, she’s inspired daily by mission-driven founders and is passionate about scaling solutions that can make a real-world impact on urgent issues.
Katarina brings a rich background in commercial litigation, policy work, and the non-profit sector, allowing her to navigate the complexities of impact investing with a unique perspective. Her journey has spanned roles in litigation, climate policy initiatives, and not-for-profit leadership, reflecting her commitment to creating positive change. At Giant Leap, she’s inspired daily by mission-driven founders and is passionate about scaling solutions that can make a real-world impact on urgent issues.
Gemma Crosby
Meet Gemma Crosby, an Economist in the Early Intervention and Reform team at the Department of Treasury and Finance.
She is passionate about addressing social issues like homelessness through preventive approaches. Gemma emphasises the importance of work-life balance and building connections. She advocates for more support for women in male-dominated fields like economics, drawing on her experience in roles such as Campaign Manager for Raise Our Voice in Parliament.
She is passionate about addressing social issues like homelessness through preventive approaches. Gemma emphasises the importance of work-life balance and building connections. She advocates for more support for women in male-dominated fields like economics, drawing on her experience in roles such as Campaign Manager for Raise Our Voice in Parliament.
Danielle Wood
Meet Danielle Wood, the Chair of the Productivity Commission, where she leads independent research and advises the Australian Government on policies affecting the nation's economic, social, and environmental welfare. With a distinguished career that includes roles as CEO of the Grattan Institute and time at the ACCC, Danielle’s expertise and leadership have been pivotal in shaping national policy. She is also an Honorary Fellow and former President of the Economic Society of Australia, and co-founded the Women in Economics Network, highlighting her commitment to empowering women in economics.
In 2024, Danielle was recognised as the overall winner of the Australian Financial Review’s Women in Leadership Award, a testament to her leadership and advocacy. Discover her insights on policy-making and her advice for the next generation of women in the industry.
In 2024, Danielle was recognised as the overall winner of the Australian Financial Review’s Women in Leadership Award, a testament to her leadership and advocacy. Discover her insights on policy-making and her advice for the next generation of women in the industry.
Siobhan Toohill
Meet Siobhan Toohill, the dynamic former Chief Sustainability Officer of Westpac who is now embarking on an exciting portfolio career. In 2024, she won the prestigious Women in Leadership Award in the financial services (banking sector), a testament to her outstanding contributions. With a passion for integrating sustainability into corporate strategy, Siobhan has been at the forefront of initiatives addressing climate action, human rights, and strategic philanthropy. Her innovative approach and dedication to making a positive impact make her a true leader in the field of sustainability. Discover what drives Siobhan, the challenges she has overcome, and the wisdom she imparts to the next generation of women in this field.
Jessica Chanell
Jessica Chanell is a Principal at ICG, specialising in business development across Australia's wholesale market. She emphasises the importance of understanding your strengths and exploring the diverse opportunities available in finance. Her involvement with 100 Women in Finance has deepened her commitment to creating supportive networks and empowering women in the industry. Jessica is passionate about mentoring young professionals and fostering connections that support women's career advancement.
Mary Doyle
Mary Doyle MP embodies the passion and drive of a great politician. She has worked hard for her position as a Federal Member for Aston, coming into the role through a by-election election in 2023. Her determination and courage, despite the hardships life has thrown at her, should inspire women everywhere.
Her rise into office offers guidance to young women seeking to pursue politics; taking unconventional routes to reach where she is today. Having backgrounds in multiple different Unions has allowed Mary to build an incredible skill base supporting her in her job as a Minister.
Her rise into office offers guidance to young women seeking to pursue politics; taking unconventional routes to reach where she is today. Having backgrounds in multiple different Unions has allowed Mary to build an incredible skill base supporting her in her job as a Minister.
Effie Tan
Effie Tan is an Assistant Director at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, where she works on climate policies. Discover her journey, insights, and advice for young women in this profile.
