2026 Alumnae Awards
The Women’s College Alumnae Awards proudly celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our alumnae who exemplify the College’s enduring values of leadership, service and positive community impact. These awards honour women who are shaping their professions, giving back to their communities and inspiring others through their actions and achievements.
Since their inception in 2020, the Alumnae Awards have highlighted the remarkable breadth and diversity of talent within our global alumnae community. From emerging leaders to established change-makers, recipients reflect the many ways Women’s College alumnae are making a difference – locally, nationally and internationally.
Pictured left to right: Alumna of the Year Award Winners Dr Margie Bale (2022), Amanda Johnston-Pell (2021), Kristie Young (2026), Professor Susan Moloney (2023) and Dr Leonora Risse (2024).
Latest news: 2026 winners announced!
It is our pleasure to introduce you to the winners of the 2026 Women’s College Alumnae Awards!
⭐️ Kristie Young (1992 – 1994), Alumna of the Year Award Winner
⭐️ Rachel Mackenzie (1991 – 1993), Community Alumna Award Winner
⭐️ Libby Munro (2000 – 2002), Inspirational Alumna Award Winner
⭐️ Bronte Langbroek (2011 – 2013), Young Alumna Award Winner
Announced at the Academic Dinner & Alumnae Awards held on Thursday 12 March at the College, these remarkable women represent the very best of our alumnae community. Each has forged an inspiring path in her field while making a meaningful contribution to her profession, community and society. Their achievements are a powerful reminder of the impact of Women’s College alumnae around the world – and the strength of a community that continues to support and inspire one another.
With many of our current students in the room on the evening, it was a powerful reminder of how alumnae leadership continues to inspire the next generation of Women’s College women.
2026 Alumnae Awards timeline
Nominations open
10:00am Thursday
30 October 2025
Nominations close
5:00pm Thursday
22 January 2026
Judging
Thursday
5 February 2026
Winners announced
Thursday
12 March 2026
Read the guidelines
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Meet the 2026 Alumnae Award Winners
Kristie Young (1992 – 1994)
Alumna of the Year Award Winner
During her time at UQ, Kristie Young was Treasurer of the Engineering Undergraduate Society (EUS) and Treasurer of the Mining and Metallurgy Association (MAMA). She began her career as a mining engineer after graduating. During the mid ‘90s, Kristie worked in both underground and open-cut mining operations before her career moved to include roles in Executive Search (resources), lecturing at Curtin University in mine finance and economics, and Business Development Director roles with professional services firms EY and PwC.
Today, Kristie is a professional Board Director serving as a Non-Executive Director with Brazilian Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:BRE), Livium Ltd (ASX:LIT), Corazon Mining Ltd (ASX:CZN), Tasmea Ltd (ASX:TEA) and MinEx CRC. She also sits on UQ’s EAIT Strategic Advisory Board.
Kristie is an active volunteer, mentor and advocate for industry, regularly giving of her time. She is a Graduate and Fellow of the AICD and a Fellow of the AusIMM.
Rachel Mackenzie (1991 – 1993)
Community Alumna Award Winner
As the CEO of Berries Australia, Rachel Mackenzie leads a $1.3 billion industry, navigating the “halls of power” to secure milestones like Vietnam blueberry market access and the $200 million Reef Rescue package. With 25 years of experience, Rachel excels in bridging the gap between farm-gate realities and national policy.
A proud alumna of The Women’s College, Rachel is a tireless champion for young women in agriculture, demonstrating that leadership in male-dominated spaces is built on collaboration and empathy. From managing national research projects at the Coastal CRC to leading the development the Fair Farms Initiative, Rachel’s career is defined by a commitment to teamwork and lifting others up.
A recipient of the 2018 Women in Horticulture Award, Rachel serves as a powerful mentor, proving that women can lead with integrity and influence at the highest levels. Her journey inspires the next generation to transform the industry from the field to the boardroom.
