HMEF celebrates International Women’s Day
As the world celebrated International Women’s Day, we at Harding Miller Education Foundation took the opportunity to highlight the stories of some of our inspiring team members, from volunteer coach, Felicity Kean, to Lauren Shouldice who runs our comprehensive and engaging Enrichment Program and Bathsheba Sein, a member of our alumnae who now works in our office.
We were also thrilled to enjoy the hospitality of some of our supporters as they celebrated IWD, starting with EY where our alumnae heard about the impressive career of Kellie Blackall who has tackled multiple challenges as she has paved the way for women in tech and Harding Miller volunteer coach Iryna Filonsteva who was born in Ukraine and whose passion for teaching has led her to work in schools across multiple countries.
Unfortunately, ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred meant that Inception Marketing’s IWD lunch was postponed. Another of our high-achieving alumnae, Stephanie, and Louise were going to address the tech audience. Our thoughts are with those impacted by Alfred and we hope that the recovery is swift.
At Sydney Airport, we joined staff from all areas of the airport to hear from Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton and board member, Margaret Staib Air Vice Marshal AM whose ground-breaking achievements had all of us in awe of her strength, courage, compassion and achievements. Two of our remarkable alumnae, Khawlah and Zelda, joined Louise as they talked about the scholarship program and the impact it has had on their educational journeys so far.
Gwen and Emily, two of our alumnae, attended the International Women’s Day lunch hosted by Amazon at the stunning Royal Botanical Gardens in Sydney. The event featured an afternoon of insightful discussions and inspiring speeches. Janet Menzies, Country Manager at Amazon, led the fireside chat, while Patricia Routledge, Head of Communications at IKEA ANZ, was the keynote speaker. The event celebrated leadership and offered a fresh perspective to empower the next generation of women leaders.
Kim, Irene, Cara, Louise and two long-term volunteer coaches attended the All About Women ‘festival’ at the Sydney Opera House where they were treated to a feminist roast, interviews and panel discussions on topics as diverse and, at times, confronting as reproductive rights, menopause and dealing with grief.
At Harding Miller, we are always working towards empowering young women and International Women’s Day (Week!) was a wonderful opportunity for all of us to be inspired and challenged to #Accelerate (even more) Action.
Felicity Kean: Celebrating a decade of coaching young scholars
As a volunteer coach with the Harding Miller Foundation, I have the privilege of supporting young women on their journey through high school and towards university. My passion for this work stems from my own experiences—I did not complete high school, and while I thoroughly enjoyed my career as a travel consultant, I know firsthand how education can open doors to opportunities that may otherwise seem out of reach.
The Harding Miller Foundation provides scholarships to high-potential girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have the tools they need to excel. These scholarships, valued at $20,000 over four years, include essentials such as a laptop, internet access, tutoring and expenses for school uniforms and textbooks. Most importantly, they come with the guidance of a personal coach who walks alongside them throughout their high school journey. This mentoring relationship is invaluable, fostering confidence and resilience in our scholars.
The foundation started in 2016 with just 80 students and I was fortunate to be involved from the beginning. Today, the program has expanded tremendously, with a network of dedicated coaches supporting hundreds of young women across Australia. Over the years, I have gradually reduced my number of students to 12, allowing me to focus more deeply on each scholar.
As a coach, my role goes beyond academic support. It is about offering encouragement, a listening ear and helping these young women believe in their potential. Many scholars come to us shy and uncertain, but through the years, we see them grow into confident, ambitious individuals ready to take on university and beyond. I have witnessed students overcome incredible adversity. I remember a young woman who, after living in multiple refuges in the country, made the brave decision to relocate to the city to complete her education. She lived above a garage of a distant relative, worked to buy her own food and studied in the library until closing time. Her determination and resilience were humbling, and it reinforced the importance of our work.
The most rewarding moment of the year is just before Christmas when we call the successful applicants to share the news of their scholarship. The reactions range from joyful tears to excited squeals of disbelief. It is a moment that reminds me why I do this work—it is the best Christmas present a family can receive. And of course, the ultimate reward is seeing these scholars achieve their goals, secure university placements and step into a future they once only dreamed of.