Katie Chen
Katie Chen is a dedicated professional in the field of housing policy with a strong commitment to data-driven, compassionate, and evidence-based approaches. With previous experience in regulatory bodies focusing on childcare and energy, she brings a wealth of knowledge in social, environmental, and energy policy. Katie's experience in the public sector has equipped her with valuable skills and a growing curiosity, driving her ambition to make a positive impact on Australian policy.
Abbey Dalton
Abbey is a first-generation lawyer and is currently working as a lawyer at Moores, a midsize firm which services the for-purpose sector. She is also one of the co-founders and co-chair of the Disabled Australian Lawyers Association. Abbey is an amazing advocate for inclusion for disabled individuals in the law and social justice sphere.
Camilla Love
Camilla Love has extensive experience within the industry, ranging across marketing, sales, finance and strategy. Beyond these achievements, Camilla plays a meaningful role in pioneering increased female representation within the finance industry. As the founder of F3 – Future Females in Finance, Camilla discusses her motivations to create the program and how they accomplish the objectives of the program.
Sonia Lim
Sonia is the founder of the Women in Commerce and Politics club. Since graduating from the University of Melbourne, Sonia has undertaken several legal internships and the role of executive director for her family business. Sonia is a determined and inspirational woman, who pioneers for change through voicing a need for female involvement and support within Commerce and Politics. Her involvement at the University has undoubtedly had a lasting impact, with the legacy of WCP continuing to champion gender equality in these fields.
Michellyn Ing
Michellyn Ing is an Actuarial Analyst at AM Actuaries and a University of Melbourne alumni. Having completed the Bachelor of Commerce in June this year, Michellyn discusses her motivations for pursuing a career in Actuarial science and what her current role entails. Notably, Michellyn describes initiatives she wishes to see promoting gender diversity within the field.
Zoe RYAN
Zoe Ryan is the Enterprise Analytics Team Manager at Bloomberg LP. Having studied law and business with a focus on Economics, Zoe is now an experienced Sales Account Manager with vast experiences in the financial services industry expanding in both London and Sydney.
She is an inspiration to women intending to leave a mark in any occupation. Today, we got the opportunity to talk to her and gain some insight on her journey.
She is an inspiration to women intending to leave a mark in any occupation. Today, we got the opportunity to talk to her and gain some insight on her journey.
Suvi LOKUGE
Suvi has an amazing insight in working in government and the public service. Currently a senior economist at the Department of Treasury and Finance and has been working in the Victorian department for over a year. She also has experience working in the Productivity Commission and the Essential Services Commission. Some notable projects include the National Water Reform Inquiry as well as focusing on the Schools’ Policy Group more recently.
Mandy DANTE
Mandy Dante is the Founder and CEO of Flourish Girl, Australia’s leading rites of passage programs that work with teenage girls & gender diverse students between 13-17 years old to build their self-awareness, self-confidence and social connectedness within their school community and other trusted relationships. Also an ex-speech pathologist, TEDx Speaker and an Australian Accredited Facilitator, Mandy is the first-senior female facilitator at The Rites of Passage Institute.
Kate GATFIELD-JEFFRIES
Kate Gatfield-Jeffries is an entrepreneur and diversity champion for young women. She has founded and been involved in leading several large-scale mentoring programmes to improve intersectional diversity and provide women with career opportunities in male-dominated pathways.
After finishing Law and Commerce degrees last year, Kate launched Moodi, a women-centric mental wellness brand. She is also the Director of Wave Seven, Australasia’s first TikTok-exclusive digital marketing agency. Kate won EY Global Corporate Finance Woman of the Year, was recognised as the New Zealand Young Woman of Influence Winner and listed in IFSA’s global 25 under 25.
