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.”
HMEF held its first ever alumnae dinner in Sydney
On 29 August 2024, the Harding Miller Education Foundation hosted its first-ever Sydney alumnae dinner, bringing together Sydney-based alumnae for an evening of reconnections and new friendships. Held at the vibrant Italian restaurant Criniti’s in Parramatta, the dinner was attended by 16 alumnae, ranging from those who graduated as early as 2018 to more recent graduates from 2023. These alumnae are pursuing a variety of academic disciplines at five universities across Sydney, making the event an enriching blend of diverse experiences. The atmosphere was filled with lively conversations, where everyone exchanged stories about their academic journeys and life experiences. The delicious Italian meal added to the warmth of the evening, making it a memorable night for all.
This dinner 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.
Celebrating Our 2024 Scholarship Recipients
This year the Harding Miller Education Foundation held awards ceremonies in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. We welcomed 229 new scholars to the scholarship program in 2024, marking our largest intake of scholars yet. This brings the total number of current scholars to 704 nationally. Our awards events were held between March and May with our Perth event to be held in July.
We began our awards season welcoming scholars from across Victoria at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 26 March. Then came the Brisbane awards ceremony where we welcomed scholars from Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory at the State Library of Queensland on 22 April. We held our Sydney awards event, welcoming scholars from across New South Wales, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory at the Sofitel Darling Harbour on 6 May.
Each of the events included an expo, where scholars learnt about each other and met HMEF alumnae, public speaking workshops, afternoon tea with coaches and a reception with families, school representatives, donors and supporters. Our scholars took part in fabulous public speaking workshops provided by Playwave in Sydney and Brisbane and NIDA in Melbourne. The day culminated in the evening awards ceremony where scholars were presented with their certificates.
We were so excited to have amazing keynote speakers in Summer Howarth, Nicola Hazell and Mariam Mohammed. We were also treated to wonderful performances by The Arts Unit and The Australian Girls Choir. This year we were delighted to have a HMEF alumna speak at each event. Makayla Witte, Hannah Daley and Gwen Rumbel gave inspiring alumna addresses in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney respectively. Many of our alumnae also volunteered at the awards events, helping throughout the day and evening.
HMEF Awards Nights are not simply events to celebrate the achievements of wonderful scholars from across Australia, but they are also an opportunity for scholars to gain insights and build networks with peers and people from different backgrounds.
We would love to see more girls being a part of this event and the scholarship program next year. HMEF scholarships are the most generous scholarships available to public school students in Australia and provide the tools and resources for scholars to reach their academic potential. Each scholarship is valued at $20,000 over four years from Year 9 to Year 12 and include a laptop, broadband, IT support, personal tutoring, prepaid card for school essentials, online homework help, a personal coach/mentor and extensive enrichment opportunities that build pathways to tertiary education and fulfilling careers.
Scholarship applications for 2025 will open on 15th July and close on 18th 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.
Present with Power: 8 Essential Public Speaking Skills
Public speaking: two words that can evoke a sense of dread in even the most seasoned of professionals. But whether you’re pitching an idea to your team at a future workplace, presenting at school or university, or delivering a keynote speech at an assembly or event, your ability to speak well in public can significantly impact your personal growth and help you in your future career.
Let’s take a look at some essential public speaking tips that can transform your presentations from nerve-wracking to powerful and engaging.
1. Know Your Audience
IImagine explaining astrophysics to a group of kindergarten children versus presenting the same topic to a room full of astronomers—it would be quite different! Take the time to research your audience, and if possible, interact with them beforehand to gauge their interests and questions.
Pro tip: Be prepared to adjust your presentation based on the audience’s reactions. If a particular point sparks interest or confusion, be ready to dive deeper or clarify.
2. Master Your Material
Familiarity breeds confidence, and the more confident you are in your material, the more comfortable you’ll be delivering it. Know your material inside and out—not just what’s on your slides, but the underlying ideas and data that support your points. This deep knowledge allows you to speak more freely and adapt your presentation to the audience’s reactions without losing your train of thought.
