Radford Collegians celebrate International Women’s Day 2025

In honour of International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March 2025, the Radford College Collegians hosted their first ever networking breakfast and panel discussion this morning. The event was open to staff and students in Years 10 to 12 and was very well attended, despite the 7.00 am start.

The four panellists, Renee Dockrill, Sarah Dunbar, Chloe Jaggers and Melanie Macoun, are all Radford Collegians and happily shared tales of their experience in consulting, accounting, law and nutrition, health and well-being.

Collegians Captains, Audrey Potter and Jeffrey Pei led the panel discussion which included questions to panellists on how they managed gender biases in the workplace and the advice they would give their younger selves.

The women spoke passionately about challenges they faced in their careers and how they had overcome them. Sarah Dunbar (Class of 2003), who is a partner at Deloitte Canberra in their Finance Transformation Consulting team encouraged students to gain experience rather than attempt to climb the corporate ladder too fast. ” Your career is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Sarah is an advocate for women in leadership roles and enjoys coaching and mentoring team members. She spoke about how she suffered from imposter syndrome when she returned to work after being made partner while on maternity leave. She encouraged students to back themselves and to surround themselves with positive influences.

Melanie Macoun (Class of 1993) works as a physiotherapist and has founded her own coaching business to help women develop sustainable healthy habits. The agrees with Sarah’s comment on positive influences.

“Foster good relationships and friendships. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and lift them up too.”

Renee Dockrill (Class of 1994) is the co-founder of Artemis Partners, a female-owned and led consulting firm. Her decision to form this firm was as a result of challenges she faced in the workplace. She teamed up with three other women to form Artemis Partners. “If they are not valuing what we’re offering, let’s create an environment where what we do is valued”. Since making this decision Renee has served on the board of ACT Women’s Health Matters and contributes pro bono to Toora Women who supports women in crisis in the ACT.

Chloe Jaggers (Class of 2015) spoke about the road that led to her role as a Senior Policy Officer for Child Safety within the Attorney-General’s department. She advised students to trust their gut when making decisions about their future. “You know yourself better than anyone else.”

There were words of advice that were echoed by all panellists. They all advised students to travel to broaden their horizons, to stand up for themselves and to make the most of every of every opportunity. “Don’t keep on striving for the next thing without appreciating where you are now,” Melanie recommended.

Principal, Mr Christopher Bradbury spoke about the importance of events like these and the value of fostering relationships between former and current students.

We thank the Collegians Engagement Committee for their efforts in creating a memorable and successful event.

Photo credit: Alan Lee Photography

Suppliers:

Banners and artwork, Qote (Greg Hewitson, Collegian Class of 1992)

Flowers, Barton Flower Bar (Kylie Costanzo, Collegian Class of 2001)

Canberra Love Letters

Staging, Radford Drama Department 

Balloons, Balloon Brilliance