Clare Fitzpatrick is a first year student at The University of Queensland. She studies a Bachelor of Arts and is majoring in English Literature and Drama. Clare was diagnosed with endometriosis when she was 14 and has developed a deep passion for advocating for women’s voices to be heard within the health sector. Clare is a writer, an avid feminist and, most importantly, she is one of you – she is a Wooza.

Dr Sally Mortlock is the Lead Computational Biologist within the Genomics of Reproduction Disorders group at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland. She was awarded her PhD in 2017 at the University of Sydney, having completed a project in Canine Cancer Genomics. She now leads analysis of the largest molecular datasets for endometrium for both Australian and international endometriosis cohorts. Her research aims to use genetics and genomics to find factors explaining variation in reproductive traits and increasing risk for reproductive diseases, in particular endometriosis. Her work has expanded knowledge of the genetic regulation in endometrium generating important data resources to identify gene targets regulating female reproductive traits and diseases.

An elite junior swimmer, Monique Murphy left the sport in her teens, only to rekindle her passion and life-purpose after surviving a fall from a fifth-floor balcony. Suffering lacerations to her neck and chest, as well as multiple broken bones, Monique awoke after a week-long coma to discover her right foot had been amputated. She has no recollection of the day her life turned upside down. But it was in her waking moment that she made a crucial decision to adapt to her new future; finding courage in the aspects of life she could control. She says: “When life throws us challenges, it’s an opportunity to adapt and get creative.”

Monique turned her hospital bed into a podium, winning a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games – an achievement gained just 900 days after her accident. In hindsight, this achievement was accomplished while Monique endured her first ‘endo flare’. Along with qualifying for five consecutive Australian Swim Teams, Monique saw 14 doctors before she was diagnosed with endometriosis and adenomyosis. These chronic illnesses are believed to have been accelerated from the trauma of her accident.

It is the long delay in diagnosis and the confronting lack of knowledge and support Monique experienced within the high-performance environment that makes Monique a fierce advocate for women’s health and education.

Jessica Taylor is an experienced Director, Chief Executive Officer and advisor who has worked in a range of organisations in commercial, public and not-for-profit sectors. Jessica has led peak bodies throughout her career. She is a consumer engagement specialist, expert in governance and an experienced spokesperson. Jessica consults and mentors several researchers, organisations and companies across Australia regarding their strategy, governance and engagement.

With an established track record in undertaking volunteer work in the not-for-profit sector, Jessica is passionate about giving back to the community. Jessica has a long-standing commitment to endometriosis, as a founding member of the groups responsible for advocating for endometriosis at state and federal levels resulting in the National Action Plan, QENDO App, PEPP Schools program and research initiatives. Jessica is an advisor for endometriosis at both state and federal levels.