International Women's Day 2025

About the Guests:

Paula Duncan AM: An acclaimed Australian actress, Paula Duncan has received multiple Logie Awards and an Order of Australia for her contributions to acting and charity work. She is also an ambassador for women's health and actively involved in organizations supporting people with disabilities.

Bridget Clark: Accomplished rugby player, Bridget Clark is a prominent member of the Australian national Rugby Sevens team and an Olympian who competed in the Paris 2024 games. Her commitment to the sport exemplifies dedication and perseverance.

Amy Rickson: Currently the Chief People Officer at Hub24 Limited, Amy Rickson specializes in human resources with a focus on gender equality in the workplace. She speaks passionately about bridging inequality and supporting women in their careers.

Annabelle Cowley: A software engineer at Canva and diversity and inclusion advocate at UTS, Annabelle Cowley is invested in making the tech industry more inclusive and equitable for women and minorities.

Episode Summary:

This episode of "Exceptional," we dive into Santa Sabina College's International Women's Day event "March Forward"—a powerful panel showcasing how Old Girls are smashing barriers across Australia.

Paula Duncan kicks things off with her no-nonsense approach to resilience, sharing how she pushes through when the pressure's on. Then Bridget Clark takes us from local rugby fields straight to Olympic glory. Amy Rickson and Annabelle Cowley tackle the workplace challenges women face daily. They address bias issues plaguing Australia's tech industry or how these systemic problems block career advancement. Instead, they share practical strategies for navigating these challenges while pushing for genuine diversity and inclusion.

Key Takeaways:

Resilience in Action: Paula Duncan emphasizes the importance of not giving up and trusting your instincts, as demonstrated through her personal and professional experiences.

Perseverance in Sports: Bridget Clark testifies to the power of hard work and perseverance, sharing her journey from a student at Santa Sabina to an Olympic rugby player.

Gender Equality: Amy Rickson discusses the barriers in workplaces regarding gender equality and highlights systemic biases and the solutions being implemented to promote diversity.

Financial Independence: Guests stress the importance of financial literacy and independence for young women, encouraging education and self-advocacy.

Supportive Community: The episode underscores the importance of community, mentorship, and the role of women's networks in advancing personal and professional growth.

Notable Quotes:

Paula Duncan: "Persistency, endurance, bravery, and courage are strong elements in the areas I've worked in."

Bridget Clark: "The hard work really does pay off; perseverance really paid off."

Amy Rickson: "Unconscious bias is the number one challenge—it exists everywhere, and understanding it is crucial."

Annabelle Cowley: "Spend your time where you're happiest; enjoy what's in front of you right now."

Paula Duncan: "Trust your instincts more—mentally, physically, and emotionally."

For any thoughts, comments and suggestions regarding this episode, feel free to contact us at [e-mail]. Join the conversation on  Santa Sabina College Alumni Facebook Group. 

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