Beyond my work with the foundation, I am a wife, mother and grandmother. My husband, John, and I are fortunate to have our whole family living in Sydney, and we cherish our time together. We share a love for travel, both within Australia and overseas, and I have also developed a passion for Bridge in recent years. We have had four beloved dogs over 45 years and now enjoy looking after our son’s cavoodle, Frankie and a beautiful golden retriever, Nelson.
Volunteering with the Harding Miller Foundation fits seamlessly into my life, allowing me to connect with scholars through calls, texts and emails at times convenient for both of us. Even when traveling I find ways to maintain contact. It is a wonderful way to give back to society, and I encourage anyone with patience, kindness and a desire to support young women to consider becoming a coach.
My message to our scholars is simple: embrace education, nurture curiosity and develop resilience. Reading and learning will not only empower you but also help break down ignorance and intolerance. With determination and the right support, the future is yours to shape.
Class of 2024 High Achieving Scholars
The Harding Miller Education Foundation is incredibly proud to celebrate the hard work, dedication and brilliance of all the Class of 2024 students who have achieved excellence this year.
Out of 63 Harding Miller scholars who sat their HSC this year, 21 scholars have been named Distinguished Achievers. Distinguished Achievers are awarded to students who achieved results in the highest band for one or more courses. Our warmest congratulations go out to these scholars who earned a place on the 2024 list:
| Scholar Name | School | Subject |
| Allie | Prairiewood High School | English Advanced English Extension 1 English Extension 2 Visual Arts |
| Amelia | Chifley College Senior Campus | Community and Family Studies |
| Annabelle | Hurlstone Agricultural High School | Agriculture |
| Audrey | Prairiewood High School | PDHPE Retail Services Examination |
| Britney | Prairiewood High School | Business Studies English Advanced English Extension 1 English Extension 2 Legal Studies Modern History History Extension |
| Eileen | Sydney Girls High School | Mathematics Extension 1 |
| Ema | Endeavour Sports High School | Mathematics Advanced |
| Esther | Dubbo College Senior Campus | Mathematics Standard 2 |
| Fatemeh | Kooringal High School | Ancient History Modern History History Extension |
| Hayley | Wauchope High School | Mathematics Advanced |
| Jessica | Prairiewood High School | Visual Arts |
| Kate | Hunter River High School | Mathematics Standard 2 |
| Katie | The Jannali High School | Society and Culture |
| Kitana | Cabramatta High School | Visual Arts |
| Kobi | Inverell High School | Ancient History English Extension 1 History Extension |
| Lily | Nambucca Heads High School | Community and Family Studies |
| Lydia | Burwood Girls High School | Italian Beginners |
| Mali | Dubbo College Senior Campus | Hospitality Examination |
| Maxine | Concord High School | Mathematics Standard 2 |
| Nhi | Penrith Selective High School | English Advanced Mathematics Extension 1 |
| Scarlett | Smiths Hill High School | Drama |
In addition, Britney has also been recognised as a All-round Achiever for achieving the highest possible band in 10 or more units in their current pattern of study.
We also want to recognise our Victorian scholars who have earned a place on the 2024 VCE Honour Roll. They are among the fourteen Harding Miller scholars in Victoria who completed their VCE in 2024. Students on the VCE Honour Roll are those who received a score of 40 or above and are in the top 9 per cent of a subject’s cohort.
| Scholar Name | School | Subject |
| Alessandrea | Victoria University Secondary College | English Philosophy |
| Chloe | Melbourne Girls’ College | English Language Environmental Science |
| Isabel | Ashwood High School | Art Making and Exhibiting English Psychology |
| Olivia | Mount Waverley Secondary College | Legal Studies |
Among 32 Harding Miller scholars who took their QCE in 2024, two scholars have made it to the Queensland Certificate of Academic Commendation 2024. Students on the commendation list are those who achieve an A in at least six general subjects. We congratulate Emmalise and Hamna for their remarkable results.
| Scholar Name | School | Subject |
| Emmalise | Goondiwindi State High School | Health Biology Chemistry Mathematical Methods Visual Art English |
| Hamna | Mansfield State High School | Mathematical Methods Economics Physics Legal Studies Literature Chemistry |
Let’s give a round of applause to these future leaders, innovators and changemakers who make us all so proud. Your achievements are a testament to the power of perseverance and excellence. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll continue to accomplish!