Pro tip: Think of yourself as the ultimate authority on the subject—like a walking, talking guidebook!
3. Start Strong
The first few minutes of your presentation are crucial to capturing your audience’s attention. Hook your audience from the very beginning with a captivating anecdote, a surprising statistic, or even a question that prompts reflection.
Pro tip: Introducing something personal or humorous at the start of your presentation will help you break the ice and feel more comfortable with your audience.
4. Simplify Your Slides
Your slides and notes are there to support your message, not to be the message, so avoid overcrowding them with too much text or data. This is one of the best presentation tips because it’s easy to simply read from your notes instead of engaging with your audience. You should only use your slides to highlight key points, display impactful images, or illustrate concepts with simple graphs.
Pro tip: If you’re pretty tech-savvy, feel free to use tools and apps like live polls or Q&A sessions to engage your audience.
5. Practise, Then Practise Some More
Although it might seem obvious, this is one of the most essential public speaking tips for a reason. Rehearsing your presentation multiple times helps you refine your delivery and timing. It’s a good idea to practise your speech out loud, in front of a mirror, or record yourself to evaluate your pacing, tone, and body language. Don’t just memorise your script—get comfortable with the material so you can deliver it naturally.
Pro tip: Nerves can make you speak faster, so try to consciously slow down your breathing and enunciate clearly to ensure your audience can follow along.
6. Embrace Pauses
Pauses are powerful. They give you a moment to collect your thoughts and give your audience time to absorb the information. Don’t be afraid of short silences as they can actually help you to emphasise key points and add a sense of gravitas to your delivery.
Pro tip: Try to end sections with a thought-provoking question or impactful statement so that a pause won’t seem out of place as you focus on the next point you want to make.
7. Become a Storyteller
Stories resonate with people on a personal level. Weaving a story into your presentation helps capture your audience’s attention and keep them engaged. Think of your presentation as a journey, with your audience as the hero. What challenges will they face? How will your information help them overcome those challenges and emerge victorious?
Pro tip: It’ll make it a lot easier for you to present comfortably if the story is one of your own—pretend you’re telling it to a friend for maximum relatability.
8. Use Body Language Wisely
Being aware of your body language is one of the top tips for public speaking because your body language speaks volumes. Stand confidently, make eye contact, and use gestures that reinforce your message. Be mindful of nervous habits that can distract your audience, like fidgeting or swaying. Positive, open body language can enhance your connection with the audience and make your message more impactful.
Pro tip: Before your presentation, take a few minutes to stand tall with a strong posture and take some deep breaths. This simple act can significantly boost your confidence levels.
Public speaking may never leave you entirely free of nerves, but with these skills in your arsenal, you can present with confidence and power. Remember, every presentation is an opportunity to improve, learn, and connect with your audience on a meaningful level—and conquer your fear of public speaking!
This article is based on helpful public speaking resources that one of our key sponsors, WOW Recruitment, provides to their candidates regularly.
International Women’s Day 2024 Spotlight – Katira Ahmed, HMEF Coach
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we shine a spotlight on one of HMEF coaches, Katira Ahmed. Katira currently works for a charity organisation that offers disability services to the Brisbane community and co-authored a paper on the overt and covert racism in children’s picture books in Australia, which also explores how diverse family structures are represented in children’s picture books. Katira is passionate about education, particularly in the area of girls’ education, refugee education, race in education, history of education, international and comparative education. She finished her master’s degree in 2023 and now plans to pursue a PhD to conduct research in one of her interest areas. Her conviction is that education needs to be reformed to allow intersectionality of leaners such as people from diverse backgrounds.
