My commitment to gender equity is both professional and deeply personal. I lead a values-driven organisation embedded in a community that thrives on diversity creativity and enterprise. I also know first-hand what it is like to navigate leadership as a woman with ambition warmth confidence and very high expectations.

I refuse to believe that women must shrink harden or apologise to lead effectively. We can be strategic and empathetic decisive and inclusive commercially sharp and deeply human. In fact the best leaders are all of these things at once.

Gender equity is not a nice to have. It is a leadership imperative an economic driver and a clear measure of how seriously we take our responsibility as CEOs.

I support gender equity because when women are given real opportunity, real authority and real support, organisations perform better. Cultures improve. Decision-making sharpens. And most importantly communities benefit. This is not about favour or optics. It is about unlocking talent that has historically been overlooked, underpaid or underrepresented and doing so with intention accountability and conviction.

As CEOs we shape systems. We set the tone. We decide who gets heard in the room and who is invited into it in the first place. If gender equity is not reflected in our leadership teams, our boards, our pay structures and our pipelines, then it is not a value we truly hold. It is simply a statement on a website.

At the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce gender equity starts with leadership and governance. Representation matters and influence matters even more. We actively ensure women are not only present at decision-making tables, but are trusted empowered and heard.

This includes advocating for balanced shortlists, transparent appointment processes and clear expectations around contribution and accountability at both board and office level.

We also prioritise flexibility and trust. Gender equity cannot exist without acknowledging that people have lives outside of work. Flexible working arrangements, respect for caring responsibilities and an outcomes-focused culture are essential. These are not concessions. They are modern leadership practices that benefit everyone.

Pay equity is another non-negotiable. We are committed to transparency fairness, regular reviews and addressing discrepancies when they arise.

In recent years we have achieved strong female representation across leadership roles and key partnerships. I am particularly proud to be only the third CEO in the history of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce and to have recently stepped into the role of Chair of Destination Perth as its first ever female Chair. This demonstrates clearly that women can and should hold multiple senior leadership roles without question caveat or apology.

We have also deliberately amplified female voices through our events speaker programs and advocacy work. Visibility matters. When women see women leading speaking and shaping policy the pathway feels possible not theoretical.

Internally we have built a culture where ambition is encouraged and supported. Women are trusted with responsibility supported through growth and encouraged to step forward rather than wait to be invited. Confidence grows where opportunity is real.

Looking ahead my focus is on strengthening leadership pipelines for women, particularly in sectors where representation remains low. This includes mentoring, sponsorship and deliberate exposure to board and executive opportunities. I am passionate about pathways that move beyond conversation and into action.

I also believe strongly in male allyship. Gender equity is not a women’s issue. It is a leadership issue. Engaging men as advocates, champions and partners is essential. I am fortunate to be surrounded by outstanding male leaders in both my professional and personal life who actively champion equity and inclusion.

Finally, I am committed to using my voice. CEOs have platforms, influence and access. I intend to use mine to advocate, challenge complacency and celebrate female leadership in all its forms. Calm. Bold. Strategic. Warm. Unapologetic.

Gender equity is good business. It is good leadership. And it is good for the future we are collectively responsible for building.

I am in. Fully. Loudly. And for the long haul.