Meeting the Leading Ladies of 2026

These incredible women have been described as devoted team leaders, champions of growth, invested mentors and generous spirits. Thank you for submitting your nominations!

International Women's Day 2026

/

Meet our Leading Ladies for 2026

/

Give to Gain

/

Elda Conte

Reason for Nomination:

Elda leads with strength, authenticity, and unwavering purpose. She proves that true power comes from self-belief and resilience, empowering the women around her through actions rather than words alone.

.

Bron Nicoll

Reason for Nomination:

An inspiring and devoted single mother, Bron has become a cornerstone of her organisation, transforming the finance team through her leadership and vision. Beyond her professional excellence, she gives generously to not-for-profit organisations, uplifting everyone around her.

.

Caroline Wood

Reason for Nomination:

Caroline is indispensable - her administrative excellence in the business keeps everything running and sets the standard for those around her.

.

Nicole Bettinotti

Reason for Nomination:

Nicole works to connect people across industries and business lines, championing women in underrepresented fields like Operations and encouraging a variety of perspectives to be represented.

.

Finella Oakley

Reason for Nomination:

Finella leads her national team with a rare blend of professionalism, warmth, and humour. She is both a cornerstone of the organisation and the heart of its culture. She champions individual growth, bringing light, charisma and laughter into every room she enters.

.

Kellie Davies

Reason for Nomination:

With over 25 years of service, Kellie is renowned for her kindness and generosity. A true mentor to younger employees, she goes the extra mile to ensure everyone feels included, supported, and celebrated. One of the best work colleagues we have had the pleasure to work with.

.

Jessi Hyland

Reason for Nomination:

Jessi is the heart and soul of her team's support system. No job is too small or too large - she leads with grace, invests deeply in mentoring her people, and strengthens workplace culture through everything she does.

.

Kirsty McRobb

Reason for Nomination:

Kirsty's positivity and supportive nature bring a welcome lightness to the workplace - she has a wonderful ability to brighten any room she enters.

.

Lydia Tan

Reason for Nomination:

Lydia is a highly accomplished lawyer who chose to migrate and start her career over in a new country - and excelled. She is proof that having a family does not mean giving up your ambitions.

.

Lana Gregory

Reason for Nomination:

Lana's expertise in regulatory affairs ensures complex processes run smoothly. By giving her time, knowledge, and unwavering attention to detail, she turns challenges into outcomes and enables her colleagues to work with confidence.

.

Leab Sek

Reason for Nomination:

A driving force behind her team's regulatory work, Leab navigates complex approval requirements to ensure critical milestones are met. She generously shares her knowledge and takes ownership of challenges, enabling others to succeed.

.

Abby Hammerstein

Reason for Nomination:

Abby's leadership extends beyond business into advocacy for women and diversity. Known as a safe and honest voice for challenging conversations, her empathy has helped many women in the business grow into leaders themselves.

.

Lisa Vergadin

Reason for Nomination:

Lisa goes out of her way to help every time - responding with kindness and always taking it one step further. She goes above and beyond for her clients, and is deeply appreciated by those around her.

.

Zivai Matipano

Reason for Nomination:

With fresh perspective, Zivai brings genuine energy to her team. She leads by example, championing connection, inclusivity, and growth - encouraging those around her to embrace their best selves.

.

Bec Armarego

Reason for Nomination:

A rising star in commercial construction, Bec leads her large and diverse team with dedication in a traditionally male-dominated industry. A ray of sunshine, she uplifts everyone around her and is always willing to lend a hand.

.

Jennifer Moore

Reason for Nomination:

Jen balances excellence with integrity. An incredible mentor, she has underpinned her team with values of inclusivity and respect - defining the gold standard.

.

Chloe Hyland

Reason for Nomination:

Chloe embodies the collaborative spirit that drives success. She goes above and beyond to support her colleagues, generously sharing insights and creative solutions that make her an invaluable part of the team.

.

Amenah Pirooz

Reason for Nomination:

The unsung heroes of 101 Collins, Shivalika Sundriyal and Amenah Pirooz soothe little ones, calm anxious parents, celebrate every milestone, and guide children until they're ready for big school - they're deeply connected to the families of 101 Collins.

.

Shivalika Sundriyal

Reason for Nomination:

The unsung heroes of 101 Collins, Shivalika Sundriyal and Amenah Pirooz soothe little ones, calm anxious parents, celebrate every milestone, and guide children until they're ready for big school - they're deeply connected to the families of 101 Collins.

.

Jane Solly

Reason for Nomination:

Jane has been instrumental in creating a collaborative work environment through her leadership and willingness to volunteer for company-wide initiatives, inspiring others to embrace the same unified, inclusive spirit.

.

Ursula Valkanoff

Reason for Nomination:

A true self-starter, Ursula approaches every challenge with confidence and determination. Always willing to learn, she supports her colleagues and is ready to step in anytime to ensure the team's success.


.

Renee Backman

Reason for Nomination:

A well of wisdom, patience, and kindness, Renee has been a mentor and role model since day one. She embodies the qualities we all strive for and brings her best to the workplace each day.

.