Katira’s career in education, and her advocating journey to create opportunities for access to education for all, started after a teaching opportunity in China in 2018, when she took a career change from her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Her passion for education and reform also originated from her own experiences as a refugee child and not having access to formal education before diving head-on into schooling in a foreign country. As Katira emphasized how her experiences shaped the meaning of education for her, she said, “My story isn’t unique. Many experience issues of isolation, racism, discrimination, and bias when navigating the education systems of western countries like Australia. These experiences led me to becoming a lifelong learner and believer that education truly is the key to success and will impact individuals and their communities for generations.”
Katira, who has over five years of experience in teaching and education, is especially passionate about girls’ education because, historically, more girls lack access to school and education than boys. She raised an example of how in some countries, girls are threatened with violence and death if they attend school and yet, there are girls and women who risk their lives to be educated. Katira brought up other instances based on her own experiences, where she has seen children in China being discriminated from inner city schools due to their residential status and due to political systems. She has also witnessed girls being deterred from entering university due to their gender and the cultural expectations that women don’t require nor need higher education. Katira asserted that these systems of gender discrimination and bias exist across the globe and in various educational settings, and they must be dismantled to uphold the rights of all to accessing quality education.
Katira went on to describe that her final research project for her master’s degree at the University of Melbourne highlighted how girls and women often face issues such as sexism, harassment and inappropriate behaviours. Based on this research on how gender negatively impacted female academics career progression to senior academic positions in Australian universities, Katira revealed, “Female academics experienced issues such as pressure to return quickly after maternity leave, lack of funding for their research, comments on their bodies, derogatory statements and not being told of important meetings. These issues were only being experienced by women in these positions while their male counterparts were encouraged and given benefits that were denied for women in these spaces.”
In the spirit of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, which is Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress, Katira believes increased investment is one way of addressing these issues that face girls, women and minority groups. Investment of finances, time and effort will positively impact how and when girls receive education. For Katira, investment ranges as widely from donating used school supplies and offering meals in schools to changing societal and cultural views of girls and ultimately turning the tide in favour of girls and women internationally.
When we asked Katira to share some examples of initiatives that promote equal access to educational resources and opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds, she named the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) which actively promotes girls and refugee education from grassroots community participation, the Malala Fund which advocates for the secondary education for girls globally, the Women’s Refugee Commission which advocates for girls, women, children and others experiencing displacement and crisis as refugees and the Right to Education Initiative which aims to build systems that empower the right to education for all. Katira also specifically mentioned that there are many smaller community organisations which support the education of girls and refugee children across the world, such as RefuSHE, an organisation that has supported 3,000 refugee girls, women and children in East Africa since 2008. Katira pointed out that this organisation was started by refugee girls, which makes it very special.
HMEF is proud to have Katira as one of our coaches. Her dedication to education is a valuable support for us. Just like Katira, HMEF believes in the power of education and is committed to ensuring young girls across Australia have equal opportunity to access education. We hope Katira’s story inspires you as much as it did us!
Cara Varian selected as finalist of NSW Premier’s Women of the Year
In the spirit of International Women’s Day, the Harding Miller Education Foundation would like to proudly celebrate the achievement of Cara Varian, our founding Managing Director and leader for 9 years, who has been selected as one of 5 finalists in the NSW Women of the Year Awards. Cara is now serving as the Executive Chairperson of the Harding Miller Education Foundation and has started her new position as CEO of NSW Council of Social Service.
Cara has led the Harding Miller Education Foundation with passion, integrity, innovation, and fierce intelligence. Her exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to empowering women have left an enduring impact on numerous lives. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, honouring the achievements and contributions of Australian women, Cara’s leadership stands out as she inspires those around her to achieve greatness and tirelessly challenges inequity.
As a finalist for the NSW Premier’s Women of Excellence award, Cara’s recognition is a testament to her tireless efforts to effect change. We are proud to highlight Cara’s significant role in shaping a narrative of empowerment and progress for young women across Australia.
The NSW Women of the Year Awards recipients will be revealed at a ceremony on Thursday 7 March, and we are sending our sincere best wishes to Cara.