HMEF teams up with Combine Air for the second time
On 31 August 2024, the Harding Miller Education Foundation was part of an exciting fundraising event organised by Combine Air that brought together supporters and friends of the foundation. Held at the Cat & Fiddle Hotel in Balmain, this was the second time we have teamed up with Combine Air to raise vital funds for our scholarship program. Guests enjoyed a wonderful evening featuring a delicious selection of food and drinks, along with engaging entertainment that kept the energy high throughout the night. One of the most exciting parts of the night was the silent auction, which featured fantastic items including jewellery, Colgate gift packs, and even an infrared sauna.
Our Class of 2022 alumnae, Sabah Swade, attended the event to share her experience and how the scholarship supported her education journey. After graduating from Menai High School in 2022, Sabah is studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney. She is currently in her 2nd year, majoring in Psychology and Education. Sabah was the Western Sydney Women’s Award Finalist in 2022. She was also awarded the E12 Scholarship and the Future Innovators Award from the University of Sydney.
The event raised $5,350 which will go towards supporting high potential girls in the community. The funds will help these bright young women unlock their potential. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the amazing team at Combine Air for their hard work and dedication organising this memorable event.
International Day of Rural Women 2024 Spotlight – Khawlah, Class of 2023 Alumna
In recognition of the International Day of Rural Women, we would like to share the journey of Khawlah, a 2023 Harding Miller alumna who continues to inspire. Khawlah is currently pursuing a double degree at the University of Sydney; a Bachelor of Science majoring in Health and a Bachelor of Advanced Studies majoring in International Relations. She chose these two fields because they allow her to explore how health impacts communities on both a local and global scale, a topic she has always been passionate about.
Coming from a small rural town, Khawlah has seen firsthand the challenges communities face in accessing healthcare and education. This led her to deeply appreciate the value of education, quickly realising that with limited opportunities in small towns, education is one of the keys to expanding her horizons. This mindset, which shaped her journey to university, was reinforced by her parents’ emphasis on the importance of learning as a way to open doors, not only for personal success but also for giving back to the community. Khawlah revealed, “Being the daughter of two teachers, I grew up with a strong emphasis on learning, which has fuelled my passion for giving back to the community and using education as a tool for positive change. I knew that if I wanted to make a real difference, I’d need to gain knowledge and skills that could benefit not just myself, but the people around me.”
Khawlah expressed that one of the biggest challenges of living in a rural town was the distance from larger educational institutions, physically and figuratively. She did not have access to as many specialised programs or extracurricular activities that could have helped her prepare for university life. However, instead of seeing that as a limitation, she sought out opportunities online and through community organisations. She also made sure to apply for scholarships and work during her holidays to overcome the financial barriers. Khawlah shared, “I spent time cherry-picking or working at a makeup factory during the breaks, which not only helped me fund my studies but also kept me grounded in the community.” She added that her family’s support, along with the belief that education is a long-term investment in both her future and that of her community, was what really helped her overcome those challenges.
When asked about the role rural women play in advancing their communities, Khawlah stated that they are often involved in everything from healthcare to education and community-building efforts. She believes they play a critical role in creating a sense of unity and support within the smaller populations and with her education, Khawlah hopes to contribute to her community by applying what she has learned in both health and international relations. Her goal is to bring awareness to issues like healthcare accessibility and advocate for better services, especially for women and children in rural areas. She also hopes to use her knowledge to connect local issues to broader global trends, finding innovative ways to solve problems that might seem isolated but are part of larger systemic challenges. Khawlah said, “Women are often the unsung heroes of their communities. In the long run, I want to help create opportunities for young people, especially young women, to pursue their own paths to education and empowerment.”
