Women in Leadership Forum
The Women in Leadership Forum is held each year at the College, bringing together our community and voices for change.
The 2026 Women in Leadership Forum celebrated powerful women, inspiring us all with resounding stories of courage.
The College community joined us in the Ailsa Mackinnon Community to hear from our guest speakers. We were joined by Catherine Devine, Dr Vanessa Pirotta, Angela Joseph, and Maddison Brown who shared their journeys.
Each speaker talked about their different career paths, how they stay motivated, and their joy in uplifting other girls and women. The evening was heartwarming, showing us all how powerful and inspiring women are.
Our Speakers
“When someone says you can do anything, you can! Follow your interests by remaining open to the endlessly changing possibilities.”
Catherine built a four-decade career in technology, working at the Reserve Bank of Australia and the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. She led global strategy at Microsoft in Seattle for the museums and libraries industry. Catherine holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology, Sydney and a Masters in Science from Syracuse University.
“I hope all of you follow your passion to do amazing things because you too, despite where you are, can do absolutely incredible things.”
Vanessa, a globally recognised science communicator, is driven by a passion for making science accessible, influential, and inclusive. She is the Chief Data Scientist at Rapiscan Systems, Chief Scientist at Wild Sydney Harbour and a Lecturer at Macquarie University. Vanessa works with First Nations Gamay Rangers to unite Indigenous Knowledge with cutting-edge science.
“I’ve learned that it’s actually okay to not know everything. Asking questions and learning is empowering. Showing initiative is powerful.”
Angela is a multi-disciplinary creative. After completing her studies at KVB Design Institute, she built a career in London where she worked in publishing and creative media. She transitioned into digital design in 2017, working at fashion powerhouse The Iconic. Angela now works on large-scale branding projects at Australian Ethical Investment as their in-house Visual Design Lead.
“Failure is inevitable. Every person you admire has failed publicly, privately, professionally, and emotionally.”
Maddison - an accomplished actress, brand ambassador, and entrepreneur - has modelled for brands like Miu Miu and Pandora. She made her feature film debut alongside Nicole Kidman in the film Strangerland. Following a decade working internationally, Maddison returned to Australia joining the cast of Home and Away. In 2023, she co-founded Outside Beauty & Skincare.
Highlights from 2026
We acknowledge the Burramattagal People of the Darug Nation, the traditional custodians of the land in Parramatta. We acknowledge the Elders, past and present and their ancestors who have had a deep relationship with country.