After finishing Law and Commerce degrees last year, Kate launched Moodi, a women-centric mental wellness brand. She is also the Director of Wave Seven, Australasia’s first TikTok-exclusive digital marketing agency. Kate won EY Global Corporate Finance Woman of the Year, was recognised as the New Zealand Young Woman of Influence Winner and listed in IFSA’s global 25 under 25.
Annika REYNOLDS
Annika Reynolds is a young leader in the Australian climate justice movement and a non-binary advocate. They are the CEO and Founder of GreenLaw, a youth-led research institute leveraging the vision of the next generation of legal researchers and lawyers to tackle the climate crisis. Annika is also an inaugural Youth Chair of Environment and Human Rights at Australian Lawyers for Human Rights. Annika is a recognised international speaker and writer with words in New Mandala, International Law Association Reporter, Women's Agenda, The Canberra Times and Pro Bono News. They are also a published academic on environmental law reform, human rights and climate change topics.
Geraldine JOHNS-PUTRA
Geraldine Johns-Putra is the Principal Lawyer at her own Law Practice, Geraldine Grace. Here, she works almost exclusively in impact investing, ESG, corporate governance and modern slavery. As a result of her work, in 2021 and 2020, she was awarded the title of Recognised Individual for Mergers and Acquisitions Law.
In her spare time, Geraldine hosts the New Earth Law podcast to inspire members of the industry to build a better world.
In her spare time, Geraldine hosts the New Earth Law podcast to inspire members of the industry to build a better world.
Stacey PETTIT
Stacey Pettit is currently a General Counsel at GeelongPort, a company on Wadawarrung country. In this role, she is primarily responsible for the legal, governance and corporate affairs of the company. Prior to taking on this role, Stacey has spent the majority of her career working in senior legal roles across government organisations, and private and publicly listed companies.
Stacey is passionate about getting involved, building relationships and supporting lawyers new to in-house practice.
Stacey is passionate about getting involved, building relationships and supporting lawyers new to in-house practice.
Monique HURLEY
Monique Hurley is a Senior Lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre where she works in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organizations to identify opportunities to eliminate racial injustice. Prior to this, Monique studied overseas at Columbia Law School where she was a Fullbright Scholar and had the opportunity to work at the UN.
Amity MARA
Amity Mara is the Director of Campaigns and Strategy at the Foundation for Young Australians. In this role, she has had the opportunity to inspire young people and help organise their communities to campaign for a better future. Prior to this, Amity has worked extensively in advocacy with organizations like Democracy in Colour, the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and Get Up.
Ashlee CHAPMAN
Ashlee Chapman comes from the world of law and management consulting, but she has recently shifted gears into the creative, innovative start-up space. These days, Ashlee is the Chief of Staff at the EdTech start-up Vygo. When she isn’t working on projects at Vygo, you can find her at Startmate where she coaches young people and helps turn their start-up dreams into a reality.
Bessie ZHANG
Bessie Zhang, currently volunteering at Moral Fairground, has dedicated herself to being a business woman with a social conscience. Having worked at multiple social business enterprises, she has had a hand in running social programs with asylum seekers, raising funds for girls’ education in Cambodia and promoting fair trade on the world stage.
Sarah MANYOK
Sarah Manyok is the current CEO and Director of Millennium Disability Care, a Disability services provider. In this role, not only has she made a huge impact within the disability service realm, but she has also been able to advocate for differently-abled people. Outside of work, Sarah volunteers a lot of her time as a youth worker, empowering vulnerable youth.
Kristy MASELLA
Kristy Masella has spent the majority of her life advocating for and working within Aboriginal communities in Australia. Since 2014, this has led Kristy to step up as the CEO of Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES), the largest and most successful Indigenous recruitment and group training company. Her impactful work has seen Kristy nominated for many awards including her recognition as one of Australia’s Top 100 Most Influential Women by the Australian Financial Review.
Today, she reflects on her goals for AES, and her hopes for the future of Aboriginal Australia.
Today, she reflects on her goals for AES, and her hopes for the future of Aboriginal Australia.
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