Libby Munro (2000 – 2002)
Inspirational Alumna Award Winner
Libby Munro is an award-winning actor and writer whose work spans theatre, film and television. She is a two-time Matilda Award winner for Best Female Actor in a Leading Role for critically acclaimed productions Venus in Fur and Grounded. Libby also wrote and starred in the thriller The Hunted, earning Best Actress awards in Los Angeles and Paris, and receiving a nomination for Best Australian Short Film at the St Kilda Film Festival.
Beyond the arts and with qualifications in nutrition and in health coaching, she founded Libby Munro Nutrition, an education-led health company supporting people worldwide with Hashimoto’s disease and autoimmune thyroid conditions through her signature holistic programs. Libby’s mission is to help people feel heard and empowered in their bodies.
Libby continues to create as an actor and writer – recently appearing as Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby – while leading a thriving online business.
Bronte Langbroek (2011 – 2013)
Young Alumna Award Winner
Bronte Langbroek grew up on the Gold Coast before moving to Brisbane and studying business management. Drawn to storytelling and entertainment from a young age, she launched her media career in 2012 at Nova 106.9 – an experience that sparked the beginning of a vibrant and varied journey across the Australian broadcasting landscape. Over the following decade, Bronte built a dynamic career in Australian radio, progressing through roles in promotions, sales, producing, and eventually becoming a full-time announcer. Bronte has worked with major networks including Southern Cross Austereo, the Australian Radio Network, Nova Entertainment and Grant Broadcasters, hosting both drive and breakfast shows across Queensland, NSW, Victoria and the ACT.
Since 2022, Bronte has co-hosted the Hit Queensland Breakfast Show, bringing an energetic, fresh and engaging voice to listeners across the state. With a deep love of pop culture, sport and connecting with audiences, Bronte continues to craft a vibrant and authentic presence in the world of radio and presenting.
History of the Alumnae Awards
2021 winners and finalists
Alumna of the Year: Amanda Johnston-Pell (1989 – 1991)
Community Alumna Award: Suzanne Bosanquet (1994)
Inspirational Alumna Award: Phoebe Young (2001)
Young Alumna Award: Phoebe Thomas (2009 – 2011)
Finalists:
Georgia Hayward (2017 – 2019)
Olivia Maragna (1995)
Anna McAfee (1998 – 2000)
2022 winners and finalists
Alumna of the Year: Dr Margaret (Margie) Bale (1991 – 1994)
Community Alumna Award: Alison Kubler (1991 – 1992)
Inspirational Alumna Award: Imogen Alton (2018)
Young Alumna Award: Risa Utama (2018 – 2020)
Finalists:
Carly Kind (2001 – 2003)
Liz Mackinlay (1990 – 1993)
Genevieve Windley (1994 – 1996)
2023 winners and finalists
Alumna of the Year: Professor Susan Moloney (1981 – 1983)
Community Alumna Award: Leigh McCready (1995 – 1997)
Inspirational Alumna Award: Jacqueline Schultz (1993 – 1995)
Young Alumna Award: Georgina Hopson (2009 – 2011)
Finalists:
Charmaine Chalmers (1996)
Laine Kapetanakos (2017)
Dr Rebecca Vonhoff (2001 – 2002)
Lexie Warren (1983 – 1986)
2024 winners and finalists
Alumna of the Year: Dr Leonora Risse (1997 – 2000)
Community Alumna Award: Dr Kay Strom (1981 – 1983)
Inspirational Alumna Award: Nikki Parkinson (1985)
Young Alumna Award: Anna McDougall (2011 – 2013)
Finalists:
Kate Avery (1995 – 1996)
Rebecca Nicholas (1997 – 1999)
Jan Willett (1973 – 1975)
2025 winners and finalists
Alumna of the Year: Dr Ruth Dill-Macky (1981 – 1983)
Community Alumna Award: Joanne Bergamin (1992 – 1994)
Inspirational Alumna Award: Georgie Dent (2000)
Young Alumna Award: Izzy Graham (2013 – 2014)
Finalists:
Monique Correy (2011)
Medina Handley (1999 – 2001)
