We are excited to announce the 19 emerging leaders who have participated in the 2022 Joan Kirner Emerging Leaders Program. Over 6 weeks, the group delved into interactive learning development workshops, collaborative group work, structured networking and mentoring activities to empower them to examine the structural, cultural and organisational barriers in their workplaces and realise their leadership potential.
At the graduation, the group were asked to individually present their leadership promise; a commitment to how they will forge their leadership journey. Some promised to be a role models for other women. Others promised to lead ambitious projects. However, all of them acknowledged the realisation that they were in fact leaders and an excitement for what might come next.
The Joan Kirner Emerging Leaders Program honours the legacy of the late Joan Kirner AC. As Victoria’s first woman premier, she blazed a trail for women in public life and public office. The program is run in partnership with the Victorian Government and is supporting future generations of young Victorian women following in the footsteps of the late Joan Kirner.
| Participant | Local Government Area |
|---|---|
| Abbey Dalton | Melbourne City Council |
| Apsara Senanayake | Wyndham City Council |
| Ash Youkyoung Lee | Yarra City Council |
| Caroline Kell | Yarra City Council |
| Cassandra Metuisela | Hobsons Bay City Council |
| Chloe Wegener | Greater Geelong City Council |
| Diana McGowan | Moreland City Council |
| Elisha Whyley | Banyule City Council |
| Emily Harris | Bass Coast Shire Council |
| Emma Gray | Melton City Council |
| Evelyn Kai Afotey | Wyndham City Council |
| Jessica Au | Melton City Council |
| Kathleen Brack | Bass Coast Shire Council |
| Lucinda O’Brien | Moreland City Council |
| Megan O’Donnell | Mount Alexander Shire Council |
| Nikhi Wagstaff | Yarra City Council |
| Sabrina Krzywdzinski | Greater Geelong City Council |
| Shamitha Kathurusinghe | Stonnington City Council |
| Sinead Redmond | Greater Geelong City Council |
| Thea Jones | Nillumbik Shire Council |
As well as their personal knowledge, the 2022 group is made up of diverse women from across Victoria, with different backgrounds and experiences. We’re excited to see the program participants spread their knowledge and experiences far and wide into their communities.