Lastly, Khawlah shared a piece of advice for other young women in rural areas who aspire to attend university but are facing barriers. She said to ‘never underestimate your potential.’ Coming from a rural area can feel like a disadvantage, but in reality, it gives a unique strength. “The challenges you face, whether they are financial, geographical or educational, only make you more resilient. Seek out mentors, apply for scholarships and take advantage of online resources, you’d be surprised at how many doors can open if you just ask.” Khawlah also encouraged them to stay connected to their community because while they might leave for university, their roots are what make them strong and one day they can bring back what they have learned to make a difference. Finally, she added, “Don’t be afraid to dream big. It’s easy to think that big opportunities are reserved for people in cities or more affluent areas, but with hard work and determination, you can achieve just as much, if not more.”
Currently, 30% of Harding Miller scholars come from rural areas, and we are committed to supporting these young women in every way possible. We strive to provide rural young women with the tools and guidance they need to realise their full potential, helping them overcome the unique challenges of living in a rural area and empowering them to succeed academically and beyond.
International Day of the Girl Child 2024 Spotlight – Jasmine, Class of 2025 Scholar
In honour of International Day of the Girl Child, we would like to spotlight Jasmine, an outstanding Class of 2025 scholar from Queensland. Jasmine was recently selected as a participant in the University of Queensland Young ChangeMakers Program, an on-campus experience program aimed at helping Year 11 students become the leaders, thinkers and innovators of the future. Jasmine hopes the program will help her foster friendships with both the people who share like-minded goals with her and those who have differing opinions, as she believes this is one of the key steps towards building her future. She also wants to develop her leadership and innovative thinking skills whilst experiencing a taste of university life. Jasmine is ecstatic that leadership opportunities are becoming increasingly available for women and she highly encourages others to take on these positions.
When asked about the biggest challenge she faced in pursuing her goals, Jasmine shared how she is an introvert who often shies away from putting herself out there. She tends to question whether she overestimates her capabilities or if she is qualified for a program, and this has become her major challenge in trying to get involved in more opportunities. However, through the recent programs and events she has participated in, she has realised that many people are in the same boat. She asserted, “We all tend to think negatively, but I can assure you that as soon as you turn those thoughts off, you realise that you can overcome many things.”
Reflecting on the International Day of the Girl Child 2024 theme ‘Girls’ vision for the future’, Jasmine shared her aspirations and hopes for the future. She envisions a future where everyone has equal opportunities without the limitation of societal norms. Jasmine finds women are often the minority of STEM-related professions, which is her area of interest, because there tends to be a lack of encouragement for women participation shaped by centuries of negative opinions on the capabilities of women. However, Jasmine believes that society has the ability to continue progressing towards a more equal representation of both men and women. As someone who recognises the potential of taking every opportunity, she hopes to realise this vision by encouraging others to take a step out of their comfort zone because everyone’s voice has a significant impact. She advises everyone to take on every opportunity that comes their way and utilise it to develop their skills. “Stay true to your beliefs and act on them. Every little step you take brings you closer to contributing to positive changes and your aspirations.”
Connecting Alumnae: HMEF Hosts Alumnae Dinners Across Australia
This year, the Harding Miller Education Foundation began hosting alumnae dinners in a number of cities across Australia, bringing together its graduated scholars for an evening of reconnections and new friendships. The first dinner took place in August in Hobart, Tasmania, kicking off the series with a friendly and heartfelt evening. Later that month, Sydney hosted the largest gathering with 16 alumnae in attendance. The momentum continued with dinners in Melbourne and Perth in October, followed by the last dinner in Brisbane in November. Coaches and alumnae attended the Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane dinners creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere which was enjoyed by all.
These alumnae are pursuing a variety of academic disciplines at universities across Australia, making the dinners an enriching blend of diverse experiences. The atmosphere of each event was filled with lively conversations, where everyone exchanged stories about their academic journeys and life experiences.
These dinners represents the foundation’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong alumnae network that fosters meaningful relationships. As we move forward, we plan to hold more events that will offer opportunities for alumnae to learn and grow within a supportive community.
