We are thrilled to announce the distinguished finalists for the 2024 Women’s College Alumnae Awards. These remarkable women epitomise excellence across a spectrum of fields, including business, economics, education, engineering, event management, law, and medicine. Their contributions have not only enriched their communities but have also left a lasting impact on the world.
Our annual Alumnae Awards honour the outstanding achievements of our alumnae, from those who are experienced in their careers to those who are just embarking on their new professions. The awards were launched in 2020 with the vision to celebrate the diverse accomplishments of our alumnae community who are making an impact on their communities and a difference in the world.
In our 110th Anniversary year, the 2024 Alumnae Awards are a wonderful way to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of your fellow Woozas. We encourage you to extend your congratulations to our finalists by leaving a comment on our LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram pages.
Our Finalists and Winners will be recognised at the Academic Dinner & Alumnae Awards on Thursday 7 March 2024.
After leaving Women’s, Kate Avery moved to Toowoomba to complete her Articles of Clerkship before returning to Brisbane.
Kate qualified as a Queensland Law Society (QLS) Accredited Specialist in Personal Injuries Law in 2005, and served on the QLS Advisory Committee for Specialist Accreditation for over 10 years. She worked as a sessional academic at both UQ and QUT.
In 2016, Kate started Brisbane’s first all-female partnership in personal injuries litigation – Kare Lawyers – with her business partner, Renee Eglinton. Kate and Renee take pride in providing high-value and compassionate services to their clients, some of the most vulnerable people in our community, while nurturing the next generation of lawyers in a supportive environment.
Alumna 1995 – 1996
Resident Assistant 1996
Anna McDougall currently works for BHP as a fly-in fly-out Project Engineer, based at Saraji Mine in Central Queensland. In this role, she is responsible for managing and executing projects of various sizes and complexity as part of the civil and mining portfolio.
During her residency at The Women’s College, Anna discovered her interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) and that she wanted to pursue a career in the mining industry. The opportunities and co-curricular involvement led her to be recognised as part of UQ’s Class of 2015 Future Leader’s Program.
As she continues to navigate through her career journey, Anna has gained a deep appreciation for the value of mentorship and guidance, which she pays forward through her involvement in the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy Women in Mining and Resources (WIMARQ) Girls Mentoring Program. Over the past three years, Anna has been privileged to work with inspiring and curious young women who are interested in careers in the resource sector.
Alumna 2011 – 2013
Student Club Social Convenor 2013
Rowing Convenor 2013
Rebecca Nicholas is a Deputy Principal at Brisbane State High School, one of the largest public high schools in Australia. In her role, Rebecca has led the development of digital pedagogies and data-informed teaching and learning.
Rebecca is an advocate and leader in geographical education at a national level. As well as teaching full time, she has been a volunteer on state associations in Queensland and Victoria, as well as Secretary of the Australian Geography Teachers Association for five years.
Rebecca was one of the two teachers selected on the Advisory Panel for the development of the first national F-12 Australian Curriculum for Geography and a writer of the Queensland and Victorian Senior Geography curriculum. She has presented workshops to teachers across the country and contributed to multiple geographical education publications. Rebecca has also been recognised by the geospatial industry for her role in promoting the use of spatial technologies in Australian classrooms.
Alumna 1997 – 1999
Student Club Secretary 1999
Junior Representative 1998
Nikki Parkinson is a businesswoman and online community leader who has built a multi-faceted career that spans 20 years in journalism before becoming one of Australia’s pioneer professional bloggers and most recently fashion designer.
Her online publishing business, Styling You, is a Queensland micro business Telstra Business Award winner. It attracts sponsorship from national brands such as FRANKIE4 footwear and Go-To skincare because of the highly engaged community Nikki has built and trust she has fostered.
In launching her own fashion label (Styling You The Label), she not only wanted to create Australian-made wardrobe essentials that simplified a busy woman’s wardrobe, she also wanted to disrupt the way that fashion is marketed to women. Unlike most brands, her designs are modelled on a diverse group of women.
Nikki has a strong core value of giving back, partnering with many charities, including Share The Dignity, Styling Station, The Lady Musgrave Trust and Suited to Success.
Alumna 1985
Dr Leonora Risse is an economist who specialises in gender equality. Her research and policy work focuses on closing gender gaps in the workforce, including the gender pay gap and women’s under-representation in leadership. She engages regularly with governments and organisations on gender equality policies.
Leonora is an Associate Professor at the University of Canberra and a Research Fellow with the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia. She serves as an Expert Panel Member on gender pay equity for the Fair Work Commission. Previously she held roles with the Australian Government Productivity Commission and the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard University.
Leonora is a co-founder and former National Chair of the Women in Economics Network (WEN), which supports and elevates women in the economics profession in Australia. One of WEN’s goals is to inspire more women to study economics and discover how economists can make a positive difference to society.
Alumna 1997 – 2000
College Magazine Co-Editor 2000
Dr Kay Strom is Co-Director of Iris Education, which she co-founded in 2015, and teaches in UQ’s Faculty of Medicine.
Kay graduated in 1986 and subsequently completed a Fellowship of General Practice and National Certificate of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH).
In addition to SRH, Kay has longstanding interests in communication, medical education and leadership. She has developed and delivered training programs across Queensland and Australia for three decades. Kay has specific expertise in Human Papilloma Virus and has played statewide and national roles in the education of health professionals around prevention of cervical cancer.
Since 2014, Kay has found immense joy in her role as a teacher and mentor to medical students at UQ. In 2020 she received the John Pearn Medal for teaching excellence in the Faculty of Medicine.
Kay also volunteers to assist refugee doctors on their journey to practice in Australia.
Alumna 1981 – 1983
Jan Willett is a senior leader in government, specialising in major events. Currently Principal at Jan Willett Consulting, Jan has held pivotal roles including Director of Events for the NSW Government, for almost two decades.
Jan orchestrated renowned events like Vivid Sydney, City to Surf, Mardi Gras, and the Invictus Games. Her board memberships include prestigious events such as the Women’s Basketball World Cup and Sydney World Pride. Jan’s advisory roles extend globally, offering counsel in Singapore, Dubai, and London.
With a foundation in education, Jan attributes her leadership skills to her earlier career. Her adeptness at leading large teams is evident in her roles, including the annual nationally broadcast Australia Day concert. Notably, she served as the Executive Producer for Sydney New Year’s Eve 2020.
Jan’s leadership earned her recognition, where she featured in The Courage to Lead podcast series with host Allan Sicard in 2023.
Alumna 1973 – 1975
Student Club Social Convenor 1975