HMEF Scholars received the Minister’s Award for Excellence
On 5 August 2024, two Harding Miller scholars were recognised for their hard work and dedication through the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement. The Public Education Foundation continued its tradition of celebrating outstanding achievements in NSW public education by hosting the awards ceremony on behalf of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning the Hon Prue Car MP, and the Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, Mr Murat Dizdar PSM. The two Harding Miller scholars, Britney Nguyen from Prairiewood High School and Kobi Weiss from Inverell High School, were among the 36 students who received the Excellence in Student Achievement award at the ceremony held last week at Sydney Town Hall, coinciding with NSW Education Week. This award recognises outstanding Year 12 students who have excelled in their secondary years across academic excellence, sports, cultural, community and leadership.
We are incredibly proud to see our scholars continue to shine on such a significant platform. Their accomplishments inspire us all and reinforce our commitment to supporting students throughout their educational journey. As we celebrate these achievements, we look forward to witnessing even more of our scholars receive such honours in the years to come. Congratulations Britney and Kobi!
Find their full citations from the awards below.
Britney Nguyen – Prairiewood High School
Britney Nguyen is a highly intelligent, mature, and exceptionally gifted young person with an insatiable thirst for learning, academic engagement and community service. Her propensity to be annually ranked #1 of her cohort is a testament, not only to her ability to undertake complex and challenging academic studies, but also, to her exceptional organisational, communication and co-operative skillset, honed through long-term engagement in leadership (school and community). With a predicted top state HSC ranking, being Vice-Captain of Prefects 2024, and selflessly serving community, Britney demonstrates that she is most worthy of a Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement.
Kobi Weiss – Inverell High School
Kobi Weiss displays exceptional dedication to all her HSC subjects and is a role model for all students. She was selected by her peers to be a member of the school’s Student Representative Council (SRC) leadership team as School Captain and has been instrumental in organising school events which assist students, staff, and the community. Kobi actively involves herself in all student driven activities from peer support to sporting events and the SRC. She is a most polite and articulate young woman who is committed to high standards in all endeavours. Well done Kobi!
Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction
The Harding Miller Education Foundation was honoured to be the recipient of Sydney Airport’s annual Lost Property Auction this year. The online auction kicked off on Saturday, 4 May and continued until Sunday, 12 May. Cara Varian, our Executive Chairperson and Zelda and Sapphire Truong, HMEF alumnae, represented the Foundation at the launch. Zelda was a 2018-2021 Harding Miller scholarship recipient and is currently studying physiotherapy at the University of Sydney, while Sapphire is studying occupational therapy at the same university after completing the scholarship program in 2023. The three had a busy day being interviewed by multiple TV networks (including appearing on Channel 9’s Today show live broadcast) and print media outlets about the Foundation. Their interviews resulted in over 600 TV mentions, over 200 print and media stories and nearly 200 radio mentions, spreading the word about HMEF to a nationwide audience.
The Lost Property Auction is one of Sydney Airport’s most important charity events and it has raised $1.6m since 2013. This year, more than 2,500 unclaimed items, including technology, clothing, accessories, beauty products and other unique items, were up for bids starting at $10.
A total of $267,000 was raised for the Foundation and these proceeds will be used to support new scholarships for girls in 2025 who live in and around the Sydney Airport area. The Foundation is extremely grateful to the team at Sydney Airport for being such enthusiastic supporters of the Harding Miller Education Foundation and making this collaboration possible. We would particularly like to thank Liz Seattter, Amanda Palmer, Verity Pearce and Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers for such an enjoyable day and for championing the Harding Miller Education Foundation and achieving such an amazing result.
Scholarship applications for 2025 will open on 15 July and close on 18 September 2024. Students must apply when they are in Year 8 as the scholarship starts when they commence Year 9. If you are interested in learning more, please contact 1300 103 896 or watch this video that briefly explains the application process.
Your Guide to Writing a Winning CV and Cover Letter
Whether you’re eyeing that dream job, internship, or scholarship, mastering the art of CV and cover letter writing can open doors to a world of possibilities and empower you to reach your full potential.
So if you’re wondering how to write a CV and cover letter that hits the mark and helps you stand out, here are some top tips to get you started.
The difference between a CV and a cover letter
Your CV (or Curriculum Vitae) provides an overview of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, skills, and experiences. It’s essentially a snapshot of your education, experience, and achievements that’s designed to grab the attention of potential employers.
A cover letter is more of a personal introduction to who you are. It highlights why you’re the perfect fit for the role or opportunity and touches on how your skills and experience align with the specifics of the role.
Crafting Your CV
Now that you know the purpose of your CV, let’s take a look at how to create one that really shines.
Gather your information
A good place to start when creating a CV is to gather all of the relevant information you need. This includes your academic qualifications, awards, volunteer experiences, extracurricular activities, and any part-time jobs. Don’t forget to include any leadership roles, clubs, or projects you’ve been involved in.
Include your personal details
A good CV should always include your name, contact information, and address at the top. This one might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many applications get overlooked because they’re missing this crucial information. Make sure you have a professional-looking email address—[email protected] isn’t going to make a great first impression!
Write a short personal statement
Follow your contact details with a brief personal statement that highlights your goals, strengths, and aspirations. This is likely the first thing a potential employer will read on your CV so it should be short and to the point. To really stand out, try to create a unique personal statement for each application.
For example, if you are looking to get into the design industry and are applying for a design assistant role, your personal statement might look like:
I am a recent graduate (or current student) from (name of your high school) looking to apply my skills and passion for design in an entry-level assistant role. I have spent the last five years designing and creating dresses to sell at the monthly local arts fair. I am a quick learner who thrives on challenges.
Put your education front and centre
List your current school name, year level, and expected graduation year. You can also include your subjects, grades, and any relevant achievements or certifications. For example, if you’re looking to get into the medical field, you might include a certification for a CPR course you completed.
List your experience and extracurricular activities
If you’ve had any part-time jobs, list those here! Things like sporting activities, volunteer work, or even babysitting are great to include—as long as you can demonstrate how those activities have given you valuable experience and helped you grow your skills.
Showcase your skills
If you haven’t got much experience, things like teamwork, communication, creativity, and computer skills are all great! Remember to not just list your skills but also briefly explain how you demonstrate them. For example, you could say you have good teamwork skills from working on a school project with a group of your peers.
Note your references
You should always have a list of people on hand who are happy to provide a good reference for you. These could be teachers, sports coaches, or past employers. It’s good practice to write something like, ‘References available upon request’ on your CV. That way, you can give your referee a heads-up before they are contacted.
Remember these key points:
- Use an easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman
- Put your headings in bold and use bullet points
- Proofread your CV! Have someone else take another look over it for errors
- Keep your CV to one page. You can extend to two pages if you really need to, but the shorter the better.
Writing Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your opportunity to tell your story and express your enthusiasm for the role or opportunity.
Do your research
Before you begin writing your cover letter, dig a little deeper into the company or organisation. In particular, take a look at some of their values and goals so you can demonstrate your understanding of their ethos.
Start strong
Address your cover letter to the hiring manager or program coordinator by name (if possible). If you can’t find a name, writing ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ will usually work. Start with a strong opening paragraph, stating why you’re interested in the position and what makes you uniquely qualified. Make sure to mention the specific job title or program you’re applying for.
Highlight your skills
Briefly mention two or three key skills you listed in your CV and talk about how they make you a perfect fit. You should highlight examples of where you’ve demonstrated leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, or initiative, both in and out of the classroom.
Show your passion
Cover letters are where you can let a bit of your personality shine through. Aside from showcasing your skills, you can briefly explain what interests or excites you about the company, industry, or program.
Close your letter well
Your closing paragraph should repeat your enthusiasm for the opportunity and express your willingness to contribute. Remember to thank the reader for considering your application and sign off professionally—a ‘Kind regards’ or ‘Yours sincerely’ should work nicely here.
Remember these key points:
- Proofread your cover letter. Have someone else take another look over it for errors.
- Keep your cover letter to one page
- Include keywords from the job description where you can
- Customise your cover letter for each job application
Remember, your CV and cover letter are not just pieces of paper—they’re your opportunity to shine and make a lasting impression. Embrace the process, unleash your potential, and you’ll be on your way to a bright and promising future.
These valuable tips have been provided to us by WOW Recruitment, a great supporter of HMEF.
